Discipline, Practice, and Resting on our Laurels
“We alcoholics are undisciplined. So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined (step 10).” – Pg. 88 BB
Discipline:
~Merriam-Webster
Eeeek! Discipline! Who wants that?
I do actually. When I was new to the program, the suggestion that I go to 90 meetings in 90 days seemed outrageous. I didn’t do anything every day except blink and go to the bathroom. Some days I didn’t sleep, eat, shower, tend to personal hygiene. I just did what I wanted when I wanted and didn’t do anything I didn’t want to do unless I absolutely had to. I did do my 90 meetings in 90 days because after talking with my sponsor, I realized I had to try her suggestions to stay sober or face the consequences.
Now some time has passed, I’ll have 7 years in 9 days. Life is bigger and more beautiful than I have ever dreamed. I have much more discipline than I used to, but still have much room to grow. I still struggle to pray and meditate everyday. I struggle with regular meeting attendance. I do my 10th step most nights, but not every night.
I find it easy to work my program hard when life is hard and painful, but when life is easy and sweet… my discipline diminishes.
How do you stay disciplined in your recovery? What do you actually do every day for your recovery? Do you really honestly do it every day? How do you do that?
If you have relapsed, how did resting on your laurels and being undisciplined contribute to that?
Give me your experience strength and hope ladies!