Daily Reprieve

From the Daily Reflections of December 13;

Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.   (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 20)

Thinking of others has never come easily to me. Even when I try to work the A.A. program, I’m prone to thinking, “How do I feel today. Am I happy, joyous and free?”

The program tells me that my thoughts must reach out to those around me: “Would that newcomer welcome someone to talk to?” “That person looks a little unhappy today, maybe I could cheer him up.” It is only when I forget my problems, and reach out to contribute something to others that I can begin to attain the serenity and God-consciousness I seek.

END OF QUOTE

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“The constant thought of others and how we may meet their needs” seems like a tall order, and a formula for co-dependent manipulation.  My attempts to help others while in a state of selfish isolation does not work. For me to think of others requires a relinquishment of habitual fear and a growing trust in my God.  I need that connection to stay sober.  Such an obsession of praying and seeking to be useful is the path to greater empowerment in my own life.

This entry was posted on January 28, 2015 at 11:57 pm and is filed under Uncategorized with tags Addiction, Alcoholism, Daily Reflections, Journal, Life, Personal, Recovery, Spirituality. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.