Topic for the week: Program of action
I’ve not participated in this group at all for several weeks, and in fact I’ve not participated much in several months. I read your shares and get a lot out of them, but I haven’t been thanking people individually and haven’t contributed a share myself. I can hide behind a number of excuses but if I’m honest with myself, I just haven’t wanted to make the effort.
However, I’m reminded that this is a program of action. The word ‘action’ is found throughout the Big Book and 12 & 12; it’s a vital part of the AA program. I can think about AA all I want, but if I don’t take some action, e.g., writing, speaking, doing, then I’m not really working and living (taking action!) the program.
So, in my effort to live and work the program a bit better – progress, not perfection – I took part in a holiday craft night the other evening at my school (I teach third grade). I intended to stay only 30-40 minutes, but after arriving I was asked if I’d manage one of the craft tables, i.e, take tickets, show people how to make the craft, etc., and although I didn’t particularly want to do this, I said okay because I knew they were short-handed and I had no plans. It turned out to be a lot of fun, and I especially enjoyed seeing parents and their children making the craft alongside one another. To me, taking part in this event is working the program; showing up and living the AA principles of service, willingness, patience (especially when it involves the kids using glue!), and being ‘part of ‘ rather than isolating, which I love to do.
Another action I took the other day was to make face-to-face amends to a former sponsor. The incident for which I wanted to make amends took place in 2001, while I was living in Kuwait and my sponsor was in Miami, FL, but for various reasons it wasn’t until the other day that I made direct amends to her. It was a relief to make that amends, as I’ve found all amends to be, and we had a lovely afternoon together catching up on each other’s lives, talking about the program, and just enjoying the day and each other’s company.
Additional action is this – leading the Sunday meeting. It takes some effort for me to get out of my introverted shell and join in…I like the easier, softer way sometimes. But even though that’s the case, I’m well-aware I wouldn’t be alive if I hadn’t accepted the fact that I’m an alcoholic and that I need the AA program to not only live, but to live a life worth living; a life I can be proud of by helping others, making amends when needed, contributing whatever talents I have, and showing my gratitude through my actions. To me, that’s a good life, and it’s all about taking action.
Having said that, being “on the go” all the time isn’t what is expected of us when working our program. In fact, we’re reminded to avoid being hungry, angry, lonely, and tired (HALT), and to find balance between work and play, commitments and relaxation, family and alone time, and so on. It’s possible to work the AA program of action while also pursuing balance in our lives, although I’m not sure I’ve found that balance. But again, it’s progress, not perfection.
As for the future, I’ll be attending the International AA Convention in Vancouver, BC in July and really looking forward to it! I’ve been to a few conventions before but never an international one, so it’s quite exciting. I love the vibe at conventions, and love seeing so many sober people in one place…it’s inspiring, reassuring, and replenishes my AA “insurance”…all of us taking action to maintain our sobriety, stay “on the beam”, and give back what we’ve been so freely given.
For this week’s meeting, please share on ways you take action that reflect your desire to live and work the program.