Oct. 24, 2012 - Just for Today

Just for Today
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012

"The alcoholic may say to himself in the most casual way, 'It won't burn me this time, so here's how!' Or perhaps he doesn't think at all. How often have some of us begun to drink in this nonchalant way, and after the third or fourth, pounded on the bar and said to ourselves, 'For God's sake, how did I ever get started again?' Only to have that thought supplanted by, 'Well, I'll stop with the sixth drink.' Or, 'What's the use anyhow?'" - Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 2 ("There Is a Solution"), p 24.

Just for today: what's the use anyhow? Most likely, there isn't any use if I cave into the myth that "just one" won't hurt. "Just one" triggers the craving that lead to "just two," then "just six" and, in the end, "What's the use anyhow?" So much for "just one." It's the one that sets off the craving, temptation or thirst for the "just two" or "just six." How, then, not to feed a craving, temptation or thirst? Simple! Don't drink the first one, and the Program has endowed us with the tools to steer clear of the mythical "just one." All we need to do is to pick up the tools and put them into action. Today, we have the power and choice to prevent that horrible conclusion of our drinking days: what's the use anyhow. And our common journey continues. Just for today. - Chris M., 2012