I used to focus on trivial things in AA, usually stuff that had no direct bearing on my recovery from alcoholism. I thought I had done the steps by attending AA step meetings and acting like I knew all. I remained like that for 3 years in AA, until my very good sponsor got hold of me.
He told me one day: "You are going to get roaring drunk one of these days." I was indignant. He knew. But being a good sponsor he did not leave it there. Despite my arrogance he convinced me to work the steps thoroughly. That man saved my life. I have never had a thought for a drink. His simple way to tell me was, pass it on.
I can relate, I use to want to discuss all my "issues" with my sponsor, and one day he said, "my god John, you got more issues than Time magazine ever published!! They arn't going to go away, until YOU go away! Work the damn steps, experience the change they will bring about, or you are going to end up drunk, just because you kept trying to live with yourself as you are now!
I began working the steps, one at a time, in the order they are written, with my sponsor... and issue creating, crazy making John, got on the bus and left town.
I am so glad I don't have to live with him under my skin any more.
Keep in mind SoberSteve, ...as you said, once we've worked the steps, we make them a part of our daily lives ... we practice the principles over and over and over until they have imbedded themselves in our very consciousness, and then progress with repeating them every day, until ultimately they live in our sub-conscious so that relapse may never be of any concern ... for by that time, we will have developed an 'automatic' response to any situation by intuitively acting in the right way ... (alcohol will be like a hot flame for us)
You see, once you allow yourself to be consumed by the very principles that allowed your recovery, you will have become complete ... seeing all things from the eyes of God ... you will have succeeded in giving over the 'steering wheel' of your life to God, and peace and serenity will be yours ... I am inspired by your enthusiasum ... Keep the torch lit ...
God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
They arn't going to go away, until YOU go away! Work the damn steps, experience the change they will bring about, or you are going to end up drunk, just because you kept trying to live with yourself as you are now!