The only thing that matters is that he is an alcoholic who has found a key to sobriety. These legacies of suffering and of recovery are easily passed among alcoholics, one to another. This is our gift from God, and its bestowal upon others like us is the one aim that today animates A.A.'s all around the globe.
--TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 151
When I read this paragraph, it paints a broadstroke picture of our AA way of life. Simply speaking, one alcoholic to another alcoholic shares their experience, strength, and hope, as he knows it to keep sober himself.
I'm not much of a sponsor and yet, I've managed to stay sober. I've always nurtured a fire within my heart for sobriety and Alcoholics Anonymous . Even times when I was absent from meetings (which I do not .recommend), I remained committed to sobriety, prayed rightly, shared my experience, strength, and hope with other alcoholics, and read our literature.
Admittedly, this practice is dicey as you are prone to believing your own bullcrap, slipping into complacency, and drinking. While I managed to avoid drinking, I got spiritually sick and emotionally off-the-beam.
Thankfully, I knew where to go to get my head together, AA and outside help. And, I did it. No kidding, at 9 years sober, I felt as awkward and maladjusted as a newcomer. My misery was very nearly refunded in full.
Grateful it only matters that I found a key to sobriety. God knows I'm hardly a poster child for Alcoholics Anonymous!
Tina K.
Seattle, WA
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