Recently I was talking with a good friend and the subject of tolerance came up. I have discovered that by embracing fully the spiritual aspects of the AA program, I have become more tolerant in so many ways. The AA program is fundamentally spiritual. The 2nd paragraph of How it Works says “If you want what we have and are willing to go to any lengths to get it, then COD.” Come on down.
My tolerance was getting very short. I wanted what you people had and was willing to go to any lengths to get it. So I glommed onto the 3rd Step voraciously. I asked questions at most AA meetings, when the chairman asked at the start of the meeting if anyone was having a problem with any part of the program or steps, my hand was up and waving. I read whatever I could get my hands on and turned as much of my life over to my Higher Power as I could at the time. And have added more regularly as I advance in age and program longevity.
When the principles of The Serenity Prayer are added, it makes me truly Happy, Joyous, and Free. I now don’t want to ever lose this feeling of tolerance. When I discover that when my choice is being happy or being right, I choose being happy. I can’t change anyone or anything but me, myself, and/or I. Opinions are everyone’s own choice and, because these opinions may not agree with mine, everyone is still entitled to their own opinion. When I turn others and their thoughts and opinions over to God, I rid my mind of them. This new freedom allows me to become or remain Happy, Joyous, and Free. My patience with life continues to grow. It can happen to you, too, if you work the program every day. God bless you!
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