April 2026 – Share Editorial
Dear Reader
Camels are symbolic for AA because they can go without water (stay dry) for 24 hours (longer in fact!). For me to LEARN TO LIVE WITHOUT ALCOHOL, the revelation that I could stay sober for 24 hours at a time was a tremendous relief. After drinking daily for decades, the thought of abstaining forever was unimaginable. When I reflect on how my thoughts have changed in sobriety, I realise that learning has played a huge part in my recovery. I learnt about the illness, the physical allergy; then I learnt that a Higher Power could help me if I just got out of the way! When I reached Step Four, I was about three months sober, what an eye-opening process — I learnt a lot about myself for the first time! I wrote furiously for ten hours without a break. I was angry and hurt, I cursed and cried. But it was cathartic, and putting pen to paper showed me distinct patterns of bad behaviour, particularly in relationships. This Step has taught me to be accountable and to examine my motives honestly. I’ve often heard that all will be well if I don’t drink and behave myself! Learning to do both has brought me to a place where living without alcohol is joyous, I believe I owe much of this freedom to Step Four.
I’m grateful to Tradition Four for allowing AA groups to have some differences while being mindful not to overstep into dangerous territory. It’s wonderful to have the variety offered by our Rooms with Step and Big Book study meetings, topics and ESH groups etc. Accepting different formats in meetings I’ve visited helps me to live life on life’s terms rather than fighting and arguing that my way is right!
In September, Share will be a ‘Prison’ themed issue. The Share team would love to receive your articles about sobriety/meetings in prisons or AA prison service by the end of July please!