The aim of AA is not Sobriety but Happy Sobriety.The most effective and incidentally the soberest group, is the happiest group.It is possible that you can't speak at meetings, maybe you are not in a position to "carry the message," but you can and should show your happy sobriety in the radiance of your smile.It is our only advertisement and it should outshine in brilliance the gaudiest of neon signs. The poor guy still in the gutter isn't interested in your sobriety, he's interested in the price of another drink.He is, however, very much interested in happiness.It's what he has been looking for all of his life and thought he could buy by the "fifth."
Hey Larry yeah it says the steps lead to a spiritual awakening and this awakening is evidenced by a change in our lives.These changes make us better able to carry the message of recovery and hope for those still sick and suffering.The message however is 'MEANINGLESS" unless we Live it! As we live it(not in misery but in gratitude for God's grace,our only shot at life)our lives and actions give it more meaning than any words or literature ever could.Though my first sponsor didn't work steps with me and maybe get me involved with literature(that was my own journey),he took me from under the "bridge",brought me to meetings and showed me how by going into prisons to carry the message(service) ,instilling in me the gratitude ,happiness and ability to also hopefully reach out to next guy with a smiling heart and hopefully smiling countenance! For me,If you are "sober" and still as miserable as you were as a drunk I would think you may want to look inside your inventory and see whats "not" going on.May the happiness of my life reflect thru my eyes and on my face to the drunk still under the "bridge" so I may possibly be of some help!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
When I first started going to meetings a few years back there was this one group where they welcomed me in and the majority of the folks seemed really, genuinely happy. The meeting is a speaker/discussion so I got to hear a few share during the meeting. They talked about how they got sober and how good their lives are today. Attitude of gratitude. Being new at the time I was irritated and annoyed. That many people in one meeting that happy?? No way.... I had to go back to investigate further. Next week- same thing. What's up??
This is now my home group. Has been since AA got me. This group got me. Same thing each week. I want what they have....
