One of the gifts given to me in this program and my sobriety is laughter. It’s laughter which lightens my life, despite whatever may be going on. I love to begin laughing, no matter what.
While a friend of mine and I were talking this morning, laughter was a big part of this. In fact over time in here, I have been able to share this with almost all of my friends and associates. One of those things which always works for me is during sharp pains. I began doing that years ago, when these began to appear. I remember when it first hit me, I was surprised. All of sudden I knew I had a choice and followed it. Been grateful ever since. Not all the time, but for the most part.
All of this was the result of what I learned from my old sponsor and those old timers, who constantly talked about the “I” over “E”. Intellect over emotions. Dealing with staying sober and not being pulled back into alcohol by negative emotions, like anger and resentments, fears, depressions, despair. Things I have witnessed over the years. Too many deaths as a result.
I know that prayer and meditations have definitely opened the door of hope and faith for me. By relying on my Higher Power to step in and help me change my way of thinking and living, allowing me to put my intellect over my emotions has aided me to change my attitudes. Eliminating negative attitudes and adopting positive attitudes has helped me to lift up my spirit in here.
I tell everyone that I often look in my mirror in the morning and tell myself “You klutz you’re nutz!” Then I laugh. That allows me to go out and greet others with at least a smile. Often laughter. Can’t help it.
What is this all about? For me? Staying sober a day at a time. Helping myself to eliminate things which can trip me up. After all, I’m still human. Like the BB reminds me, I’m not a saint. I’m going to do what my sponsor told me I would. Stumble, bumble, and tumble over myself. I was told to stop my day and start it over, when I find myself in a negative attitude and suffering from negative emotions. I was told that I needed to change into a positive attitude. And smiles and laughter help me do that. It works.
I’m so grateful for all the help I received in here, which has helped me to stay sober and live a fairly happy way of life. Doing what I was shown and told to do has worked for me. I have learned no matter what I can live a pleasant and happy way of life. So can others I have met in here, who have done the same thing I do. Makes me desire to please my Higher Power and so many others in here, who have helped me through my time in sobriety.