One of those things, which can help us, is the way we can live today. I know that over time in here, I have changed. Not the same as I was, when I walked in here.
All of this came about because of this program and the people in it, who reached out and helped me to adopt a new way of living in here. Old timers, who were some of those, who brought these changes about into this program. Over time they helped me to start to live a different way than what I had out there in my drinking days.
I had to start living in a way I never even had before. In fact the things I came to have in my life are so new that I’m really not the one who is responsible for almost anything I have today. For instance, somehow, after a while in here, I thought I was the one, who was in charge of my not drinking alcohol. Then one day I came to realize that it wasn’t me, who had brought about my sobriety. It was my Higher Power. No doubt about that.
Then, as time went on, my thinking process began to change. And once again I thought I was in charge of that. Over time in here I have come to realize that the way I am thinking and living isn’t really up to me. It is really brand new to this alcoholic. And what has this done for me?
The truth is that I had to begin to learn how to step back and begin to have the humility I need, as a result of all of this. And that is what begins in the prayer, which states that I need to ask “relieve me of bondage of self, so that I may better serve Thee. Take away the my difficulties, that victory over them may make others see that I have changed as a result of my Higher Power’s strength, His love, and His way of life.” And next, “May I do Thy will always.”
And all of this has begun to teach me to practice humility always. Not an easy task for this alcoholic. But I have to learn to step back and and continue to try to change. I had to learn that I’m not in charge. I’m here to be of service and to help others whenever it’s possible. And I am most grateful.