Jul 14: When It Works

When It Works

It doesn’t matter how much time you’ve accrued in the program. Life can still reach up and bite you in the arse. I’ve learned this recently from personal experience. An aging and ill mother and a family of neurotic daughters have presented me with a most valuable lesson: it only works when I work it.

Since I moved from Virginia to Texas 1-1/2 years ago, I’ve been relaxing my work at the program of AA. Really backed off meetings, reading, contacting other sober people. The vast majority of my sobriety was linked to GROW – and that is the saving grace. But when the family s&^t hit the fan, I wasn’t prepared. I wasn’t on solid spiritual ground. It threw me for a very painful loop.

This is my history in AA. I work it, and things get good. When things are good, I think I can take a little vacation. Then things get bad. They can get real bad before I finally realize what I’ve done. When the pain gets bad enough, I pick up the tools again. Then, low and behold, things get better.

This week, I’ve been going to more f2f meetings. I’ve given out my phone number and picked up a few. I started working the steps again with a woman I admire greatly. I’m working it again. And I feel so much better. I’m no longer upset at the sisters. The pain is almost completely gone. Isn’t it amazing what a difference it makes when I actually do what I preach!?!

So, that’s what I’d like to hear from you wonderful women. What happens when you ‘take a vacation’ from the program of AA? And what do you do about it?