How can I ever get true happiness if I always have to pray and do all those religious things and rituals? How can I ever enjoy snowmobiling, golfing, motorcycling, eating out, dancing, hanging out with my friends, etc.? I always drank when I did those things! Who would want to do those things with me again if I was not drinking with them. Simple answer – look around you at any AA meeting that you attend and you could pretty much pick anyone! They are not only doing it, but doing it better than before and remembering it all!
Most who have been in the Program for any time at all had the same questions and would be ready, able, and willing to do it with you. I was not only ready, able, and willing but also doing the same things and actually enjoying them much. much more. Another aspect is that I now can also remember everything and not have to go looking for my car or bike the next day. I tried many new things for the very 1st time without drinking. We traveled the U.S. for several years in a 5th wheel RV, both for business and pleasure. At the campgrounds, many evenings they had musical jam sessions and we attended and loved the music and fun that all enjoyed.
After a few years of listening I bought my 1st guitar and asked the others at the Jams for instructions. They very willingly gave lessons to me and soon I joined them singin’ and pickin’. I have even given AA open talks with my guitar, clunker notes, raspy voice and all!. I was in my 70s when I started so I don’t want to hear that it is too late. Can I play guitar today. Hardly! Can I sing? Get serious. Do I enjoy doing it still? Absolutely!
I even have a daughter who asked me not to sing Happy Birthday on one of her earlier birthdays. I just told her “no sing, no presents” and she reluctantly assented. I would sing in the shower and the kids would be outside the door begging me to stop. They finally bought me a shower songbook that I still have on my shower and that was 40 years ago.
I can say this because I am no longer afraid of something new because of what others may think. This is FREEDOM! Freedom of choice is another reward of working the program 24/7/365. You can have the very same Happiness, Joy, and Freedom as I if you really want it. I was, and still am, willing to do ANYTHING to get and keep it. I was, and still am, willing to do whatever I can to spread the word about how this remarkable new way of life for me has come about and just continues to get even better.
What about you? Have you had enough of feeling lower than a snake’s belly? If so, then COD, come on down, and grab onto this remarkable Program just like a drowning person would a life preserver. Work the Program 24/7/365 to the best of your ability. If you do, we promise you that you will very quickly begin to understand! You will actually feel the rewards that will be sure to come and flow over you with no end in sight.
Bless you, each and every one!