Every once in a while we get to have a meeting, which is effective on both the new comer and the old timer. It’s when we get a chance to briefly and pointedly review what the past was like and what it’s like in our lives today. Called then and now.
Without going into great detail I know I could describe my “then” as pitch black within. Total despair. The inability to stop drinking. And that moment when I had that spiritual awakening and I stopped drinking and came into the program. Today, “now”, I don’t think about a drink. I attend meetings, I’ve changed. Have a new happiness and a new freedom. Peace and serenity. I have arrived at a place beyond my wildest dreams. And a spiritual way of life of course, through the grace of my Higher Power. And so much gratitude.
As others spoke all I could think of was “good news” for everyone. It would be hard to miss what that was. Old or new. A reflection for all of us on the freedom from the bondage of alcohol. The restoration to sanity by our Higher Power. From the negative of an alcoholic’s life to the positive of sobriety. Sober living.
One of the bright lights was the talk about how much help everyone in here was given by those sober alcoholics around us. Sponsors, who were able to give us directions and guided us through the program. How much gratitude was expressed. The concept that alone we might not be able to stay sober. How we needed the support we find in these rooms. The Twelfth Step.
I know as the meeting went on I closed my eyes and expressed my thanks to my Higher Power for all that I have received since coming through these doors. Talk about beyond my wildest dreams, if those people, who knew me back when I was drinking, could see me today I know they would be stunned. Who would have thought back then I would be where I am today. Sober and so changed that the comparison is unbelievable.
Anyway it is helpful to me to take time to just sit and think about all of this. The good news we all need to hear.