As I sit down to write, I am reminded of how far I’ve come. A few years ago, if you had asked me to reflect on my day, the last thing I would have wanted to do was write. In fact, the thought of writing anything sober never even crossed my mind. Today, however, is a different story.
Thanks to sobriety, reflection has become an important part of my day. It helps me stay focused and grounded in what is important.
Today, October 3rd, marks one year since my last drink. And so, in honor of that anniversary, today’s reflection will be about alcohol and addiction.
Daily Reflections October 3
Someone who knew what he was talking about once remarked that pain was the touchstone of all spiritual progress. How heartily we A.A.’s can agree with him. . . TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, pp. 93-94
When I’m in the depths of emotional turmoil, my growth membrane teaches me that sometimes pain is necessary.
My evolution within A.A has shown me how to experience this inner change and be grateful for it because without these painful moments there would have been no chance at selflessness or peace!
As the roller coaster of life is full of twists and turns, I know that growth can be painful. But it’s worth it! My evolution in A.A., which has taught me to experience an inner change from selfishness to selflessness, has given way to serenity.
If you are experiencing emotional turmoil and its subsequent hangover (read: a fierce headache), take the time to step away for a moment and focus on gratitude for your spiritual progress–no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at first glance.
Remember that we all deserve peace; even if we have yet to find our own, we must keep looking until one day when “we shall walk with God.