One of the things I learned from my old sponsor years ago was for me to use my head. To be able to learn to do things the right way. Before I got sober I didn’t know any of that. Didn’t happen overnight in here, but one thing was pretty much present in spite of that. And that was never wanting to drink again. What I didn’t know was what the BB said, which did happen to me. And that was there might come a time when I would have no mental defense against that first drink. <\/p>\n
I was two years sober, when this occurred. I was out with my in -laws for dinner. All the men were drinking and I wasn’t. But I wasn’t bothered by that. In fact I pretty much ignored what was going on. After dinner we went into the package store next to the restaurant. The owner ran the restaurant also. He personally knew my in-laws, so he told them to open the cold locker with the beer in it and to freely take a drink. They did and they tossed me a cola. I caught it and was suddenly in a rage. I didn’t know where that came from, but there it was. For the first time since I was freed from alcohol, I suddenly wanted a drink, and I was so angry that I thought I would kill anyone, who got in my way.<\/p>\n
Fortunately my wife, at the time, saw my expression and asked me what was wrong. I told her just what I was thinking. Then she did for me what I couldn’t do for myself. She told me I needed to step outside and pray. And for some reason I did. That ended the thoughts I had and I was once again free from the drinking of alcohol. Talk about an act of kindness and another spiritual awakening. I have never forgotten this.<\/p>\n
Today someone said that they were going on a trip and didn’t know how they would react to the people they were going to visit, or how they would react to their practicing sobriety. And, though I didn’t tell that story of mine, it popped back into my head along the way, after I spoke. I mentioned it to a man next to me after the meeting was over. Yet I felt that the person who wanted help to remain sober had been given good advice by the members in here, practicing the Twelfth Step. <\/p>\n
Over time I have seen terrible damage being done to some alcoholics, when they went on long trips and didn’t ask for help. I felt grateful that this person today did what they needed to do. To ask for help. And then I was very grateful for all those, who reached out and gave the kind of advice we all need to hear from time to time in here. And I couldn’t help but think what I was hearing was actually a spiritual awakening. Part of the long form of the Fifth Tradition. That the group ought to be a spiritual entity.<\/p>\n
Anyway a good reminder to all of us, as to why we are here. To stay sober a day at a time. That was mentioned by some in here. What we all need to hear from time to time. I couldn’t help but think that what was going on was freely giving what was freely given to us. Compassion. Made me grateful and had thoughts of giving thanks to my Higher Power, and the people in this program, who were reaching out and helping a fellow alcoholic to stay sober. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the things I learned from my old sponsor years ago was for me to use my head. To be able to learn to do things the right way. Before I got sober I didn’t know any of that. Didn’t happen overnight in here, but one thing was pretty much present in spite of … <\/p>\n