Topic for the week: Challenges to sobriety
I just threw out all the drafts I’ve been working on for this lead after coming to the conclusion that I need to keep it simple, sweetie! Today’s Grapevine quote said it for me: “No matter how much continuous sobriety I have to my and AA’s credit, I am still only one drink away from a drunk, just like everybody else in these meeting rooms.” I had written paragraph after paragraph of examples of recent challenges to my sobriety, but who needs to read all that? I’m just like everybody else here – every day has challenges, some greater than others, but we all have each other and our program. I think it’s important to share those challenges, especially with fellow AA’s, but after I’d overshared about what’s going on with me health-wise and how the time of year (another year coming to a close, holidays, etc.) can affect me, I got tired of hearing myself whine (want a little cheese with that whine?). I’m glad I got it out so I could put it all in perspective, and reading through How It Works certainly helped. But without boring you further, I’d just like to express my profound gratitude for your part in my continued sobriety. I hope you realize how important you are to me and to every other AA. We’ve come a long way together – I am so grateful that you’re my companions on the journey from the first step through Step 12 and beyond. I’ve always loved how the Serenity Prayer changes from “me” at the end of Step 3 to “us” at the end of Step 12. What a blessing to belong here and be part of this program for living!
Thank you for letting me share and for the honor of chairing.
Please feel free to share your difficulties, joys or whatever might be challenging your sobriety. GROW is here for you!