Growing In Sobriety
I HAVE been sober a little while and at times I need to have my Programme refreshed. The greatest way to do this for me is through Step work with a sponsee. Last night me and another recovering alcoholic got together by video call and read Step Ten in the Big Book and then in the 12&12. And funnily enough, it was exactly what I needed to hear. It usually is when I do any AA reading, meeting or talk with another AA. God works through us.
What I refreshed is my inventory taking. One of my core defects is low self-worth. It’s easy for me to look at where I have gone wrong. What I don't do is look at my assets or what I do well, so mine and my sponsee's homework is to write a list of our assets. I love that I don’t need to only share instructions with others but I can also do them myself!
I realised yesterday I had acted rashly at work and had the reminder that, “Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen.” (12&12 p.93). This is what I love about this Programme, our spiritual practices can be refreshed at any time, I never stagnate and I keep learning. For me Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve aren't the maintenance Steps, they are the growing Steps.
ALI, Whitley Bay