One thing became clear today, as people talked about the First Step and staying sober. That for people like us there is a way out of dying from alcoholism and it’s insanity. And, of course, that way is spiritual.
That may seem obvious to most of us, but it is certainly perfect for someone like me to be reminded of what it is that has changed my whole life. In fact saved it, and restored me to sanity and made my sober life so close to happiness, peace, and serenity.
After the meeting a friend of mine came up and wanted to talk about this. In fact several did. But this first one wanted to discuss the importance of the Second Step in her life. She said she was thrilled to recall how that Step made all the difference. It introduced her to the rest of the program and changed everything she had ever known before. She is a good example of what this program is all about.
After her another gentleman came over and talked about the spiritual life. I was glad to hear him talk and share, because he has had so many struggles over time in trying to achieve what we all have been given. It made me happy to hear him and to see how serious he was in following what we all have done to achieve this way of life.
A good number, who shared today, concentrated on how the surrender to that First Step, not just being powerless over alcohol, but the fact that our lives were unmanageable. Most said that in the beginning they couldn’t buy into their lives being unmanageable. But as time went on and their lives were going downhill they came to believe. In fact most of them said that the unmanageable is still there. I know I can, like them, slip into this from time to time. Mainly, like they said, when their egos drive them to try to manage their lives it is apparent.
But all of them talked about the process of staying sober. Often we have to recognize that this disease is incurable and will be with us as long as we live. I may not be thinking about a drink of alcohol, but the fact is that I’m still and alcoholic. The drink is always there no matter what. That’s why I have to come to meetings and practice this program to reinforce my commitment to stay sober each and every day.
All of this was a great reminder for me today. I need to hear these subjects to wake me up and keep me on track. I have to be shown over and over again why I came here. To get sober and to change my life for the better. Just being in a room full of alcoholics like myself sharing their thoughts on why they like me are here and what they are doing about staying sober is wonderful.
Makes me grateful. And like that first person above I always try to remember the power of that Second Step in my life. The introduction to the spiritual way of life and my Higher Power, who has changed my life and, like I said, saved it from the disaster alcohol had held in store for me.