“We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning.” – Alcoholics Anonymous, p.19
Wow. Congratulations. So we finally got sober. Now what?
Achieving physical sobriety is about .05% of the total work required to become recovered.
“We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.” (Ibid.)
Are we going to remove our character defects?
Are we going to exorcise the demons of selfishness, fear, dishonesty and fraudulence?
Are we going to grow, change, and evolve spiritually?
Are we going to give back to all those we have stolen from, spit on, and taken advantage of?
Are we going to pick up the pieces of the broken hearts we left behind?
Are we going to change the way we conduct ourselves?
Are we going to stop taking credit for our recovery and the blessings in our lives?
Are we going to show some gratitude and get our heads out of the pity pot?
Are we going to become adults and realize we’re not the only ones who suffer?
Are we going to stop blaming anyone and anything for what we’ve become?
Are we going to take responsibility for our illness and the damage it has caused?
Are we going to be accountable for our words, thoughts and actions for the rest of our lives?
Are we going to live with some humility and forgo the arrogance?
Are we going to bow before God?
If so, then we are well on our way to becoming fully recovered and having an incredible life filled with miracles.
If not, then we will continue to hurt others, suffer greatly, eventually relapse, and ultimately meet a very bitter end.
Two parting thoughts: 1) Without honesty, we soon go insane, addict or not. 2) The #1 reason I took Steps and recovered, besides the fact that actively drinking or using once we’ve lost control is an abomination, is that I was sick of being a coward.
God, please help every addict in the world find their way to the Steps and to You…
This is a fantastic post. With your direction and the grace of God, my son appears on his way to getting centered. Thank you for putting yourself out there for the rest of us to be inspired.