"The trouble with us alcoholics was this: We demanded that the world give us happiness and peace of mind in just the particular order we wanted to get it - by the alcohol route. And we weren't successful. But when we take time to find out some of the spiritual laws, and familiarize ourselves with them, and put them into practice, then we do get happiness and peace of mind. . . There seem to be some rules that we have to follow, but happiness and peace of mind are always here, open and free to anyone." DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, p. 308
The simplicity of the A.A. program teaches me that happiness isn't something I can "demand." It comes upon me quietly, while I serve others. In offering my hand to the newcomer or to someone who has relapsed, I find that my own sobriety has been recharged with indescribable gratitude and happiness.
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* We eventually realize that just as the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, emotional turmoil comes before serenity. *
Man cannot remake himself without suffering. For he is both the marble and the sculptor. --Alexis Carrell
A sculptor begins with an unformed piece of marble. He must be able to envision what he wants to create. Then, armed with tools and courage, he begins to chink away at the marble he does not need. Every day he examines how it looks and what he wants it to become.
Every one of us who is trying to be a better person is like the sculptor. We envision who we want to be and what kind of qualities we believe in. Some of these qualities might be kindness, good self-esteem, the ability to love and feel loved. If we are honest, we must also look with the artist's eye at our faults. We might see some jealousy and resentment, or feelings of superiority. Our faults, human as they are, are like unwanted marble that keeps our most loving selves from taking shape. Carving away at our faults is hard work, and sometimes-even hurts. Yet we do not do this work alone--we can only do it with the help of our God.
What can I chisel away today?
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Easy Does it..Keep It Simple..Let Go and Let God..
We demandedthat the world give us happiness and peace of mind injust the particular order we wanted to get it - by thealcohol route. And we weren't successful. But when wetake time to find out some of the spiritual laws, andfamiliarize ourselves with them, and put them intopractice, then we do get happiness and peace of mind. . .T
thathappiness isn't something I can "demand." It comes uponme quietly, while I serve others. In offering my handto the newcomer or to someone who has relapsed, I findthat my own sobriety has been recharged withindescribable gratitude and happiness.
WOW, doll, GR8 share....i used to think "life owed me" now i know that it has to "begin with me"......it is true "seek ye FIRST my kingdom, and all things shall be added onto you"......boy another share i needed to read......let it come to me quietly, instead of tryin to force the issue....and yes, serve others as i can!!!!! hugs, rosie
