Dear Reader
And so another year dawns, full of the wonderful acceptance we can find within our amazing Programme of recovery. By admitting the first part of Step One and throwing in the towel regarding alcohol, I was then able to see that no matter how dark and bleak my life felt – there was always light, always hope. Life became bearable and then, with the acceptance that my life was unmanageable on my own – in other words, total surrender – I could start to reconnect with my Higher Power, with myself and with others. I also totally accepted that I have to do the work to continue growing in this spiritual Programme on a daily basis but that I’m not alone. Being able to ask for support, whether from my Higher Power or others, is not my natural inclination but today I understand that accepting my powerlessness and unmanageability over life gives me the strength to look at life on life’s terms. Today, whatever life throws up I can meet with serenity and hope – most of the time. My gratitude for now understanding that I’m a work in progress, doing the best I can on a daily basis, is immense.
I find the Traditions checklist a wonderful tool for self-examination. As I reflect on Tradition One, it is so much more than our common welfare and AA unity. By reading through the checklist, I can check in on my own behaviours and see where I can make improvements. It’s not a tool to beat myself up with but a gentle way to ensure self-awareness and continuing spiritual growth. As I continue on this spiritual path so too does my ability to remain aware that it’s not all about what I want but what is best for AA as a whole and to see where I can be of service.
In this January edition, the remaining Prison articles have been published. They are an inspiration of light and hope, in extremely challenging life situations. Please take the time to think about the Prison Postal Service and if you feel this is a service for you – then contact Steve, the details are in the flyers.
Don’t forget, January Share magazine can be very useful to give to newcomers throughout the year – why not ask your group or intergroup to consider investing in copies to give away.
As a reader of Share, please continue to raise awareness of our wonderful meeting between meetings in your group, intergroup and Region – and continue to encourage Fellows (and yourself?) to write articles. Have you thought about a Gratitude article for the June edition?
We look forward to hearing from you.
