I had a harsh reminder this morning that when an Alcoholic takes back control, their future becomes uncertain. Today, I respect my disease because I know it waits for me around every corner, and it whispers lies in my ears at every opportunity. Today I will pray for those still caught up in this shit.
Don't drink!
Alcoholics Anonymous - How it works
RARELY HAVE we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now. If you have decided that you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it - then you are ready to take certain steps.
At some of these we balked. We thought that we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not. With all earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.
Remember that we deal with alcohol - cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power - that One is God. May you find him now.
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
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"Never make someone a priority who makes you an option"
I remember the early days when this was read at the meetings and I was so caught up in my daydream of reality, that it went in one ear and out of the other. I seriously couldn't comprehend the meaning as I was so self reliant and not about following any kind of direction. Of course I was one of those "unfortunates" that just kept coming back until the Gifts of desperation and willingness were bestowed upon me by my higher power, who must have been thinking "man this guy is dense and thinks he's a genius"
Half Measures. Lets face it, this is one of the hardest things to get. Our lives were shortcuts and run-a rounds. Cleaning up the half measures really adds a lot to our lives when we can bring ourselves to that standard! Tom
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"You're in the right place. That's the door right there. Turn around."
