I was thinking about the word “renewal” today. I was reminded of that when we were actually talking about that at the meeting today, when we talked about the Fifth Tradition.
It was a reminder to me of what this program means to me. Being able to go to a meeting and hearing the AA message being carried to the alcoholic who suffers and wants to get sober. It was refreshing to hear the thoughts of those in this program in the room today.
I spoke to others after the meeting and they told me they too felt refreshed. We were talking about what we all had learned in here, which helped us to not only stop drinking, but turned our lives around so that we could stay sober. I know it worked for me and so many others just like me. I never want to forget that.
Of course one of these Steps which changed my whole life is the one which opened the door to this program for me. That is the Second Step which introduced me to the spiritual way of life in here. What it is that not only gave me hope and faith, but the courage and strength I lacked. The underpinning, the foundation, of my sobriety. I definitely know and believe that I am being helped each and everyday that I commit myself to this program to stay sober a day at a time. What these Steps taught me and changed my life for the better.
Along with this subject the other was Pride. One of the most horrendous faults for someone like me. I was overwhelmed by this defect and didn’t have a clue when I came in. I failed to see that my pride, that huge ego of mine, was trying to run the show, not just for me, but those around me. Fortunately for me and others those old timers knew exactly what was wrong with someone like myself. They punctured that enormous balloon, my ego, and let the gas out and deflated it. Every opportunity they got they would do this. I know I need to thank them for all of that. It was exactly what I needed.
The result of all of this was that they got me to stop and begin to pay attention and come to meetings and listen with an open mind and open heart. Didn’t happen overnight, but over time I began to do what I needed to do to change and stay here. To stay away from a drink no matter what. And I did. Kind of like that statement, beyond our wildest dreams. Amazing.
Anyway it was a wonderful and refreshing reminder for this chronic alcoholic. Kind of like a new freedom and a new happiness in those Ninth Step Promises. Just what I needed today.
I am grateful that we can stop once in a while and go back and do what we’re supposed to be doing in here. Carrying the AA message to, not only the new comer, but people like myself, who need and want to hear what this program can do for an alcoholic like myself.
Glad I was there today.