Many newcomers to the AA Program have a disdain for any references to religious thoughts or ideas. Thus, they shut themselves off from listening to anything related to religion. Even after being told that this is not a religious program but is a spiritual program. I wondered what is the difference? Why do I need to pay any attention? It has not worked for me in the past. How can I have faith that it will work now?
Then I started paying attention to others who were working their program. I saw many who I had known to have been as miserable and defeated as I had been. They seemingly were Happy, Joyous, and Free. Before and after meetings, they were jokin’ and smokin’ and having a great time. (I formerly had added tokin’ to this but figured I should delete this. Lol) I wanted what they had and was willing to do anything to attain some measure of that faith. One of my first pieces of advice that I remember was to believe that things were actually getting much better. Why? Because I heard, saw, and felt them getting better in myself.
I told my sponsors how I was feeling. They asked how much I really believed it. I told them just how I felt. That I truly believed that working my program and diving head first into the spiritual side of it was making me a different, newer person. I really did not feel like I was that old, sour person any more. Was beginning to understand and obtain a faith that was non existent before.
I was then told that I now could say that I knew what Faith was because I could feel, smell, touch, taste, hear the difference. Thus, I knew it to be true.
This brings us right back to the basic CBA. Conceive, Believe, Achieve. First comes the shortened 3rd Step, God Help Me!. Then I Conceive the idea that I could be a good person who was happy with myself. Then I truly and deeply Believe and have faith that I can actually fulfill this thought. Finally, I actually Achieve the serenity that I had sought for so long. It had seemed to always be just out of reach. This, then, is the birth of Faith. When I can actually demonstrate this by FEELING it, it is true. It all starts out with Fake it ‘till I Make it or acting “As If” and the good times roll and follow! Remembering Nike’s slogan – JUST DO IT! God bless you all!
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