One of the greatest gifts to alcoholics is that statement, “Easy Does It”. I know that saying is so very important for me. I mean that I learned in here that I needed to step back from my old thinking and to do what was necessary to bring peace within me.
One of the first things I know was that I had to learn to simplify my thoughts. And to learn to practice prayers and meditation. To grow along spiritual lines, like I was told I should. And after having been given freedom from alcohol I know that’s what I need to do. And to practice gratitude for all I have been given in here.
Of course I was also told how I needed to practice all of this. I was told that I needed to stay sober just a day at a time. Very simple over all. I know that each day I have to start my day by dedicating my life to just that. This day and staying sober. So I know I need to start by praying, and then taking time out at some point to be quiet and concentrating on meditation. And all of this works at the beginning, as many pointed out today.
But like me, many said the same thing would take them down. That is projecting into the future. And the result of all that is always the same. The emergence of negative emotions, which take over our life. Fear, anger, anxiety, resentments, and on and on. All of these are temptations to return to drinking alcohol again. I’ve seen that happen.
My sponsor would always say to me, “Do you know where you feet are? Then stay there and don’t go any further.” I mean it works, but then my mind can wander off and that’s when the problems start and peace is gone and devastation begins. So, I know I need to learn to practice this program to the best of my ability. To ask for help from my Higher Power. To go to meetings. To talk to sponsors or others like us. To read and study the AA literature. And, if possible to carry the message to a new person,
And, oh yeah, to start my day over, if I get caught in this emotional stuff. To ask my Higher Power for help. And, if I slip back again, to start over again. To stop my day and pick myself up, and as my sponsor told me, to dust myself off , and keep on keeping on. And I learned to do that. Going to meetings helps a lot.
Anyway I needed to stop and think about this. And I need to be grateful that I have once again been reminded of what it is I really need. To put this program into action in my life. And to reach that peace I always need. Makes me grateful to hear all of this.