Today I had to ask myself what I was doing at the meeting. Two individuals raised topics, which had nothing to do with alcohol or getting sober. Seems they were looking for some kind of therapeutic responses from the members sitting there.
I listened to those who responded and, like me, they were talking about getting sober and putting this program into action. That’s exactly where my mind went. I came here to get sober from alcohol, the First Step. Then in order to stay sober, I had to begin to work the Second Step, which introduced me to the spiritual solution the rest of the Steps led me to.
All of this took time. Not always easy, as others pointed out, but do-able, if I was willing to work this program. Willing to go to any lengths, as some pointed out.
When it came my turn, I reinforced what was being said. I also told them that, if we are not willing and don’t want to stop drinking there was a bar next door, where they can pick up where they left off. As many said there is no way we can do for them what only they can do, or not.
Our being powerless to help others, who don’t want any help, was mentioned. That and the need for a sponsor and others in the group, who are willing to help them, if they want the help.
All this reminded me of the BB. Especially the chapter There Is A Solution. Especially the passage near the end, where the young man is talking to Dr. Carl Jung. That comes back to mind often for me. Because I could be that young man. I too had the mind of a chronic alcoholic. And like Jung said to him, that he had never seen anyone with that kind of mind ever get sober.
But then Jung offered him a solution. The same solution that was offered to me and all of us. A spiritual solution. And that’s exactly where these Twelve Steps lead us all. The spiritual awakening, which restored us to sanity.
I know it’s a mystery to me why others with this disease do not want this solution. It’s here for anyone who wants it. Freely given. And it’s stated so clearly in the Traditions, especially the Fifth. If we’re suffering from this disease it tells us there is a solution. The AA message. That’s what I was given and I never want to forget it. And like so many in this program I want to pass that message along to others suffering.
I was thinking about this and how fortunate I am that I was given these Twelve Steps. I also have to look at my life today, sober, and with so many to help me, I have to stop and remember what happened with the help of my sponsor. I found a Higher Power, who empowers me and so many others to live this sober life. Beyond my wildest dreams.