Dear Reader
Let’s be brutally honest here! When I came into the Fellowship, how much integrity did I have left? I felt rotten to the core. While I may have despised myself (I know now that it was my behaviours that I loathed), I had crossed that line so when I drank I wasn’t able to understand what was going on – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Step Five was massively important for me to get past that self-loathing and get to the bottom of what was driving those characteristics which left me wallowing in so much shame and guilt. Digging deep into the basic qualities, those underlying fears driving my behaviours, and with enormous trust in my Higher Power and our Twelve-Step Programme of recovery, allowed me to start on a lifelong journey to improve all aspects of my behaviours.
I try not to lose sight of the fact that there are many ways to carry the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers – but only one message. When I hear Fellows honestly sharing their personal experience, strength, and hope of how the AA Programme has helped them stay sober and live a better life – it helps me stay sober. When I share my personal ESH, which helps me stay sober and live a better life - perhaps it will help another person. Many service opportunities exist throughout the Fellowship which help us practice Tradition Five. Within the groups we attend – just by being there regularly, sharing, taking on one of the group roles. At intergroup or Region – taking on one of the many Liaison roles and going out into the wider community. Whatever service role I have undertaken, it’s helped keep me sober. So long as I keep listening and hearing the AA message – our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety – I’ll be able to raise awareness of AA with integrity.
