Out of
Self
From: "Trying the Twelve Steps"
It may be that
problem drinking is, indeed, as some psychological experts say, an ailment
characterized especially by egocentricity. Not all alcoholics are egotistical,
although many of us have learned to see that tendency in ourselves. Others of us
felt inferior most of the time; we felt equal or
superior to other people only when drinking.
No matter which
type we were, we realize now that we were excessively self-centered, chiefly
concerned about our feelings, our problems, other people's
reactions to us, and our own past and future. Therefore, trying to
get into communication with and to help other people
is a recovery measure for us, because it helps take us out of ourselves. Trying
to heal ourselves by helping others works, even when it is an insincere gesture.
Try it some time.
1975 AAWS, Inc.
Living Sober, page
84
*^Daily
Reflections^*
A PRAYER FOR ALL SEASONS
God grant us the serenity to
accept the things we cannot change, Courage to change the things we can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.
125
The power of this prayer is overwhelming
in that its simple beauty parallels the A.A. Fellowship. There are times when I
get stuck while reciting it, but if I examine the section which is troubling me,
I find the answer to my problem. The first time this happened I was scared, but
now I use it as a valuable tool. By accepting life as it is, I gain
serenity. By taking action, I gain courage and I thank God for the ability to
distinguish between those situations I can work on, and those I must turn
over. All that I have now is a gift from God: my life, my usefulness, my
contentment, and this program. The serenity enables me to continue walking
forward. Alcoholics Anonymous is the easier, softer
way.
Copyright 1990
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES,
INC.
*~*^As
Bill
Sees
It^*~*
Faith and Action
"Your prospect's religious education and
training may be far superior to yours. In that case, he is going to wonder
how you can add anything to what he already knows. But he will be curious to
learn why his convictions have not worked and why yours seem to work so well. He
may be an example of the truth that faith alone is insufficient. To be
vital, faith must be accompanied by self-sacrifice and unselfish,
constructive action. Admit that he probably knows more about religion than
you do, but remind him that, however deep his faith and knowledge, these
qualities could not have served him very well, or he would not be asking your
help."
<<< >>>
"Dr. Bob did not need me for his
spiritual instruction. He had already had more of that than I. What he did need,
when we first met, was the deflation at depth and the understanding that only
one drunk can give to another. What I needed was the humility of
self-forgetfulness and the kinship with another human being of my own kind."
1. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS p. 93
2. A.A. TODAY p. 10
*~*^Big
Book
Quote^*~*