REMOVING THREATS TO SOBRIETY . . . except when to do so would injure them or others. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59 Step Nine restores in me a feeling of belonging, not only to the human race but also to the everyday world. First, the Step makes me leave the safety of A.A., so that I may deal with non-A.A. people "out there," on their terms, not mine. It is a frightening but necessary action if I am to get back into life. Second, Step Nine...
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...
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...
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...
