Nov 17: The ABCs

The ABCs

I have been reflecting a lot this week as I usually do prior to my anniversary. It is hard for me to believe that 34 years ago last night I took my last drink until this moment and hopefully for the rest of the moments of my life. I must admit I have been wracking my brain to think up an *inspirational* topic that would knock your socks off.

Then the words that were spoken to me in my first few weeks came into my mind and would not leave. I was not yet into working the steps, really had no concept of what they meant at that point but one of our old timers said to repeat the ABC’s every day in a condensed form:

(a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.
My version: I am an alcoholic and cannot manage my life.

(b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.
My version: Nobody else in my life has managed to get me sober.

(c) That God could and would if He were sought.
My version: Maybe I should try their God.

Further condensed is: I can’t, He can, I think I’ll let him.

I didn’t realize at the time that by doing this all the time I was actually doing the first three steps of the program. I still use this every day when things come up that I have issues dealing with. Mostly medical stuff these days. I am too old and decrepit to get into too much trouble.

I would be interested in learning if the ABC’s have special meaning in your life or if not what in the literature has been a mainstay for you and your sobriety. I look forward to your shares as we share this well travelled path to freedom from booze.