Dear Reader
I don’t recall anyone saying, “DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR and stop drinking” following any disastrous drinking episodes, but I think it’s exactly what my sister meant when she said it was time I went to my first AA meeting! I wouldn’t have viewed it as a favour to myself at the time, I thought my life was over when contemplating total abstinence. However, coming to AA has turned out to be the kindest, most helpful action for self-care that I’ve ever taken.
Step Seven has been crucial in my journey of change. The daily practice of truly asking my Higher Power for help with my many shortcomings has led to what I can only describe as a metamorphosis. Having already experienced much more stability and peace by the time I reached this Step, keeping hold of it was (and still is) a priority. The Step Seven prayer (BB p.76) reminds me that so many of my defects lead me to becoming useless – to myself and others. I’ve so enjoyed reading the analogies in Fellows’ Step Seven articles this month, they are evidence that it’s worth doing yourself a favour!
Some good lessons have been learned in AA history leading to the certainty that AA’s Tradition Seven must be protected. I remember my home group once declining a credit from the bank after a mishap on their part. Had we accepted it, it would have been an outside contribution skewing the finances and our self-supporting status. This Tradition reminds me of the importance of demonstrating responsibility in this regard, when a group of people show that collectively they are self-supporting, real change has taken place!
We are now in the second half of 2026, and it really won’t be long until December! I’d love to make this year’s issue very ‘Christmassy’, so please write to Share with your festive sober stories. Twinkly Christmas photos would also be most welcome!