So it's gratitude week over here and I was appalled at something a fellow said in a meeting - made a big issue that the gratitude week collection should be silent - i.e. no coins. (his words) and this from a guy with double figures in sobriety, so surely he should have some experience of the impact a carelessly chosen phrase can have on a fragile member (not me, i'm too stroppy to be fragile today.)
Some of our members barely have 2 pennies to rub together - I have an almost overwhelming desire to go to the next meeting where I know this fellow will be and remind him that there are no dues or fees for AA membership - but that's just my ego having a stretch - anyway, if you can't put anything in, it will be a silent collection, won't it.
So i'm worrying over nothing, projecting and trying to second guess other peoples reactions and my reactions to their reactions - that damn white horse has got out and wants to go a rescuing again.
I like this board, it's a meeting between meetings for me.
__________________
It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you got. BB
My favorite slogan and the screen saver for this computer is "Don't React!!" And then reality is often times I'm not good in the pause. When I am I can listen to someone elses share of spoken opinion and not let my knee jerk.
Closemindedness is not an age related problem and is often or most times responded to with tolerance, compassion, patience and a bunch more of those spiritual tools.
You arrived at a solution at the end of your post...that's how the program works.
"If you keep and open mind your will find help". (Thats from the closing statement of the Family Groups.
The guy does seem to be out of line, and you are right about the projection to reaction etc stuff. I figured out a long time ago that people are going to stay sober or get drunk regardless some dumb insensitive things that happen or are said.
Don't give this guy's words too much credit. We only hear what we want to in early soberiety
Like the gratitude week idea.
__________________
Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
