Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Priveleged to Communicate

"Everyone must agree that we A.A.'s are unbelievably fortunate people; fortunate that we have suffered so much; fortunate that we can know, understand, and love each other so suprememly well.

These attributes and virtues are scarecely of the earned variety. Indeed, most of us are well aware that these are rare gifts which have their true origin in our kinship born of a common suffereing and a common deliverance by the grace of God.

Thereby we are privileged to communicate with each other to a degree and in a manner not very often surpassed among our nonalcoholic friends in the world around us." - As Bill Sees It, p. 231

I am really struggling. Having been sober for a little while (21 years, 8 months, 11 days - thank you God) I have experienced these times before. The good thing about this accumulated experience is that I know I will be OK. Really, all I have to do is put one foot in front of the other, do the next right thing, don't pick up a drink, do pick up the phone, do pray everyday, try to turn my thoughts to others, and have faith that this will pass and that after it does I will have this experience to share with my wonderful fellows in Alcoholics Anonymous.

9 comments:

dAAve said...

Of course, I hate that you're struggling. Use these feelings to help someone, to be the example that they need. To show them that no matter what, we don't have to drink through the hard times.
That This Too Shall Pass.

(but you already know that, eh?)

Unknown said...

Sorry, that you too are in a funk. Seems like there is some collective funk goin' 'round. BUt you know what to do and all will be well again.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you're feeling blue. Just remember that you're not alone. We're all in this together.

Tennessee Santa said...

I am with DAAve sharing with others that this is a bad time is great no matter how long we have been sober it helps others to know that we can stay sober no matter what goes on in our lives. WE just have to be careful of the little things.
FAEA

Rex said...

You're absolutley right. Thanks for the reminder that this will pass and all I have to do today is not drink and do the next right thing.

Gooey Munster said...

I am so grateful that this glorius thing called Alcoholics Anonymous exist. We are so fortunate to live in a time where there is a solution and plan of action to save our lives when life shows up.

I am glad that you are putting this out there. It is not trapped in your head, giving it less power. Thank you!

Scott M. Frey said...

Even when life is a struggle (which certain aspects of mine certainly are these days) its soooo comforting to have that faith, that knowledge in your heart of hearts, that even though the junk is piling up, the heat lamps are on high, the wall in front of you isn't moving... everything is going to be ok. Now, we don't know what ok is, or when it will be ok, but we know from experience that our HP is right here, as long as we maintain that channel, keep the lines open, just what you said you're doing. So, hang in there, this too shall pass, and thanks for inspiring me to do the same.

Struggling isn't required (so my dad says) but it happens, and I will pray for God's will for you, and give a prayer of thanks to Him for putting you in my life. Stay grateful!

Trudging said...

I would be out of my mind if my son was in Iraq. Of course he is seven but, with the way this war is going he will probably have his chance. You are a real example to me.

Shannon said...

I love it too that you can be honest... I remember for a long long time, I thought when i was 6+ yrs sober and to about 10 yrs I was supposed to be past funks, and past resentments, jealousy, fear, envy pride ect, because the old timers I was around never really shared that part, thy were always (seemingly) peaceful and humble ect, it wasnt until my sponsor had a really hard time, did I learn by her sharing it, that we still go through shit, we still trudge, and because of that, it helps me today at 12 yrs 11 (to the day : ) thank you GOD, ) be honest with myself, because if not... then I know I am in trouble... thanks for your honesty... and you are in my prayers, and keep doing what you are doing... I am grateful to you!
hugs!!!