How persistently we claim the right to decide all by ourselves just what we shall think and just how we shall act. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 37
If I accept and act upon the advice of those who have made the program work for themselves, I have a chance to outgrow the limits of the past. Some problems will shrink to nothingness, while others may require patient, well-thought-out action. Listening deeply when others share can develop intuition in handling problems which arise unexpectedly. It is usually best for me to avoid impetuous action. Attending a meeting or calling a fellow A.A. member will usually reduce tension enough to bring relief to a desperate sufferer like me. Sharing problems at meetings with other alcoholics to whom I can relate, or privately with my sponsor, can change aspects of the positions in which I find myself. Character defects are identified and I begin to see how they work against me. When I put my faith in the spiritual power of the program, when I trust others to teach me what I need to do to have a better life, I find that I can trust myself to do what is necessary.
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
I have found this to be so true since my early days in recovery. When I was about to venture out into a new situation I wasnt sure about, I would share at a meeting and get many great suggestions on how to handle things. Or suggestion not to go to certain wet places, yet!
And, by listening, I am preparing myself for situations that may arise in the future. I remember going to a friends funeral and just calling someone to let them know where I was going. Just knowing she was just a phone call away if I needed her put me in a safe place. I didnt end up feeling like I would drink, but called her afterwards to check in and thank her for being there! Can you even imagine doing that in your drinking days!?
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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. "
