Many of us have yesterdays that are full of fears, grief, regrets, and remorse. Many others also have tomorrows that have us terrified or apprehensive. “Life is just so complicated.” If you had my life, you would be upset too!” To live and thrive takes some work!
“Just one drink to settle my nerves then I can go on with my day!” OK, since we are talking about yesterdays and todays, how many times did you stop with one drink? Could you guarantee that, once you had that one drink, you would then stop? I couldn’t! Why couldn’t I? Because my name is Jim and I AM an alcoholic! That is why I wouldn’t and couldn’t stop at one or even guarantee that I would.
It really is that simple! The sun rises in the east, sets in the west. If I jump into the lake I will get wet. If I take that first drink, I am not able to guarantee my actions. ALL facts!
Another fact is I can do nothing about what I did yesterday because it is OVER. I can do nothing about tomorrow because it is not here yet. The ONLY thing that I can do anything about is NOW! Since this is all true, if I concentrate on just doing the next right thing NOW, my yesterdays will have no more regrets and my tomorrows will be taken care of by my nows. RIGHT NOW will be tomorrow’s yesterdays. So, start with the shortened version of the 3rd Step, simply saying “God help me.” Then start stringing these RIGHT NOWS together and your yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows will be Happy, Joyous, and Free. You can thrive! The choice is YOURS!
Happy, Joyous, and Free does not mean that there are not struggles that arise in life. Just that you will be happy that you can make decisions that you will not regret. Joyous that you are now choosing what to do in and with your life. And free from mind-altering substances.
So, what do you choose? Do you choose to have dread, misery, and remorse or do you choose to be Happy, Joyous, and Free. The choice is yours. Choose wisely! God bless you!
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