Topic for the week:
Last week, Hilarie L’s share on AA’s history included Dr. Paul’s Interview, excerpted from the July 1995, issue of Grapevine. Here’s a quote from Dr. Paul’s interview:
*I got a couple of friends together and we started a “joy of sobriety” meeting. It’s a one-hour topic discussion meeting and it has to be a topic out of the Big Book and it has to be on the program and how you enjoy living the program.*
I’d like to suggest that this week’s meeting be a “joy of sobriety” meeting! We often discuss working the Program in order to continue living a sane, sober life. Sometimes that work can feel like drudgery, like with that mythological guy Sisyphus forced to roll a humongous rock uphill for all eternity (or is that just me?!) There were no rewards in store for Sisyphus, but there are huge payoffs for us when we do the work. Joy is just one of them.
Here are some of my deepest joys, courtesy of AA & working the Program:
– knowing that I know that God’s got me right where I need to be…sometimes I may not feel it, but I know it
– when I know my place, I’m right-sized…rather than thinking less of myself anymore, I think of myself less – in a good way
– learning to know when I need to make amends to re-right myself, because I own my life…I’m no longer a victim or a saint
– I accept & respect that you own your life, so my focus stays where it should, on my own business & not yours
– it’s not my job to fix or rescue everything or anyone…what a relief!
– I can respect the woman in the mirror, remembering where she was, where she is today, & where she has the potential to be tomorrow…I even like her
– my daughters know these things, too…& they love me
– I’m a living example for them of what is possible…the good, the bad, the ugly, the insane, the restored, & the hopeful
– the joy of hope…Andy, a character from The Shawshank Redemption said, “Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, & no good thing ever dies.” Turns out my hope wasn’t dead after all 🙂
What are your joys of sobriety? Please share them with us! Thank you for the opportunity to chair today’s meeting. It’s been my privilege & pleasure.
Gratefully,
Julie <3