Today's Tool:
So what exactly does Accepting Spiritual Help Look like? As I think back to the time of my surrender, not only did the words "I need help!" come out of my mouth but maybe more importantly I began to act like I needed help. For me, it was as follows:
Magically and by the grace of God, I said, "I need help!" While that in and of itself seems miraculous what followed in the form of my willingness to take action is what is really amazing and I believe the evidence that I was finally willing to "accept spiritual help!"
-In response to my plea for help, I heard....Go to AA, and I did that immediately (Sun 3:30pm in Metuchen, NJ)!
-Before going it was suggested that I tell them that I was new and ask for a Big Book...during introductions, I said, "I am Brian, I am an alcoholic and I am new"...meeting ended and I couldn't leave without stating, "I need a Big Book."
-Well, they were fresh out of Big Books but said, "there is a meeting later tonight at 7 pm in Rahway, they'll have a copy."
-went to Rahway Sunday Night Step Meeting and got a Big Book and was asked, "are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?" I said, "yes" (mostly because it seemed the most correct not because i was sure what that meant). Then, Gerry D. asked me, "Are you willing to go to any lengths to stay sober?" Again I said, "yes" (again, because it seemed most correct). Gerry said, "well then, sweep the god dam floor!" Off I went, Serenity Stick in hand, sweeping and wondering, "what the hell does this have to do with staying sober?" (I realized what it had to do with staying sober 6 months later when it was time to pass that job on to somebody else. That broom saved my life!)
-Go to 90/90, "yes, I'll do that!"
-Get a sponsor, "yes, I'll do that too!"
-Join a home group, "Rahway Sunday Night Step Meeting, will do!"
-Stand at the door and welcome people at every meeting you go to, "yes, I'll do that!"
-Get to meetings early and stay late, "I am willing!"
-Look for the New Guy and share what you have with him, "I'll give it my best!"
and on and on and on, etc...
The point is, "Take action!!!" And before you know it you will have the momentum of sobriety and you will find yourself in the Current of Life and taking action never gets old!!!
Tool for the day: say "YES!" to whatever suggestions you hear today...
(sorry that I'm a bit long winded)
- Brian S
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Labels: AA strength, recovery, tools of recovery
