The Tenth Step in the 12&12 came to mind over time again, but this day was a great reminder. That’s the spiritual axiom, which tells me that, no matter what the cause, I am responsible for taking care of my anger. Not someone else’s. It’s me.
I can well remember, looking back, how alcoholics damaged their lives, going back out and drinking, because of anger against those they blamed. And it was fatal to some. A great lesson for me. I was told by my sponsor and others that I had to learn to deal with my own emotional problems and not that of others.
I know that was not easy for a long time, even though I had heard this again and again. And that’s when I began to hear from my sponsor and those old timers about practicing mind over my emotions. Or as they all said “I” over “E”. My sponsor would always tell me that I was to think with my head and not my heart.
Again time took time. But over time I have learned how to back off and turn to my Higher Power for help and stop my life being run by my negative emotions. The result has been a more peaceful life for me. Not that I don’t get tripped up, but I was also told that since I’m a human alcoholic I need to be aware that I will bumble, and tumble, and crumble from time to time. I need to learn to ask for help and stay sober. Like they told me, as did the BB, I’m not a saint.
Anyway I have listened to and talked to others like myself about some of their problems. I know it got my attention and helped me. Another reminder that I’m here to stay sober a day at a time and need to be grateful for all the help I have been given by my Higher Power, and so many others in here. I only have to pay attention to right now. Nothing in the future or the past. Thanks.