One thing for sure is that Christmas is coming and there’s going to be a lot of time off for everyone. It’s a holiday…or is it?
A long time ago I was told by my sponsor that for the alcoholic there is no holiday as such. Everyday I was told was the same for someone like me. It’s a day I do not drink. It’s a day I must stay sober. Each and everyday is the day for me to attend meetings, share, stop and listen and learn.
That doesn’t mean that I throw these things out. Christmas or any other day of honor. I can still spend time to recognize what it is, but, as has become usual, I’m still here for the same reason. It’s a day of staying sober and then paying my respect.
Like everyday, I begin my day with prayer and turning my will and life over to my Higher Power or the program. For me it begins with the Third Step prayer and some time dedicating myself to why I am here.
Today it was the same except I opened the 12&12 and began to read the Second Step. It once again reminded me of what I had to go through in order to put this program into action. I can remember exactly what happened back at the beginning and how I had to take a step back and once again surrender, as I did in my First Step.
Like so many, as stated in that Step I had to stop and make up my mind which way I was going to go. It took a little while, but in the end I made a choice which I have stayed with since then. The biggest hurdle was for me to accept that I was going to have to begin to live a spiritual way of life. I’m now glad that I did.
Anyway I had to take a step aside today and get myself focused on what it is that I’m supposed to be doing. Often, in the hubble and bubble of a season like this I find myself getting confused. So, I did what I was told to do when I’m like this. Step back, take a deep breath, pray, ask for help, spend some quiet time and get back where I belong. I’m glad I did.
So now I need to express my gratitude to all those who have helped me along the way. My Higher Power, my old sponsor, those old timers, and all my friends in here. I need to say thanks.