A Program Of Action!

I learned in recovery that alcohol and drugs are not my problem. The problem is my thinking. Though that concept seemed strange to me in the beginning, I know how true that it is today. If alcohol and drugs were my problem, then detox would have fixed me, right? But it didn't. Neither did jail, or treatment, or any of the other things which separated me physically from those substances for brief periods of time.

So now I know that the problem is my mind, but what is the solution? My friend Bill J. often says "I can't think myself into better thinking, I have to act myself into better thinking". I believe that he is correct, but what action is required to effect this necessary change in thinking?

The book Alcoholics Anonymous describes the results of working the steps in three distinctly different, yet synonymous terms; spiritual awakening, spiritual experience, and psychic change. Psychic change literally means a change in thinking, and it has been my experience that working the 12 steps and incorporating them into my daily life has done just that.

My perception is not the same as it was before I worked the steps. Following up the decision that I made to try a new way of life in the third step, with the "vigorous course of action" as it is outlined in our book, has not only helped me build a relationship with a God of my understanding, it has profoundly changed the way I view the world and all who are in it.

The result of this change in thinking has been nothing less than miraculous: I haven't found it necessary to pick up a drink or a drug no matter what life has put before me!

Gratitude in Action

When I think about what I do daily for my recovery, I think about gratitude. To me gratitude is an action word, and is something I do for my recovery daily. The whole concept behind 12 step recovery is doing for others. This to me is the most crucial step, and one we must do daily. I think when we lose sight of this, and our lives get too busy for recovery, we are being selfish. I am never too busy to carry the message. If I ever am, then the reality of this is that the relapse has already begun.

Carrying step 12 to the best of my ability every day is vital; from opening a door for the old lady at the store, or taking the cart back in the grocery store parking lot. I think back on my day during my nightly recap every evening, and I can say that the most peace comes from doing for others.

My sponsor suggested long ago after I took my 4th step, that now the work begins and this is when you must stop being so selfish, and carry the message of 12 step recovery. I am constantly reminded every day when things get chaotic and I take my will back and then the phone rings from a member of the program that I am not in charge and my sole purpose is to help others. it never fails how my HP shows up and shows off in my life and keeps me doing step 12 daily. We are not here for us, we are here for others. If we lose that, we lose ourselves and anything we love dearly first!

For me and only me I must never lose sight of the sick and suffering, and I must remain in the trenches with my fellows in and out of recovery and share the message of hope and do step 12 every day! Make it a great day everyone and DO WORK!

Faith Without Works Is Dead!

I have always had faith, and used to tell my sponsor "I believe, I believe lets move on."  But the reason for the question countless times was very simple.  He pointed out times where my lack of faith and using only words, showed that I was actually faithless in times of struggle or stress.  My delusional thoughts were "I can manage this one on my own", and "I will show everyone".  The reality always is the same; I manage to screw it up at the most inappropriate times.

I learned, and I am still learning everyday.  A faith in a Higher Power and a trust for that Higher Power is where my peace today comes from.  Its easy to say one has faith, but words have no meaning unless action is taken.  One cannot say "I have faith that I will stay sober and my Higher Power will work and help me stay sober."  This statement is true if you are taking the suggestions of the program, and living with principles with integrity.  Simply saying, is not working a program.  Having faith and doing the work is.

The changes which have taken place in my life, are all because I have faith and do the continuous work that this program suggests.  My faith becomes stronger with each day as I ask for the guidance to carry out the will of my Higher Power.  When I do these simple things everyday, my faith grows as does my life. Simply saying I have faith I will stay sober and get the job that I want is not enough.  One must DO WORK for their dreams to come true.

Constant contact and daily attempts at meditation are what keeps my faith strong as the miracles continue in my life.  Good and bad still remain, what I do with them, and who I help are what keeps this statement true for me today:  FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

I don't want to be dead inside, so I do the work to live each day as it is my last, and pass on what was so freely given to me.  A belief in something greater than myself that could, and has restored me to sanity!