It has been said and I do believe that the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, was designed for those that want it.
I do not believe it was designed for those that need it, but really don't want it.
It takes what it Takes for us, to get here, but when we do finally get here, we want it, will do anything to have it, and keep it, just like it is said in the Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, we are like men that have lost their legs.
And that included the working of the 12 Steps of Recovery, that begin with just the 1st Step, "We are Powerless over Alcohol - that our lifes have become unmanagble".
For some, including myself, that Wanting it, came through a lot of Desperation, to not die of this Disease, and then I would do whatever was suggested, and the suggestion was to work the 12 Steps of Recovery, I did believe the words of others that had been where I had been, that is what was told to me, if I wanted to be lifted up and out of the Raging Disease of Alcoholism.
A very Humble and Grateful Recovering Alcoholic, in this Simple 24 hour, daily Program.
Toni
P.S. A line from a Richard Brautegan Poem, "Desperation is the only thing, that can CUT through anything". Amen, Richard!
I will never pretend to know what is like to have walked in your shoes, but one thing my "A" and I have talked about is that he and I are alot alike, we just have different addictions, mine being legal (food and him).
I am forever grateful for the 12 steps and AA. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. And even though my addiction isn't alcohol or drugs, my addiction could have killed me to.
I am so glad you found the steps, keep working them.
When I came into the program I just wanted to do the two step. Steps 1&12. Didn't work, needless to say. All I can say is that when the pain becomes unbearable there are the steps and the program as a way out of the pain. I still don't know who the hell I am! One thing though, I am learning how to be comfortable with myself! I like when I hear people at meetings say ' I'm an alcoholic and a lot of other things too.' How true it is. I thought when I got sober life would be perfect, that over time I might even be considered a saint! LOL! To a point that's where my thinking was. How things change! Have a good night/day everyone!
Thanks for your post. I am working hard at my recovery and working hard on the 12 steps. I know that if I don't work them to my best, then my chances of recovery are not as good. I am determined to have the best recovery that I can. I have been brutally honest with myself in steps 1 and 4. My wanting this program came from sheer desperation. I knew that I was fighting an illness and that I couldn't do it on my own - I had tried often enough. I love the quote "Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path." I clung to that in the very early days and started working this wonderful program. My gratitude for AA will always be with me.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
