One of the great tools this program handed me was the ability to share with others and to participate in being shared with by others. Nice thought to spend some time on in meditation. But the reason it came up today was that others I know around the country spent some time today and yesterday sharing their experiences during this huge storm, which rocked the Eastern seaboard.
Much of it was gratitude for their being able to go through the strain and to be able to continue with their sobriety in spite of it. I know of a couple, who were not in the path and they were expressing their concern for those they knew in its path.
I know we were supposed to be up north on the edge and never really had anything happen, which made me grateful to be so fortunate. So, like I said, I could take time out to talk to others in the path and they all shared how they too were fortunate. That kind of gratitude that was never there before I came into this program.
One of the thoughts which comes to mind thinking about this is the ability to practice compassion, caring for others, again which was never there before this program. Amazing how, if I will practice this program, I will change for the better. One of those changes is the ability to form relationships which was never available in the past. How many friends have been born in this program. I can look back and see a great number of these. Some are very close and the basis for love of others. Again a revolution in being able to relate to one another.
So that takes me back to the thought of being able to share with one another. Absolutely amazing. Part of beyond my wildest dreams. I could never have predicted this being a possibility. It only happened as the result of getting down on my knees and surrendering to this deadly disease of alcoholism. And then taking that next step, with the help of those who knew this program, into the realm of the spiritual way of life. And all that followed as a result of applying these Steps into my life.
Anyway I couldn’t help but think about this today. The love and the gratitude I witnessed in others. And of course being able to be part of this. One of the benefits of being sober. The love and care of one alcoholic for another. Who would have thought that this would be a thought of mine way back when I was drowning in alcohol? The miracle of being sober and being able to live this way of life.
Yes I am grateful and can express that and my care for others. And there it is. The Second and Third Steps and all the rest. My Higher Power. The restoration to sanity. The spiritual awakening.
Thinking about sobriety again.