The miracle in both AA and Al-Anon is overcoming what we thought could never change – first in ourselves, and then in others. And I mean miracle in every sense of the word.
- I came into the Al-Anon program so full of resentment and fear – and anger that the word mess barely describes me. (Note anger is just one letter short of d-a-n-g-e-r)
- I had a chip the size of China on my shoulder, and a superiority complex that barely covered my insecurities.
I never believed there could be life without alcohol, and I never imagined how thorny – dysfunctional – relationships could become gratifying, even healthy.
Surprise!
It didn’t happen over night – and there was no fairy godmother waving wand and casting spells. There were, however, folks who made suggestions, who shared their Higher Power* until I began to recognize wisdom that was not my own, and guidance that never forced itself, or led me astray.
What I have learned and seen about recovery has become a practical plan for overcoming other hurdles in life. Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans. (John Lennon)
Change in all kinds of issues is possible when we exchange our weapons for tools – like giving over blaming and shaming for ‘fessing up when we mess up
When you blame others, you give up your power to change. ~Author Unknown
Because I want change today – I won’t wait for others to do what only I can do for myself. Real change means doing things differently: If you keep doing the same thing over and over, you’ll keep getting the same thing over and over.
Change still depends on willingness to change – willingness to accept others as I wish to be accepted, forgiving their debts, as I trust God to forgive mine.
- Change: If you have God in one hand and the fellowship in the other hand, you can’t get drunk today.
Thanks for reading — I’d like to hear your take on how you are changing.
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
A Footnote
* If you perceive an over-emphasis on “God” in AA, I offer a link that may keep the door open in your mind to considering the practical help AA can be for those seeking sobriety. An Atheist’s Guide to Recovery
