Protecting Sobriety Though AA members never criticize drinking customs, we do tell newcomers that it's wise to avoid situations involving alcohol. Even this is not an absolute, because we also concede that it's sometimes necessary to attend a cocktail reception or to lunch with a friend in a bar. So how do we distinguish between what's safe and what's likely to lead to trouble.
The litmus test is always to look at our own motives and spiritual guidance. A drink has no power over us unless we want to take the drink. If we are not deliberately seeking out drinking situations, our motives are probably good. If our spiritual house is in order, our Higher Power will also protect us in any situation.
Wherever we go, however, we should also make our sobriety the first priority of business. Whatever the importance of any social event, it is insignificant compared with the importance of sobriety. Keep sobriety at the top of your list, and the other decisions will follow in proper order. We should hole the additional thought that "walking in dry places" is really thinking of our selves as always being in dry places under God's guidance.
..Today I will focus on the sober world I want to enjoy and share. The world of drinking has nothing for me. I may encounter situations involving casual drinking today, but I will not be part of them in mind and spirit. I will think and walk in dry places.
-- Edited by Larry_H on Friday 23rd of April 2010 02:20:32 AM
love the post, Larry. I just came home from a dinner business meeting with a professional group I belong to. I knew there would be lots of "good" wine and liquor, so just said a special simple prayer ("God, please don't let me drink") before I got in my car to go to the dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and conversation. We were supposed to end at 9:30 p.m., but we were all so involved in the conversation, and noticed it was well past 10 and we were still enjoying each others' company. I honestly did not focus on the alcohol at all the whole evening; had my diet coke and just felt good to see some colleagues I hadn't talked to in a while. For those here who are new: We really can be restored to sanity; it just takes practicing the principles of the Program and taking it all one day at a time. Another great, sober day.
