He cannot picture life without alcohol. Some day he will be unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it. Then he will know loneliness such as few do. He will be at the jumping-off place. He will wish for the end. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.152
Only an alcoholic can understand the exact meaning of a statement like this one. The double standard that held me captive as an active alcoholic also filled me with terror and confusion: "If I don't get a drink I'm going to die," competed with "If I continue drinking it's going to kill me." Both compulsive thoughts pushed me ever closer to the bottom. That bottom produced a total acceptance of my alcoholism - with no reservations whatsoever - and one that was absolutely essential for my recovery. It was a dilemma unlike anything I had ever faced, but as I found out later on, a necessary one if I was to succeed in this program.
Have I turned to a Higher Power for help? Do I believe that each man or woman I see in A.A. is a demonstration of the power of God to change a human being from a drunkard into a sober, useful citizen? Do I believe that this Higher Power can help me from drinking? Am I living one day at a time? Do I ask God to give me the power to stay sober for each twenty-four hours? Do I attend A.A. meetings regularly?
Meditation For The Day
I believe that God's presence brings peace and that peace, like a quiet flowing river, will cleanse all irritants away. In these quiet times, God will teach me how to rest my nerves. I will not be afraid. I will learn how to relax. When I am relaxed, God's strength will flow into me. I will be at peace.
Prayer For The Day
I pray for that peace which passes all understanding. I pray for that peace which the world can neither give nor take away.
Hazelden
(Let it be a God or Higher Power of your own understanding)
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Yesterday, my husband travelled with Princess and Wonderboy seven hours away, in a snowstorm, with warnings to stay off the roads. Princess had some medical tests that needed to be done. We live in the boonies, everything is far away. They spent the night at a relatives and after her very successful procedure, they were on the road back home. Usually, a situation like this would have had me frozen in fear, struck with panic, certain they would all parish in a horrific car crash. Today as yesterday, I was calm and free from worry. Yes, I took care of myself, excercised, ate properly, took a long bath, read a good book. And I am noticing that this is happening more often. The promises are happening. Loved this reflection, thanks for sharing. Christine
