This is a simple program for complicated people. --Saying heard at meetings
Newcomer
I heard a speaker with years in recovery share that she'd always done it her own way - that she met friends at bars if she felt like it, had never had a sponsor, and sometimes went for months without a meeting. I know newcomers who've done similar things. What's the big deal?
Sponsor
Some people in recovery cling to rebellion. While they don't want to return to the horrors of active addiction, they aren't willing to surrender what they think of as individualism. They "get away with" skipping Steps and ignoring suggestions. One helps out at meetings, but keeps booze in the house. One gives advice to newcomers, but goes un-sponsored.
The program doesn't ask that we give up what truly makes each of us an individual. It offers us clear guidelines, and promises that if we follow them, we won't have to risk a relapse. The program works for us, if we work it. Testing our recovery by trying to see what we can "get away with" is like playing a game of Russian roulette.
Today, I feel safety and strength as I follow the principles of this program. I know that true individuality comes from the self-knowledge that recovery affords me.
Yup I don't entertain the idea that I could after so many years,'drink just a little" "use just a little" do step work in any order or just a little , self sponsor,etc..for me there never was "just a little" it was no using or fall down! The God of my understanding didn't extend His grace and mercy toward me to then have me take back my will and half step my relationship with my Higher Power or our " program of life" I am confident,seeking His will for me, and the spiritual principles of the program!!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Yes Larry, I can relate. When I first came into the program I ran on self- will, self- knowledge and defiance. And guess what? The result was NIL. I didn't stay sober long and was not happy when I was.
For me, I have to work the program in it's entirety to get the results(promises). In order for me to keep the results I need to take continuous action. Step- 10, 11 & 12. I don't know what part of the program I could go without and remain sober, but my lifes much to good to give up any of it.
Russian Roulette is not for me today... played that one far too long... played it in active addiction, why play it again in recovery? Aren't we supposed to change our playgrounds and playthings (games)?
I don't care about individuality anymore either, not where AA is concerned. I can be an individual as an artist, musician, and other stuff like that. In AA I want to be a PART OF a whole. I want to assimilate. That is where I am aiming now.... to feel a part of a collective in AA. It has taken me a long time to have this desire, but I am grateful for it, nonetheless. Better late, for me, than never. (If only AA was the Borg!!! LOL)
(((hugs)))
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
I couldnt count how many times I've heard "yeah I quit going to meeting and went back out there" or they started that stnkin thinkin again. That's why I go to meetings, I don't have the urge to drink but I know that stinkin thinkin is not far away which will eventually lead to a drink.
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The smallest of good deeds is greater than the best of intentions.
Anonymous
