Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us – sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them. – Alcoholics Anonymous p83-84
I just realized, as I sat down to write, that my original sober date was just last week and that my current sobriety date is over 15 months ago.
During my therapy this morning, and while sitting in my office later, I realized that something remarkable had happened: the promises had begun to come true for me
Last week was big time for me. I realized that some of my behaviors had been lacking in terms of doing the next right thing. I had rolled my eyes at comments I heard, made fun of people for whom I didn’t much care, and even left meetings because I didn’t want to hear a particular person share again.
I realized that some of the behaviors I learned from my fellows in early sobriety were not the best fit for me, that I was starting to think like and act like them in many unflattering ways even beyond the fellowship. I have finally discovered that I need to make changes in the way I look at the world; “I needed to concentrate not on what needed to be changed in the world but on what needed to be changed in me and my attitudes.”
Here’s the thing - as soon as the light bulb went on, I became serene and peaceful to an extent greater than I can ever remember being. Now I understand the truisms of the program. I finally understand words like, “getting out of my head” and, “a life second to none.” I can finally relate to them because the promises have, at least in part, come true for me.
I still have much work to do, but I can tell you this: it does work, it does happen. Work hard at being a better person, try not to be “that guy/gal” any longer. Accept when, where, and how you need to change. The who is you, not anybody else. Let other people worry about their problems. It’s none of your business. Keep the faith (even if it’s just a twig on a birch tree) and in time it will come to you too. I promise.
Peace out,
M
