Memories can be pure gold. It all depends on these 12 Steps. Remember that we will not regret the past nor wish to close the door on it.
A member brought up a problem. He said he could not forget a period of his past. We talked about the Fourth and Fifth Steps. Talking to ones sponsor or others like ourselves. And, if necessary, seeking outside help.
And finally we talked about forgiving ourselves. And a reminder that this is not an overnight event. Time does take time.
One of the things I thought about later is what has happened for many of us. Helping another alcoholic to achieve sobriety. A lot of my past I have found out was exactly what has helped others. Opening the door and bringing out past experiences and sharing them with a fellow sufferer.
And even taking someones Fifth Step, I have shared experiences related to what they shared. It helps them in overcoming their guilt and forgiving themselves, as well as helping me. I know a lot of people, who have done the same thing and gotten grateful for being able to do so.
Then there’s the rest of our lives. I know from my own experience that memories have suddenly popped up, which began to drag me down. Thanks to this program, I knew what to do about them. Besides prayer I have taken them to someone in this program and Fifth Stepped them. Like my sponsor told me, a problem shared is a problem cut in half. I’ve often ended those conversations with the thought, “What a relief!”.
Finally I often go back to the thoughts of a very spiritual man and what he told his Higher Power, when he talked about both the good and the bad in his past. For all that has happened, Thanks. And then, concerning God’s will, he said: For all that will happen, Yes. Fits my program and I’m grateful for his thoughts.
Anyway all of this brought the whole program into focus. A reminder of my primary purpose. To stay sober and help another alcoholic.