Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. . . . they have turned to easier methods. . . . But they had not learned enough humility. . . . ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 72-73
Humility sounds so much like humiliation, but it really is the ability to look at myself -- and honestly accept what I find. I no longer need to be the "smartest" or "dumbest" or any other "est." Finally, it is okay to be me. It is easier for me to accept myself if I share my whole life. If I cannot share in meetings, then I had better have a sponsor -- someone with whom I can share those "certain facts" that could lead me back to a drunk, to death. I need to take all the Steps. I need the Fifth Step to learn true humility. Easier methods do not work.
Having gotten over drinking, we have only just begun to enjoy the benefits of A.A. We find new friends, so that we are no longer lonely. We find new relationships with our families, so that we are happy at home. We find release from our troubles and worries through a new way of looking at things. We find an outlet for our energies in helping other people. Am I enjoying these benefits of A.A.?
Meditation For The Day
The kingdom of heaven is within you. God sees, as no one can see, what is within you. He sees you growing more and more like Himself. That is our reason for existence, to grow more and more like God, to develop more and more the spirit of God within you. You can often see in others those qualities and aspirations that you yourself possess. So also can God recognize His own spirit in you. Your motives and aspirations can only be understood by those who have attained the same spiritual level as you have.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may not expect complete understanding from others. I pray that I may only expect this from God, as I try to grow more like Him.
Hazelden
Let it be a God or Higher Power of your own understanding)
-- Edited by Sobrietyspell on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 11:50:40 PM
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
I liked that a lot. It makes me stop and think that I can still change the things within me that I may not like or wish they would go away.
The topic talkes about talking in A.A groups, I still can't do this with out crying. Why is that? Is that pain so deep that bringing it up causes those emotions? Idk. All I know is I listen if nothing else to the new, the old, and the in between because I always learn something from what I hear. I never cry alone but whenI am struggling try to keep it to myself this I know is not good for me to do, so I do try harder daily. I will never be perfect but I'll be damn, that alcohol will never get me again I'm just that afraid of it, I will always stay away. It really is not worth what I will loose on my next drunk...
Love-Carla
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Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is!
There's freedom, joy, healing & love in your tears, Carla. They'll dry in time & a new happiness bubble up from inside. Don't feel any need to repress them. Your hurt is expressing itself & being answered. It's a beautiful process & I've never felt ashamed of crying in meetings or in Step 5. Sometimes they've been the only time I could cry so I've been grateful for those tears & how they've helped to purify my heart & soul. We are safe in our meetings & in our sponsorship. Keep up your emotional work. It's all part of our growing up :) Thank you for sharing here. Love & fellowship, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
