It’s amazing to go back and think about being able to stay sober and grow along the lines which come as a result of not just working these Steps, but also growing within a new way of thinking and acting. And that is the result of opening up to the spiritual way of thinking and doing what we need to, by trying to follow the guidance of our Higher Power.
For myself I know that last thought is the result of being willing to follow what I have learned in here. Part of that is from the BB. Then the things I learned from my sponsor and old timers. And, of course what I learned from attending meetings. Then praying and being willing to help others like ourselves, especially new comers. To be willing to practice compassion and to be willing to freely give what was so freely given to us.
Even though I know I often experience happiness and peace and freedom from being sober, I also know that I’m still human. As the BB tells me something I am totally aware of. I am not a saint. I’m still human and subject to the faults humans suffer from. And that is added to by the way of life I lived drinking alcohol. Even though I have been freed from most of this, I also know that I’m subject to my egotism, which is still over sized from time to time. Tripping over my old defects, and negative emotions arising within me.
And, of course, I am grateful once again for what I learned from my old sponsor and others in here, how I can stop and start my day over with the help of my Higher Power. To step aside and ask for help. To pray and change my mind. To step back and begin to adopt a new positive attitude, rather than the negative, which pulls us down. Like I said, I learned from my sponsor that I had to put my mind over those old negative emotions. He always told me to think with my head and not my heart.
Anyway it is always just a day at a time. No further than right now. That’s how I found I can stay sober. And I need to thank my Higher Power for this way of life I have been given. Not just being freed a day at a time, but having a spiritual awakening along with a restoration to sanity. And all of this being passed along to me by my old sponsor and those old timers. And all the support I have received from all those around me. The help and grace I have needed along the way over time. Like, I said, I need to express my gratitude in any way possible. And mostly that comes from my thoughts and actions. Thanks.