Still here

Enigma · Senior Member

Still here

Philipld · MIP Old Timer

Forward!! :)

Mike B. · MIP Old Timer

Good to hear from you Enigma! Glad you're still sober and that's your priority. That means you still have a chance for the goodness that will come with time in The Program. If we drink or use, all bets are off.

Sometimes sobriety/life is challenging. It can be a roller coaster ride. Anyone who tells you differently, run from them. At times, the best we can do is not drink for the day. That's a huge accomplishment for people like us. What we don't realize is we're learning and growing through these painful times, even if we don't see it now. Keep on moving forward my friend! You're worth it!

Stepchild · MIP Old Timer

Enigma wrote:
Asking God to give me the willingness to take action and get on with my life. Asking him to help me surrender.

I really like how Clarence Snyder...One of the original 100 that helped write the book describes the steps Enigma. He talks about the phases that the steps were broken down into....The second phase being....Steps 2 through 7.....Surrender.

Dr. Bob was Clarence S.'s sponsor....And this is what he said about the steps.

If you think you are an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride which keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you. If you still think you are strong enough to beat the game alone, that is your affair. But if you really and truly want to quit drinking liquor for good and all, and sincerely feel that you must have some help, we know that we have an answer for you. It never fails, if you go about it with one half the zeal you have been in the habit of showing when you were getting another drink.
Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!

The Doctor's Nightmare

This is the description of the steps by Clarence....Give it a read. You want to surrender?....Give those steps all you got....And keep praying for help...You'll get it.

http://www.barefootsworld.net/aastepsinterpret.html

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

Enigma wrote:
Asking God to give me the willingness to take action and get on with my life.

This is great ... You wouldn't be asking God right now if you didn't 'believe' it wouldn't work ... good for you ... just be prepared, He might require some 'actions' you haven't even thought of yet, LOL ...

Enigma · Senior Member

Thanks stepchild that link was very useful it really breaks it down so you can understand it. I always new step 10,11&12 were there so you don't have to repeat the previous steps. IDK why some people insist on repeating 4-9. Cause if you do 10&11 daily you don't accumulate all that crap. Live and let live I guess. But that link is how I originally learnt the steps from my very first sponsor at a weekly men's meeting. Good stuff.

Stepchild · MIP Old Timer

It just goes to show you that over the years we've learned to complicate the process. I never understand when people talk about having to redo the steps either....It's nowhere in the directions. Step 12 says...

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps...They are talking about 1 through 9.

You either have one or you don't. If you haven't...I'd recommend doing them till you do.

The wreckage has been cleared...We've removed what has been blocking us....We keep it that way with steps 10, 11 and 12. Pretty simple really.

This is an important part they talk about in step 10....Page 85

Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense.

I just found someone that knew the directions to guide me.....Asked God to help me...And that was it.

-- Edited by Stepchild on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 04:09:49 PM

Enigma · Senior Member

So I went to my step meeting tonite and the did the first half of step 12. They stop just at the next paragraph that talks about permanent marriage break ups are unusual, severe emotional twists yada yada. Ya maybe back in the 40s &50s but I don't quite think is the norm now. Maybe that needs to be updated? See I've got so much time to think with this disease that centers in the mind. Lol.

Angell · Senior Member

Enigma wrote:
.... with this disease that centers in the mind. Lol.

I might argue that all disease centers in the mind...if I were inclined to argue. ;)

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

That is a very profound statement Angell ... ... ... one that requires much contemplation ...

Stepchild · MIP Old Timer

I think there are a quite a few that don't. But by know means...Do I want to debate it.

Stepchild · MIP Old Timer

Enigma wrote:
They stop just at the next paragraph that talks about permanent marriage break ups are unusual, severe emotional twists yada yada. Ya maybe back in the 40s &50s but I don't quite think is the norm now. Maybe that needs to be updated?

I don't think they have anything in the works as far as updating the Big Book goes. Just take it for granted that it was the norm in the 30s and 40s.....Today....Not. The directions still work.