We trust that we already know what our several freedoms truly are; that no future generation of AAs will ever feel compelled to limit them. Our AA freedoms create the soil in which genuine love can grow. . . . LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 303
I craved freedom. First, freedom to drink; later, freedom from drink. The A.A. program of recovery rests on a foundation of free choice. There are no mandates, laws or commandments. A.A.s spiritual program, as outlined in the Twelve Steps, and by which I am offered even greater freedoms, is only suggested. I can take it or leave it. Sponsorship is offered, not forced, and I come and go as I will. It is these and other freedoms that allow me to recapture the dignity that was crushed by the burden of drink, and which is so dearly needed to support an enduring sobriety.
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Hi All: Heard some great stuff at a meeting last night....
We dont have to be in AA, we CHOOSE to be in AA....
Todays reflection has that same message. I can choose to be happy, joyous and free by working the program and becoming a better ME! Or, as I almost did yesterday, we can choose to hide ourselves in a bottle of despair because people, places and things arent going our way! Nothing can MAKE me drink but me! Things arent always going to go my way, people are not always going to make me happy. That job is up to me!
Yesterday I went to a noon meeting and my mind was so closed, so filled with thoughts of "screw it, Im done with this stuff!" With that attitude, the meeting sucked, I got nothing out of it and I thought these people are nuts! I was also tempted to drink because I just wasnt on a good spiritual plane! Felt sorry for myself all day.....
Finally, got on my knees (forgot that in the morning, hummmm), hit another meeting, talked with some gals and the despair and feeling of drink disappeared! Thank god for the freedom to work my program, get back to the basics. Oh, did I mention I have PMS!!! Go figure!
It works if you work it!!!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
