During my share at tonight's meeting, in response to an 'anger' topic, I shared that I had accumulated enough tools that I could deal with about anything today that would have sent me into orbit a long time ago ... that when we commit ourselves to this program, we learn how to deal with life, that the past used to baffle and confuse us ...
In a subsequent share, an old timer suggested that it would be a good idea to sit down and write out a list of what we have in our own personal 'tool box' ... an inventory of sorts ...
In the 'meeting' after THE meeting, we got together and talked on this further ... and we both agreed that we should give this exercise to our sponsees, after we both did it first ...
So ... ... ... I propose a task for those of you who know what I'm talking about ... make a list of the spiritual tools you use and/or have in your own tool kits ... this may be a good opportunity to show others just how we use the program in our own daily lives ... ??? ... for those of you that have little or no idea what I'm talking about, I'll remind you of a couple passages from the BB:
There is a solution. Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we saw that it really worked in others, and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility of life as we had been living it. When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at out feet. We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.
---AND ---
Sometimes a new man is anxious to proceed at once, and you may be tempted to let him do so. This is sometimes a mistake. If he has trouble later, he is likely to say you rushed him. You will be most successful with alcoholics if you do not exhibit any passion for crusade or reform. Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop; simply lay out the kit of spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you. Offer him friendship and fellowship. Tell him that if he wants to get well you will do anything to help.
This guy asked me for some of the tools I have and use ... so I told him a few but I said if I really sit down and write them all out, I'm pretty sure I'll need a bigger box ... LOL ... Here's a few I started with:
1. A tool I almost think I'll wear out --- 'The Serenity Prayer'
2. I begin each day with a prayer on bended knee
3. I take a daily inventory to see if an amends is needed and to see if I have an area where I can improve if I'm granted a tomorrow
4. I read something AA related every day
5. I have a short period of meditation each day
6. I go to meetings regularly
7. I pray before going to bed each evening
I think ya'll see where this is going and there are many, many more ... and I don't want to hog the thread from the start ... I look forward to getting a few more from you guys ... sometimes I found that I carry tools that I have forgotten about and I think this will be a good chance to remind me of the tools I have in my box ... and if we're lucky ??? ... maybe some of the newer folks can pick up a few of our tools to use for themselves ... Whatta ya think ???
Love you guys and God Bless,
Pappy
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Nice thread! Although I'm 'one of the newer folks' I figured I would add a few of my own tools, anyway... And hope to pick up a few new tools! I like to see that all of your tools listed are those i use myself. I also find that keeping a journal is very helpful- both to see in black and white how I've grown and to simply vent. It helps me to pinpoint areas that need more attention, as well. I try to keep in contact with other alcoholics outside of meetings on a daily basis. Whether by phone call or text, it helps to keep in contact with a network of women in recovery throughout the day. I also peek into MIP every night after work ( I work late nights) as a means of staying connected.
Everything i use in my recovery is spiritual tool.
Everyday inventory and doing 10th step and 4th step. Every evening i wrote to my sponsor and describe my day and the situations.
Prayers,meditations,inventory, AA Literature, and the tools are used almost for spiritual growth. Because i know that i need it to stay sober. Rule 62 is important for me too, trying to help others (but i most help myself this way), slogans - repeating them, think of them i use them for meditation too.
But one of the most important tools is the fear. Because only when i have fear i can see where am i in the picture and to see that I placed myself in the centre again and God Is somewhere else, but i am not with Him. I use fear to check where i am.
I begin my day with prayer, gratitude list, walk and after that i can start my day. Almost everyday meetings, talking with other alcoholics, and everyday make 4th step by 10th. And when i do this, i do 1st 2nd,3th,4th,5th,7th,8th,10th,11th and twelve. And when i make this i can say that i am calm and i have beautiful day.
Welcome to the MIP board 'myownhell', ... ... ... glad you're here and thanks for a great share here on this thread ... I can see that you're going to be a great addition to the group here ... glad you found us ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I read here from a long time (well a few months, but in early recovery few months are long, long time. And precious of course).
I am learning to walk. I am learning to live. This program is amazing adventure. And everyday things are getting better in me, no matter the outside things.
And this is it. The change in me. And how I am using these tools. :):)
-------- When I made an account here, I still was in *the dark side* and this nick - myownhell - now it seems to me creepy, but i dont know how to change it.
I read here from a long time (well a few months, but in early recovery few months are long, long time. And precious of course). I am learning to walk. I am learning to live. This program is amazing adventure. And everyday things are getting better in me, no matter the outside things.
And this is it. The change in me. And how I am using these tools. :):)
-------- When I made an account here, I still was in *the dark side* and this nick - myownhell - now it seems to me creepy, but i dont know how to change it.
Hi myownhell, ... I think the only way to change your 'screen-name' is to PM (Private Message) one of the moderators and have them delete your current account and then re-sign-up ??? ... I'm not sure ... go to 'User Details' at the top right, then to 'New Message' and send your request for info to StPeteDean or John, Or PinkChip, or Rob84 ... they'll fix you up if you really want it changed ...
And thanks everybody for participating in this thread ... Love ya'll ...
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
EXCELLENT thread, Pappy...I hope it continues. Reading these posts makes me realize just how many tools are and can be in the toolbox. (Literally overwhelms me with gratitude of having a relationship with God and realizing this began and is nurtured by AA.) Its so good to be sober.
I plan to throw this out as a topic in a f2f meeting and see if we can add any more to the list!
![[image]](http://s182.photobucket.com/user/deadlydaring/media/1a1a1a1a_zpsada083b0.jpg.html "[image]")