A brand new young man was the center of the meeting today. His first meeting. And there were a number of “new” individuals trying to get him to pay attention.
Always, when anyone is new, it always makes me go back to what it is that I believe is what changes us and gets us sober. And that’s pain. That was true for me. What made me surrender and ask my Higher Power for help. And it worked. I’ve been sober ever since.
It’s easier to actually see that pain in an older individual. More difficult if the person who is so young. Doesn’t mean that it’s not there, but I did have a tough time seeing it in this young man. My thought was that maybe he might be back out there drinking again soon.
I always worry about an alcoholic drinking again. Doesn’t matter how old they are. Over time I have seen too many end their lives one way or another. I know I have to let go of that thought. It’s not up to me. I’m not a Higher Power. I’m just an alcoholic, who has been blessed to be sober. For that I am grateful.
Anyway this was on my mind this evening. All I can do is hope. I also was sitting next to a fairly recent alcoholic in here. My hope is that he will be back and stick with us. He seemed to be focused on recovery and that was helpful to me.
Once again it’s a reminder to this alcoholic why I am here. I’m here to stay sober a day at a time. I know that each and everyday I have to put this program into action in my life. I also have to go to a meeting and listen to those sober people in here. I even have to hear new people talking and demonstrating their erroneous thinking. It does help someone like me to remember how I was, when I came in. And how all of us have to change each and everyday.
Just grateful for what I witnessed and how it reminds me of how I needed to get honest and change. And I did.