We hear that, in order to stay sober, we need to practice these Steps in our daily lives. On the surface this might sound like a tough order, but what are the benefits of doing this other than sobriety?
Bill talks about this in the 12&12 in the 12th Step. He asks us how we are going to handle seeming failure and success. He also asks can we accept poverty, sickness, loneliness, bereavement, with courage and serenity. And when the glitzier things in life are denied us can we accept with humility?
Then he points to the success of those who have gone before us, who practiced these steps. A host of troubles and ailments have been met with acceptance and serenity by those members of AA who have steadfastly applied these principles in their daily lives. The evidence is there for us to see.
I read this and thought about my own experiences and those I have been associated with over the years in this fellowship. I know he’s right because we all have experienced much of what life gives us and are still sober. Not only sober, but enjoy the life AA and the God of our understanding has bestowed upon us. Like the BB says, this program works, it really does.
I know it’s possible to go through the good times and the bad and not drink.
It’s possible to attain a degree of happiness in spite of what is going on around us and in us. Serenity is always attainable, if I will practice the discipline of surrender.
I would guess we all have discovered that the vacuum within us, which most of us brought to the program, cannot be filled from outside of us. And just as I have experienced, I know from the experiences of others, that it can only be filled from within. But it’s not enough to have achieved some of the promises of this program and let it go at that. I would guess that’s what Bill is trying to say to us. Everyday we face challenges to our sobriety and peace of mind. They can only be met by us, and I mean us, for I cannot do this alone, to put our program into action this day and everyday.
This what I was thinking about this morning.