Dear Reader
Just a thought - if your meeting sells all its copies of Share each month, perhaps an increased subscription is required! If your group does not currently offer Share, please encourage a subscription! Share is, after all, a primary purpose tool carrying our message to so many alcoholics.
I was encouraged to take Step Three outdoors, somewhere that felt special to me. A place that I could instantly recall during any turmoil and remember that I’ve chosen to make a contract with my Higher Power: to turn my will and my life over. My own ‘willpower’ had failed to stop me drinking so I really had nothing to lose by trying a new method. In the church garden at one of my favourite meetings, I sat with my sponsor in the rain holding an umbrella while she held a candle, and we said the Step Three prayer. Of course, I said it ‘my way’ which caused a little confusion, I think the intensity of my stubbornness has reduced over time! I have now committed the Big Book version of the prayer to memory which enables me to reset anytime and anywhere. What an absolute relief it is today to trust my Higher Power with everything, including keeping me sober. I heard an acronym once which I try to rely on when doubt creeps in: Try Really Using Step Three. Life is infinitely more peaceful, balanced and enjoyable with this amazing Step in my toolkit.
During my first few weeks of recovery when my head told me I shouldn’t be in AA, it wasn’t bad enough, I hadn’t been to prison or hospital due to my drinking so I couldn’t really be an alcoholic, Tradition Three was a crucial lynchpin for me. Forming part of the Preamble at every meeting, it was a daily reminder for me that I deserve a seat in the Rooms. I have a desire to stop drinking and that’s all I need to warrant my place in AA. I must remember that it’s not my business to judge anyone else’s desire to stop drinking. Despair, desperation and brokenness are not always externally obvious but can be hidden within others, I should simply focus on being welcoming.
Finally, I hope you enjoy this edition, please do consider sending an article contribution of your own!
