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.

DESIGN FOR LIVING

It’s amazing what you can learn from a drunk in his cups. I was working with a fellow who had relapsed the other day and he said that he had heard a speaker say that if you just followed the guidelines foundon pages, 86, 87,and 89 that you life would change totally . What a way to live, not losing energy from things around me I can’t control. Try it! You’ll like it.

DAILY INVENTORY

Step 10 ask that we do a daily inventory, and when we were wrong to promptly admit it. Most of us will be doing a step 10 long before we get to this step. And that’s good because we will be   practicing the principles of the program. And what’s so strange is that we will want the freedom that comes from changing our lives.

THE ACID TEST

“Then comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?”       Page 88 12×12

October is step ten month.The month where we consider the daily inventory. Step 10- reminds us that our program is ongoing and that we are never finished with our inventory. Our book tells us that more will be revealed , and as we grow spiritually we uncover things about ourselves both good and bad. The things we identify that we don’t like will have to addressed by working the steps. It works, it really does. But don’t ask me why, because I don’t know.

PREPPARATION

We had a meeting tonight on preparation. Never had been to a meeting with preparation for a topic. The more I thought about it the more I like the idea of getting prepared to live a life of sobriety. Well just how do we get prepared? By working the steps, getting a sponsor, going to meetings, and reading the Big Book.There are many other ways we can become prepared and they will become available as we continue the journey. I will start tomorrow when I get up by getting in touch with the God of my understanding and asking him to give me the strength to not drink.