Such is the paradox of A.A. regeneration: strength arising out of complete defeat and weakness, the loss of one's old life as a condition for finding a new one. A.A. COMES OF AGE, p. 46
What glorious mysteries paradoxes are! They do not compute, yet when recognized and accepted, they reaffirm something in the universe beyond human logic. When I face a fear, I am given courage; when I support a brother or sister, my capacity to love myself is increased; when I accept a pain as part of the growing experience of life, I realize a greater happiness; when I look at my dark side, I am brought into new light; when I accept my vulnerabilities and surrender to a Higher Power, I am graced with unforeseen strength. I stumbled through the doors of A.A. in disgrace, expecting nothing from life, and I have been given hope and dignity. Miraculously, the only way to keep the gifts of the program is to pass them on.
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
when I accept a pain as part of the growing experience of life, I realize a greater happiness;
i have been working through this on and off for ten days, acceptance of pain, being willing to feel it, embrace it and not numb out, i am so glad that i have not gone back to using, because i sure felt like it on a few days.
using the tools of this program, staying in conscious contact with my higher power and reaching out to others in recovery helps so much.
a week ago a experienced a real rough day, today i can look back on that and be proud of myself for "keeping the faith".
these two sentences can really keep me strong when i'm down: "Life is sometimes a march of duty during dull, dark days. But happiness will come again, as God's smile of recognition of your faithfulness" dec 16 24 hr a day book.
