I had become powerless over alcohol. Willpower did not work. The strong resolve in the morning not to drink became a weak mumble by the evening. I had succumbed to that first drink. I had been through this hundreds of times. I had already started looking for outside help, but none understood the problem.
AA not only understood the problem, but offered a perfect solution through the 12 steps. The results are instant if I am willing to take the steps. Bill W. Says: "These were revolutionary and drastic proposals, but the moment I fully accepted them, the effect was electric." As I understood this statement, it meant that the power was in the steps [drastic proposals].
I had entered AA on the 13th April, got sober on the 19th August 1988 and had a spiritual awakening three years later when I took the steps with my sponsor. I think three years of dryness is too much but my stubborn will, did not yield, until my reprieve was about to run out. Only then was I able to work with my sponsor on the steps.
Yeah gonee, I waited a couple years to work the steps, while attending meetings. I, however, did not remain sober for more than 2 months at a time. It was painful and the following year, that I took the steps with my new sponsor, was fairly painless. The "easier softer way" is working the AA program.
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Friday 13th of April 2012 05:35:37 AM
"Well, that's exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a power greater than yourself which will solve your problem"
"The alcoholic at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink. Except in a few rare cases, neither he nor any other human being can provide such a defense. His defense must come from a Higher Power."
WE suffered from a hopeless dilemma that was spiritual in nature therefore we applied the SPIRITUAL SOLUTION, OUR STEPS in the thoughts ,words and deeds of our lives. WE probably wouldn't join a swimming team and then not go in the water, therefore we seek a sponsor and get to work in OUR process....... The application of our Steps are what make our recovery possible.(not abstinence, though the healing begins here)))WE are never done working and applying the solution.........Thanks Gonee.......
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Thanks, Gonee. Surrendering to the fact that I was powerless over alcoholic and my life was unmanageable was a long and painful process. Like Dean, it took several years. I did attend meetings, but didn't do the work. I relapsed several times. My life stayed the same- nothing changed. I didn't take care of the Spiritual Malady I suffered. Therefore, no defense against the first drink. AA is a 12 Step Program. I realize that today, and try to carry that message to newcomers.
I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
WE are never done working and applying the solution.........Thanks Gonee.......