The AA book pg 64 speaks about "the things in ourselves which had been blocking us." When I got sober I was not totally convinced that I was an alcoholic. I dare not tell anybody in AA. So I toddled along with the flow of things for about 3 years. I would not call my life manageable, but I was sober. At least I could drive about without fear of being jailed for drunk driving. The AA meetings provided a panacea for restlessness, irritation and discontentment. It also kept me sober. There was still a blockage. I desperately wanted to be happy sober and I feared a relapse more than anything else. I still cannot fathom how my new sponsor picked up my imminent relapse. He said to me that I was going to get drunk if I did not remove these blockages. I was forced to do a 4th step inventory. I started with micro steps and despite myself I got better. The thing about these steps is I cannot experience the life which it promises if I do not take the action necessary. Today I find it easy to take inventory and repair myself or to keep in fit spiritual condition. Just like physical exercise is good for my body and mind, spiritual exercise through the 12 steps of AA keep me in fit spiritual condition.
Thank you Gonee! That was my experience also. Fear would only keep me sober for a short time. Then, like the BB states, I couldn't bring to mind with sufficient force the memory that drinking caused me the last month, week or day. It just wasn't there. The steps removed the things which blocked me from a relationship with myself, others and God. A Spritual Awakening is the greatest gift someone can receive IMO. The Steps brought me to God who keeps me sober today.
