Talking to a number of people over time always makes me go back and remember anger on both sides, mine and someone else. Over time in here, much of this is gone. So now I can share my experiences with others, hoping to help them to work these Steps into their lives, and to begin to improve their lives.
I know I have told them how this worked for me over time in here and how the same can work for them if they will take the time and effort to do it. Not always easy I know. And it’s never an overnight event. Like I was told by my sponsor and those old timers in here, time takes time. Every day is a new day and when the day is over we have to start over again the next day and then the next, and on and on.
I told one man recently that it took me twenty years to experience the blessings of a new way of life. But I told him that it doesn’t deny us from experiencing peace and happiness. Not all the time, but enough to help me to continue to work this program. I know that I was given so much help from those old timers and my sponsor, and then my Higher Power, that I was always encouraged to continue on to do more of what this program has offered to me to continue to change and improve. I also told them that we will never ever finish working this program. But we can stay sober a day at a time.
Anyway I also told them that we will probably trip over all our old defects the rest of our lives. I was told that by my old sponsor and the literature. I was told we are not saints, but human alcoholics. Less than perfect. I may start my day off with prayer and seeking spirituality, but my feelings and thinking may trip me up and I have to start my day over. Going from the negative to the positive.
So I spent a lot of time with these alcoholics, but I felt reinforced and blessed. Once again I am very grateful to have been given sobriety and a wonderful way of life. I owe so much thanks to my Higher Power and all those old timers, plus all those who have helped me along the way.