Just for Today
Monday, June 4, 2012
"We have been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspect. But we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our eixstence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders ...(T)hose of us who have tried to shoulder the entire burden and trouble of others find we are soon overcome by them." - Alcoholics Anonyous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 9, p 132
Just for today, if in zealous service work I take on the responsibility of others' addictions and recovery, let me remember that the lifeline of AA is tossed to us by another person but it is we as individuals who must choose to grab it and hang on. And if I should be the 12th-Stepper who throws out the lifeline, let me not believe that it is not within my control to make the other person grasp it. Likewise, as the Big Book warns, let me not be tinged with cynicism or by hopelessness of the state of the world for it, like the power of alcohol, is something I cannot control. Today, if the message I carry falls on deaf ears, I will not feel like a failure and, likewise, I will not bolster my ego by claiming "success" if the message is heard. And our common journey continues. Just for today. - Chris M., 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
"We have been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspect. But we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our eixstence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders ...(T)hose of us who have tried to shoulder the entire burden and trouble of others find we are soon overcome by them." - Alcoholics Anonyous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 9, p 132
Just for today, if in zealous service work I take on the responsibility of others' addictions and recovery, let me remember that the lifeline of AA is tossed to us by another person but it is we as individuals who must choose to grab it and hang on. And if I should be the 12th-Stepper who throws out the lifeline, let me not believe that it is not within my control to make the other person grasp it. Likewise, as the Big Book warns, let me not be tinged with cynicism or by hopelessness of the state of the world for it, like the power of alcohol, is something I cannot control. Today, if the message I carry falls on deaf ears, I will not feel like a failure and, likewise, I will not bolster my ego by claiming "success" if the message is heard. And our common journey continues. Just for today. - Chris M., 2012
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