EMOTIONAL BALANCE Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, . . . TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 83 When I survey my drinking days, I recall many people whom my life touched casually, but whose days I troubled through my anger and sarcasm. These people are untraceable, and direct amends to them are not possible. The only amends I can make to those untraceable individuals, the only "changes for the better" I can offer, are...
RECONSTRUCTION Yes, there is a long period of reconstruction ahead. . . . ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83 The reconstruction of my life is the prime goal in my recovery as I avoid taking that first drink, one day at a time. The task is most successfully accomplished by working the Steps of our Fellowship. The spiritual life is not a theory; it works, but I have to live it. Step Two started me on my journey to develop a spiritual life; Step Nine...
BUILDING A NEW LIFE We feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 82 When I reflect on Step Nine, I see that physical sobriety must be enough for me. I need to remember the hopelessness I felt before I found sobriety, and how I was willing to go to any lengths for it. Physical sobriety is not enough for those around me, however, since I must see that God's gift is used to build a new life for my family and...
FINDING "A REASON TO BELIEVE" The willingness to grow is the essence of all spiritual development. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 171 A line from a song goes, ". . . and I look to find a reason to believe . . ." It reminds me that at one time I was not able to find a reason to believe that my life was all right. Even though my life had been saved by my coming to A.A., three months later I went out and drank again. Someone told me: "You don't have to...
WILLINGNESS TO GROW If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8 Sobriety fills the painful "hole in the soul" that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday...
