Once again I was driven back to that day early on, when my mouth got me in trouble. That’s when that old timer yelled out “SHUT UP!”. I remember he then told me that I knew how to drink and get drunk, but that I didn’t know how to stay sober. That I needed to take the cotton out of my ears and put it in my mouth. I needed to learn to listen and open my mind and my heart.
I was reminded of that today, when a young man who said he was free of alcohol a day or so went on and on about what he was doing. Anyway, when I got called on, I didn’t yell at him, but I “politely” told him that he needed to be quiet, because he knew how to get drunk and not how to stay sober. Hmm.
What I always remember is that first chapter in the 12&12 about the First Step. In it talks about “bottoms”. That pain which we’re hit with, causing us to desire to finally stop drinking alcohol and get sober. Of course it then talks about why we need this pain, which causes us to agree to do whatever it takes (these Twelve Steps) to achieve sobriety. That and following directions and beginning to live a spiritual life. To begin to listen as only the dying can listen.
I didn’t mention that, but I did suggest he start reading the BB and to get a sponsor and learn to follow directions like the rest of us did. I was reminded of what my sponsor and so many others told me I needed. I had to know that I cannot stay sober by myself. I needed the help of others in here. And it was my sponsor and all the others who reached out to me and helped me to begin to change my life, my thinking, and my feelings, as well as the way of life I had been living.
Of course I definitely needed to begin to live a spiritual way of life. I know today that it was this which definitely changed me. My Higher Power is the one who definitely helps me to stay sober a day at a time. That and going to meetings regularly. I never want to forget how all of this helped me to change and to never want to ever drink again.
I spoke to the young man after the meeting and tried to help him to reach out to others, who could help him. In fact I introduced him to a good man, who has about a year or more, because he would be closer to his needs. I don’t know if he will or won’t, but I knew I needed to do this, as it was done to me a long time ago. All I know is what worked for me and so many others in here.
Anyway, when I got home I had to stop and think about why I’m here. I’m here to stay sober a day at a time. Very grateful for all I have been given.