Alcoholics Anonymous
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Spiritual Tooth Brushing


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 271
Date:
Spiritual Tooth Brushing
Permalink  
 


I woke up this morning feeling like crap because last night I wanted a beer so bad that I actually fantasized about walking to the store, buying one, and savoring it in the bathroom in secret. It was totally absurd and unacceptable.

I got up, started reading the literature, and spent a good amount of time writing answers to one of my 12-step questionnaires. After spending almost a solid hour immersed in the literature and 12-step contemplation, I felt a renewed sense of sincere appreciation for being sober for almost six months now. One of my "exercises" consisted of writing out every embarrassing situation I have ever been in as a result of drinking. I stopped at 20 but could have kept going.

As I mentioned in my last post, I had a hell of a week with alcoholic in-laws that really threw me for a loop. I also realized this morning that I went almost two weeks without any "program" work at all - and that was to my detriment.

I started thinking about it and came to the realization that AA program work is a lot like brushing one's teeth :D Just because you do it once... or twice... or three times... or for a week... doesn't mean your teeth are clean forever. It's a constant soul maintenance that needs to be attended to with regularity. Meetings, writing, talking to the sponsor, 12-step work, literature, etc.

This is a message I wish I could give to everyone new to the program - including myself. What's amazing is that when I first started it seemed like such a big time commitment. And yet, when I think about how many hours I wasted drinking and being hung over, the program work pales in comparison.

I know all of this is probably obvious, but if there is one thing I have learned in AA it is that sometimes messages need to be repeated over and over and over and over...

Hope you're all having a good weekend and have minty-fresh souls :P

-Adam

 



__________________

When every situation which life can offer is turned to the profit of spiritual growth, no situation can really be a bad one.-Paul Brunton

Q


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 268
Date:
Permalink  
 

Wow Adam, good news, brother! I was worried about you. Vigilance is critical indeed. I think writing out all the ways alcohol got you in trouble is a great way to practice Step One - I remember doing that myself. Nobody told me to. I just figured it would be a good idea, to hammer into myself just how powerless I was over alcohol and how unmanageable my life had become. Kudos to you man! Keep the faith.

__________________

The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour.  ---William James



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 271
Date:
Permalink  
 

Thanks! I feel rejuvenated and definitely appreciate the affirmation!

-Adam



__________________

When every situation which life can offer is turned to the profit of spiritual growth, no situation can really be a bad one.-Paul Brunton



MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 12357
Date:
Permalink  
 

Great job Adam ... Kudos for sure ...

I love your analogy using the tooth brushing example ...



__________________

'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'

jj


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 661
Date:
Permalink  
 

so glad you made the safer choice, Adam. if i got up and running with the alcohol, i don't think i would make it back to these rooms. it's death, institutions, or jail for me.... i cannot afford to take a drink and thank God i am fine with not taking a drink today. i'll keep coming back. and lets go brush our teeth.
hugs
sheila/jj


__________________
Let go 
Let God       



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 212
Date:
Permalink  
 

The Spiritual Tooth Brushing analogy is unique and awesome!! I will definitely use that comparison in my head as to the one day at a time nature of my program!!
Keep up the routine, miracles will happen.

__________________
There but for the grace of God go I.


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 66
Date:
Permalink  
 

sober is awesome, drunk very bad, pray and keep coming back



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.