Today we had a lot of people like myself, who, when they spoke, reminded themselves and others that they were in the meeting because they knew they could not stay sober by themselves. Like all of us they needed help.
This was like for others a valuable thought. I had been told this by my old sponsor one night, when we were traveling. He said that he had learned this and wanted to pass it along to me. That I was going to have to go to meetings and learn to listen.
He also told me that night that whatever it was I thought I knew it was to be left outside the meetings. He had already pointed out to me that I really didn’t know how to stay sober. I only thought I did and I was wrong. He also told me that my personal problems were to be left outside of the room also. He said that I could share and discuss them with another member after the meetings.
But the point was that no matter how long I stayed sober I was going to be imperfect and I was always going to need help. Pretty much what the BB told me. And it’s what my experiences in this program have shown me. I was talking to a friend today after the meeting how imperfectly we all work these Steps and will find ourselves practicing them always. The only one we can work perfectly was the First. Surrender took care of that. Powerless over alcohol.
Anyway I was thinking about this tonight again. It’s the kind of reminder I need. Being told once again about the need I have to not try to do alone what I definitely need help for is reinforcement for me. Like others in here I have witnessed what has happened when alcoholics like myself think they can stay sober by themselves.
I know that I need my Higher Power to help me to stay sober. I have seen that from the very beginning. But I also believe that my Higher Power works through those around me. Especially when I witness that in Twelfth Step work. When we attempt to practice these spiritual principles in our lives and try to help others like ourselves.
Anyway just taking the time to express my gratitude for all that I have been given.