February 2026 – Share Editorial
Early in sobriety I heard that one definition of insanity is to repeat the same mistake over and over again expecting a different result.
Early in sobriety I heard that one definition of insanity is to repeat the same mistake over and over again expecting a different result. How true of my drinking. My plans ‘this time’ were always to control it, stop after a few drinks, wait until 8pm before starting to drink, have water in between each alcoholic drink. Be sensible. None of it worked. I was certainly willing to be restored to sanity but at the beginning, not by a Higher Power. I had doubts about ever getting through Step Two. AAs said to me, “WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE?” They had a point! I was also reminded often about “…contempt prior to investigation.” (BB p.568) Coming to believe happened gradually for me and Step meetings were enormously important in revealing a spiritual path I could tune in to. Today, I’d be lost without it.
Being a trusted servant as mentioned in Tradition Two is something I’ve had to learn over time. The in-built attitude of ‘my way or the highway’ runs deep. Practicing listening to other viewpoints in AA, especially in conscience meetings, has (I hope!) helped to smooth some sharp corners. I can add my thoughts to the mix, but when the group votes, I must gracefully accept the outcome as the expression of ultimate authority. This Tradition teaches me to take part, but to see a wider picture than the one in my eyes!
Recently, I was at a meeting where several ‘old’ copies of Share were brought along. I was keen to read an issue from 2000 to see what has changed over the years. The answer is — not a great deal! Experience, strength and hope poured from the pages, and I identified completely with one author who acknowledged her daydreams can be as dangerous as a drink. Absolutely true for me! Our stories don’t get ‘old’. If you have past copies of Share tucked away, please dust them off and take them to a meeting to benefit newer members!