We Are Not a Glum Lot
Good Sunday afternoon GROW Sisters! I am very grateful for the opportunity to be of service today as our topic chair! Thank you so much for the many birthday wishes as I celebrated my 2 year sober birthday last week!!
This week’s topic comes from the “Family Afterward” section of the BB, and with us in the thick of the holiday season, I thought it an appropriate topic. The BB states:
“We have been speaking to you of serious, sometimes tragic things. We have been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspect. But we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world’s troubles on our shoulders…
So we think cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness. Outsiders are sometimes shocked when we burst into merriment over a seemingly tragic experience out of the past. But why shouldn’t we laugh? We have recovered, and have been given the power to help others.”
I love this because it reminds me that in sobriety, I can still be joyous, happy and free. My days as a drunk often ended with me being bitchy and I lived a very cynical life. EVERYTHING bothered me- molehills were mountains at every turn. But in sobriety, I’ve learned to pause and accept life on life’s terms. To be honest, this doesn’t just happen, I have to put in the work, have a good Program, communicate my feelings, and talk to my sponsor and other alcoholics to get out of my own brain. I don’t have to see doom and gloom at every turn, I can laugh and find joy in the smallest areas.
With the holidays, I have to stay in touch with my Higher Power, not give in to the stress and take care of myself. I waited until the last minute to go Christmas shopping, so why am I mad at the traffic??!! A little self-talk goes a long way. I can change my “stinking thinking.”
So, my sober sisters, I would love for you to share how you’re going to find joy in this season that can be stressful enough to make folks drink. How will you handle the life without being irritable, restless and discontent?
If something else is on your mind, please share that, too. Thank you for allowing me to chair; the floor is now open to you.