We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.19

Its usually pretty easy for me to be pleasant to the people in an A.A. setting. While Im working to stay sober, Im celebrating with my fellow A.A.s our common release from the hell of drinking. Its often not so hard to spread glad tidings to my old and new friends in the program. At home or at work, though, it can be a different story. It is in situations arising in both of those areas that the little day-to-day frustrations are most evident, and where it can be tough to smile or reach out with a kind word or an attentive ear. Its outside of the A.A. rooms that I face the real test of the effectiveness of my walk through A.A.s Twelve Steps.