THE FIRST DRINK

One is to many – a thousand is not enough. And that’s the situation we find our selves in today. It’s the first drink that sets  the top spinning. An ole timer tells me that a drink will make him breakout. Not with a rash but in places where he can’t figure out how he got there. Another says hes one arms length away from that first drink. Our book tells us that we are without defense from the first drink and that we take that first drink without considering the consequences. How then, do we keep from taking that first drink. By seeking Gods help on a daily basis .

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

This morning one our members chaired a meeting on acting as if we had it – when we first get here. Sometimes that’s all we can do when we first get here. For most us our thinking and reasoning is so bad that we shouldn’t make decision for ourselves. Sometimes all we can do is just act as if we know whats going on. Some one said that acting this way is hypocrisy but is it? I think not, our book tells us that what at first seemed to be a flimsy reed has turned out to be the loving hand of God. And what a wonder – the beginning of faith.

THE GOOD LIFE

Yesterday my home group had a picnic attended by over 115 smiling, happy, sober and clean people. I heard not one harsh word spoken. Children running to and fro ,fun had by all. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings.I could only stare in amazement,imagine, if we all had been drinking. There would have been fights,puke,and the law. What a better way to live. HAPPY, JOYOUS AND FREE.

ANGER

Anger is one of our most destructive character defects. When I allow my anger to control me I can find no peace. It robs me of my serenity and causes me to think negatively. No wonder our book says that its the dubious luxury of the non-alcoholic. If allowed to fester it becomes resentment and is harder to get rid of. Why then do we become angry? I find today, when I become angry it’s usually because I didn’t get my way. Most of the time my anger stems from things I have no control over. The Master talked of turning the other cheek , and what a relief to be able to say ,what does it matter anyway.

FEAR

Fear is the most disabling character defect that we can possess. It causes us to strike out against things we have no control over. It makes procrastinate positive actions we need to take. EMMET FOX, says ,’That we can heal any condition if we can get rid of our fear.” It’ true that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. How do we control our fear- through systematic prayer. The answer lies with our belief in our higher power. Sounds to simple doesn’t it . God surely has a sense of humor when dealing with us .

RUNNING THE SHOW

Ever notice how when we try to run the show – things don’t come out the way we would want. It’s amazing how when I act on self-propulsion how things get messed up. Today I have to examine my motives , and ask myself am I being honest, selfish, or acting out of fear. I f there is any question then I probably need to talk to another alcoholic before I act.

STARTING OVER

Any time I find that I am agitated, I have the right to start my day over. Page 87 in the Big Book says,”As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.” The pause that allows us to regroup and not to react. What a blessing , living to do the next right thing!

PERSEVERANCE

Today I know that I need to maintain my spiritual condition. They told me they called it maintenance. Today when I neglect the program for a few days I start to get antsy- I always know that something isn’t right. It reminds me to call a sponsor , make a meeting ,or read something spiritual. It works -it really does .

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

Our program requires that we develop faith. Faith has been explained to me as a belief in something unseen. My faith is great today but it does me little good until I tie it to some action. My actions need to be channelled toward what needs to be fixed in me , and helping others. Today I have a responsibility to make sure I’m trying to improve myself but also in helping others.

TRUST GOD – CLEAN HOUSE

PAGE 98 BIG BOOK – Burn the idea into the consciousness of every ma that he can get well regardless of any one. The only condition is that he trust God and clean house.

All of my life I have been depending on other people to carry me along. I suppose most alcoholics do the same. Then when  people let us down we blame them, never ourselves. I truly thought it was the other persons fault. I took no responsibility for my own actions. It’s the same in sobriety, my recovery is my own, I can’t blame a wife ,a sponsor, the law, the court, my boss,or anyone. My sobriety lies in my relationship with God and cleaning up the wreckage of the past.