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Post Info TOPIC: This is my experience...


MIP Old Timer

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This is my experience...
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I absolutely agree with this way out for us.

The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.

BB pg 17

Because I absolutely agree with it I'm called a close minded, argumentative AA N&%#.....And I'm OK with that. It doesn't happen where I attend meetings....Most people absolutely agree with it also. I seem to run into it here more often than not. I'm not sure why.....But I'll live with it. It's a tremendous fact.



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Senior Member

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I'm glad you're here Stepchild.

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Principles before personalities. Looks like you're "on the beam" Sc.

Bob

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Close friend of Bill W. since 1989

 



MIP Old Timer

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There are quotes in "working with others"...lots of them that tell us to use a tempered approach, to not be a bleeding deacon, to be open minded, and especially how when I believe others are so wrong, it is usually a sign that what needs changing is me and my attitudes...I believe in the traditions too which state the importance of unity, that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking...I also know that if I am complacent and don't continuously work on myself and only focus on what I think newcomers should do, I am going to be restless, irritable, and discontent and character defects will emerge or reemerge.

Because I believe that, I'm told I can't follow directions, am not working a real AA program, what I say will kill people, and that basically all the intense hard work, service, meetings, and sponsoring folks is based off stuff I must be pulling straight from my butt. That is how your criticisms rub at times SC. Furthermore, everyone seems to appreciate me and agrees with me in meetings too and I have never had anyone tell me I'm sharing crap that will kill people or working a program that is not AA.

Of course I really do not feel this intensely about the things I might not agree with you on...but the point can be made. I agree with much more of what you say/write anyhow. I take your feedback and can accept how it applies to me. I have learned from you that I DO need to make sure my message is more consistent with the literature and not just my personal opinion. I also have learned that some folks like having BB quoted at them repeatedly. To me, it feels like an insult to my intelligence after reading the book many times, working the steps, and going to countless BB meetings. However, it may need to be stated anyhow and I probably need to suck it up because other people may not be familiar with the quotes you share and it could really help them. So...my suggestion is own your part in things and learn from others just as you hope they learn from you. None of us are at the stage where we only work step 12 now.

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