I am an alcoholic and I’m not ashamed of it. I don’t think there is anything wrong with me or my life because of it, but I know that there are some things about this addiction that hold me back from the person I want to be.
I can’t go out and just have a drink like most people do in social situations without feeling bad for myself later on in the day when my mind starts racing with thoughts about whether or not I should drink another one.
Daily Reflections October 2
As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten we commence to put our A.A. way of living to practical use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Then comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?
TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 88
The Promises are being fulfilled in my life, but I want to maintain and develop them by the daily application of Step Ten.
The process has helped me identify when something is wrong with myself or someone else; if we’re both disturbed then there must be a problem at hand that needs addressing immediately so it doesn’t get worse than what already exists!
When hurtful words come out (or even pens), they need an answer-and fast because time won’t wait for anyone who ignoring their consequences.
I know the Promises are being fulfilled in my life, but I want to maintain and develop them by the daily application of Step Ten.
The other person may be wrong too, but I can only deal with my feelings. It isn’t easy, but as long as I know that there is something wrong with me when faced with pain or upset, I know that it’s a sign of progress – one day at a time.
While not every moment will feel good because we live in an imperfect world where things happen which hurt us deeply sometimes, this knowledge has given me peace knowing if anything happens to disturb me again today-I have done all that was within my power to do for myself spiritually last night before bedtime.”