I have been in and working this remarkable program of AA for many 24 hours’ now. Then, Since entering and working my program in AA, I have rejoiced, cried, loved, fought, been proper, been politically incorrect, laughed with and at, held hands both physically and emotionally, been loved, repulsed, seen people close to me transition, had cancer, had close ones with cancer, called great names, called a liar, left a marriage that was more a 16 year divorce that was just waiting to happen, remarried and then now am enjoying a family situation that I never, even in my childhood, believed was even thinkable for me. Successfully sponsored a few and unsuccessfully sponsored many more. Then the education began.
I came into this amazing program kicking and screaming and believe that there may be a few out there that can gain something from the knowledge that I have received from you folks and others before you. There have been super highs and super lows and I do not volunteer much until asked. If asked, I don’t sugar coat anything. I tell it just like I see it. If one doesn’t want to get my honest opinion, they shouldn’t ask. If asked, and I see that this may cause a problem, I usually will warn by asking if they really want to hear what I think.
Now, with all this, here is my answer to today’s topic about what do I do now with all this information about my spirituality. After sharing your knowledge with me, I totally enjoy being Happy, Joyous, and Free. My studies of the Spiritual Program of AA have taken many of the doubts and questions about my life and life around me. A huge part of this is that I now absolutely know that I am powerless over alcohol. (Step 1) There is a Higher Power in my life. Step 2) I choose to call It God who is giving me loving guidance in all of my affairs. I(Step 3)
All I must do to obtain this knowledge is to watch and listen all around me to see the miracles that are taking place. Then believing that they are mine also if I only ask for them. And then I believe in the results. Many ask, some quite snidely, how I can be happy with some of the situations such as physical or emotional pain that come into my life and the lives of others around me. My answer is I have had pain, both physical and emotional. Suffered loss of loved ones. Thus, since this fabulous program introduced me to spirituality, I have not ever had to pick up a drink, drug, or other mind altering substance. Hence, being able to do the next right thing, even if it was only to get out of the way.
I can feel and AM Happy, Joyous, and Free because my God didn’t make any junk. I don’t take ownership of the things that I can not change. You’re shared knowledge showed me that God made me in his image. His image is perfect, so any changes in this is of my own doing. What do you really want? Have you had enough pain and suffering? If you have then the answer is simple – don’t drink, continue attending meetings, and do only the next right thing. When faced with a decision, use the shortened version of the 3rd Step. Just say “God help me” and get out of His way. Easy? Not always. Simple? Couldn’t be simpler.
Looking for more knowledge? More can be found on our other pages. We have an AA Zoom meeting, blogs, and a podcast. Also our Facebook page. They are updated regularly. We hope that you will join us on these sites. And please comment so that we can share with each other our experiences, strengths, and hopes. The Zoom meeting is every Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM EST. Meeting ID is 6035280704. Password 399778. To locate the blogs and Facebook pages, simply search @Spiritualityandrecovery. For the podcast, search Spotify.com for Spiritualityandrecovery. On iPhone say “Hey Siri, Play the podcast Spiritualityandrecovery” or say “Hey, Google. Play the Jim Boylan podcast.”
