To a degree, he has already done this when taking moral inventory, but now the time has come when he ought to redouble his efforts to see how many people he had hurt, and in what ways. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS , p. 77
As I continue to grow in sobriety, I become more aware of myself as a person of worth. In the process, I am better able to see others as persons, and with this comes the realization that these were people whom I had hurt in my drinking days. I didn't just lie, I lied about Tom. I didn't just cheat, I cheated Joe. What were seemingly impersonal acts, were really personal affronts, because it was people - people of worth - whom I had harmed. I need to do something about the people I have hurt so that I may enjoy a peaceful sobriety.
"The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We who have found this solution to our alcoholic problem, we who are properly armed with the facts about ourselves, can generally win the entire confidence of another alcoholic. We who are making the approach to new prospects have had the same difficulty they have had. We obviously know what we are talking about. Our whole deportment shouts at new prospects that we are people with a real answer." Am I a person with the real answer to the alcoholic problems of others?
Meditation For The Day
For straying from the right way there is no cure except to keep so close to the thought of God that nothing, no other interest, can seriously come between you and God. Sure of that, you can stay on God's side. Knowing the way, nothing can prevent your staying in the way and nothing can cause you to seriously stray from it. God has promised peace if you stay close to Him, but not leisure. You still have to carry on in the world. He has promised heart-rest and comfort, but not pleasure in the ordinary sense. Peace and comfort bring real inward happiness.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may keep my feet on the way. I pray that I may stay on God's side.
Hazelden
(Let it be a God or Higher Power of your own understanding)
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
After over 30 some odd years of sobriety...not in an environment condusive to meetings...aware of the worst of my character defects and shortcomings...I remember over 30 years..long before computers..when Loaners Intl was an active part of AA...You held your own meetings..with me it was aboard ship...now on my own vessel...I conduct my own meeting...opening with How it works...and closing with the prayer of St. Francis...in between is the 24 hr book ..daily reflections..something from As Bill sees it...the promises and a brief session of meditation in between. Ending with the Promises
I recognized if you want to stay sober...its necessary to practice that daily decipline..to remain spiritually fit...and maintain that desire to stay sober...I learned over time longevity can give way to apathy...The acceptance of being an alcoholic..recovered but never cured...and gratitude are the focus of many of my daily meditations
