Today I was once again reminded of that statement that time takes time. I heard a young man complaining that he was reading the Third Step and despite what it said, he was undergoing all these fears and worries. He couldn’t understand it. Then I remembered that’s the way I was back then.
I had to learn from my sponsor how to work this program. Basically a day at a time. Over time I would change. But not overnight. I learned the hard way that Time Takes Time. Fortunately for me I was still being helped by my sponsor opening the door to this program by his introducing me to the Second Step. The beginning of the spiritual life, something I totally lacked, but desperately needed.
Despite how I was feeling and the worries, the fears, the anxieties, I was able to keep on keeping on, because I was told and came to believe that I was in the process of changing. So I listened and kept on keeping on. I definitely believed what I was told. That over time I would change. And that slowly began to show itself. Slowly.
I always go back and think about the Ninth Step, after a lot of time in here. I made an amend one day and after wards I experienced what that Second Step tells us. I was restored to sanity. I had stopped my fighting everyone and everything, including alcohol. The promises came true. I experienced a new freedom and a new happiness. Peace of mind and serenity came into my life. It was amazing. I had changed.
Two things had worked for me. The old timers working ego deflation in depth on me and my sponsor encouraging me to continue on. I know that it was not all miserable back then. I had begun to be honest for the first time. That helped. I changed my language and how I acted with and toward others. The result was that I began to receive the help I needed. I was freely given what I needed. Support.
Anyway, it was good reminder for me today. To be able to go back and be reminded of what one brought up in here: gratitude. I am grateful for my sobriety. I was once again reminded by a friend that I need to practice this program each and everyday. To know that I have to stay sober a day at a time. Anyway I had to go back and think about the gratitude I owed my old sponsor, who opened the Second Step for me in my life. The spiritual way of life. My Higher Power, whom I owe so much gratitude to for what I have been given. And the thanks I need to give to others who have helped me. And all of this I can do by freely giving to others what was given to me.