One of the things I was thinking about today was what happened at the meeting today. It was the group’s anniversary and they had a speaker for most of the meeting. That got me to thinking.
What I was thinking about was what was going on from our speaker. He was telling his story and that became a reminder for me, as it did others, who, when called upon after, replied the same way. It made me think about why I am here.
His story was his. But in general and sometimes specifically it was about why he was where he was. He was here to stay sober. That kind of sums it up. Other than that, it was a Twelfth Step. Reaching out to the alcoholic, who was still suffering. I liked it. But I don’t want to forget what it made me think about. Staying sober a day at a time.
He reminded me about much of my drinking and the way I was when I came through these doors into the program. He also, like myself and others who responded, had no idea about what was wrong with him. He knew no more about being an alcoholic than I did. Like myself he was troubled with the way he was reacting to alcohol. That was me. I also had to laugh when he said that how crazy and immature he was when he came in. He even said how he had closed off himself within. He had built walls around his inner self so that no one could get close to him. That was definitely me in the beginning.
But he talked about how he broke down and began to learn how to put these Steps into action. I liked the fact that he emphasized the need to practice these Steps, if we wanted to stay sober. That’s what I know has kept me going all this time. Especially learning how imperfectly I probably did these Steps, because I found out that I still stumble over my faults and defects. That’s pretty much what the BB tells us about in How It Works. That we’re still human and not saints.
Anyway after I got home I had to think about all of this. What he said and what others did in response to him. The bottom line is that we all were there for the same reason. To remain sober a day at a time. And our dependency on our Higher Power to provide the courage and strength to each of us so that we are able to remain sober and to help others like ourselves. Never want to forget that.
Anyway it made me grateful to hear all of this. Others like myself doing the same thing a day at a time is certainly great encouragement for me. And I owe it all to my Higher Power and all those who have helped me to stay sober a day at a time. I need to say thanks always.