Step by Step
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023
“I came to AA simply because there were no other doors of help open to me. In AA, I have had to be torn down and then put back together differently. No one could live such an irresponsible, immature life as I had without consequences. AA made it possible for me to face the consequences of my past actions. After I came to AA, I was divorced by my wife; I lost my practice; I was legally restrained from seeing my children; I went broke …Only AA kept me from running away.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, “They Stopped in Time,” Ch 14 (“Growing Up All Over Again”), p 420.
Today, taking up a recovery Program does not by itself excuse me from responsibility to the consequences of my drinking — nor should it. In facing consequences, my life in early recovery may become even more difficult than it was when I was drinking because recovery may require complete reconstruction of my entire being. Part of that rebuilding is responsibility for my misconduct of my drinking days. If I am in the position of accountability although I am not drinking, the purpose of my recovery program in part is to give me the tools to accept responsibility and consequences without a slip or relapse. And in taking responsibility and paying whatever amends I owe, I may be able to see myself grow into recovery by clearing away the garbage of my drinking days. If today should be one of judgment for me, I will embrace it as an opportunity to be done with the bad once and for all and move forward by accepting whatever may be my just due. And our common journey continues. Step by step. — Chris M., 2023
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