Today is August 19, 2006 A Great Day for Recovery!
DECISION
"When you see a snake, never mind where he came from." -- W. G. Benham
So many alcoholics have died looking for "the problem" that made them drink. The wife, family, neighborhood or unemployment was why they though they got drunk. They died seeking a reason. Alcoholics Anonymous clearly states that alcohol is the problem for alcoholics.
Alcohol is the problem! A statement that is so simple yet so profound in its healing. Today thousands upon thousands are choosing not to die by not taking the first drink. To see the problem clearly and honestly is the beginning of wisdom. O.A., ACoA, N.A., G.A., Al-Non and others have used these simple principles with profound results. Do I see the snake?
Teach me to avoid those things that cause me pain and destruction.
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A FRAME OF REFERENCE
Referring to our list [inventory] again. Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes. Where had we been selfish, dishonest, self-seeking and frightened? ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 67
There is a wonderful freedom in not needing constant approval from colleagues at work or from the people I love. I wish I had known about this Step before, because once I developed a frame of reference, I felt able to do the next right thing, knowing that the action fit the situation and that it was the correct thing to do.
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
With the drink out of the way, the thinking needs an overhaul, or at least 'un-plugged' at times. The dishonesty, selfishness, etc. centers in the mind. I am Powerless over the mind, too. I love inventory. Does a heck of a lot of good in 'rooting out' these things.
There's a story in the 4th Edition of the BB about the housewife who couldn't decide which came first, the thinking or the drinking.......the drinking or the thinking.......that was me to a "T"! I wonder if maybe I hadn't started my drinking career at the ripe old age of 14, would it have made a difference in my perspectives today.....
But I've learned today, that it really, really doesn't matter.......I'm sober & as long as I dont' pick up the rest will work out...
Jen (aka "Bubetta" thank u, P!! )
-- Edited by Doll at 08:48, 2006-08-19
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
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