One of those things I had a hard time with, when I came here, was that statement we all tell ourselves from time to time, “Easy does it”. It took my sponsor quite a while to get the second part into my head and my life. What was that? “But do it!”
How often I would just sit back and get so out of doing that I would eventually find myself drifting into first dull, then feeling dragged down, and eventually depressed. I had to yet to find out that this is a program of action. I know my sponsor knew what was wrong with me, but it took time for him to penetrate my thick brain.
I knew that I had heard others say just that from time to time, “Easy does it, but do it.” It took time for me to become honest and step up to the plate and put this program into action. Spiritual action. And that is to put these Steps into action. Not always easy to describe, except when we talk about the Eleventh and the Twelfth. But there is a lot more in here, for me anyways.
One of those is to continue to change my attitudes. For instance to step aside within and not get involved in anger and prejudice. Resentments. When stirred, to step back and pray and ask for the help an alcoholic like me needs. To try to maintain a positive attitude. Not just for me, but to bring that attitude to others.
Part of doing it is to try not to get involved in what really is none of my business, even though I’m convinced it is. That part of my personality which wants to tell me I know what I’m doing. Part of that big ego which tells me I’m in control. I think my sponsor was trying to tell me that I needed to see how much trouble that always brought me. I think it’s called a “wake up call”.
I think what woke me up was to come to realize what he had tried to tell me so often. That I didn’t know that I didn’t know. I only thought I did. Even though that statement had already had its effect on me, I still had a way to go, before I became conscious of the fact that what he had said was just the door to my life opening a crack. There was more I had to come to realize.
I was thinking about this earlier today, when I found myself becoming irritated by someones words and attitude. I had to quietly step aside and take the time to ask for help and then let go and let my Higher Power. I was restored to peace within. It was none of my business. The Serenity Prayer. Not always easy to do, but I know this is “Easy does it, but do it”. Part of that stop your day and start it over again. Never want to forget that.
Anyway I am always glad, when I get this wake up call. Easy does it, but do it. Part of learning to live this spiritual way of life. Something I need to do each day. Part of that staying sober a day at a time. And by doing this I express my gratitude for all I have been given. Never want to forget that.