Over time in the program I have talked to a lot of sober alcoholics. And something I have learned are things which can do us harm, if we’re not careful from time to time. Most of what I learned is what my old sponsor and others tried to make me focus on.Things which can harm us and possibly get us drunk again.
One of those is projection beyond today, and the other is what can result from these projections. And that is negative emotions, which can overcome our sanity. I’ve seen the results of this over time in the program. People getting caught up in worry about the future in their lives, and being overcome with fear, depression, anger, hate, resentments, despair, and much more.
One of the things my sponsor told me was that I had to avoid my thinking of the future, beyond this day. I was told to not project. I’ve seen this happen with illness, financial difficulties, anxiety of all sorts. He told me that if my mind started to drift off into the future, I had to learn to stop and look down and see where my feet were. Then I had to re-focus my thoughts. Plus I had to learn how to turn to my Higher Power and pray to step away from negative emotions. Then to seek help from others in this program, who could help me avoid these negative emotions. To stop my day and start the day over from the negative to the positive.
And, of course, I had to remember to focus on why I am here. And that is to stay sober a day at a time. To turn my mind into the way this program is to be practiced for me. Not just the Steps, but the spiritual way of life I have learned to practice in here. I know I had to learn faith, hope, love. To have gratitude for all I have received from this way of life. The freedom from alcohol is right up in front of me, if I am practicing this program.
Anyway I know that I must practice gratitude for all the gifts I have received in here from my Higher Power, this program, and those who have helped me, and continue to do so. One of those aids I get are those, who reach out and share with me. I need to say “thanks”, and pray and meditate. To think positively.