Often times, listening to alcoholics, who obviously don’t know much about this program, I’m forced to think about my old sponsor and those old timers. They were very clear about the need to have experienced sponsors. I know from my own experience just how important that is. Like my old sponsor told me, that I didn’t know that I didn’t know. I only thought I did. And he was right.
The reason this hit me today, was that two obviously intelligent middle aged men, demonstrated the need for that. Back when I came in those old timers told me real loud to shut up and listen. They told me that I knew how to drink alcohol, but I didn’t know anything about staying sober. I was told to take the cotton out of my ears and listen. That was a stunning reality for this immature, prideful alcoholic. But something told me I needed to hear that and do something about that. Fortunately I did.
I mean you have these men, and sometimes women, who think they know everything, running their mouths and sounding empty inside. And I and others know that they need to be told to get an experienced sponsor and need to listen to them. Not easy to do for alcoholics, who Bill W. and others knew had huge over sized egos, like I did (do), which need to be deflated, as Dr. Tiebout and Bill W. encouraged them to have done to them. I know how that was from my own experience. And I am grateful to those old timers and my sponsor for cutting me down to size.
Anyway I know how this kind of stuff can get members disturbed and irritable. I can only hope that someplace along the way they will be in so much pain within that they will surrender and begin to change by being willing to listen to those who know.
I was once more made to wake up and remember why I am here. I’m here to stay sober a day at a time. I can only hope these, and others like them, will find the value of getting experienced alcoholics to help them begin to change.
Someone mentioned gratitude. Made me grateful to say the least. Others, who had time in here and are on the road to recovery, expressed their gratitude. And I was happy to hear that. Made me look back at my old sponsor and old timers back then, who helped me grow in my sober life in here. I can only say how much I owe them and my Higher Power.
Have to say how helpful all have been in my sober life in here. And, as many point out, I only have to stay sober this day. Tomorrow is another day, but not now. I just have to do what I need to and stay focused on the now. Thanks to all.