“I’m sorry. I know you’re disappointed in me and that hurts. I don’t want to disappoint you, but the truth is that we all have our struggles.”
“I can’t promise I won’t drink again, because it’s something I do need to do for myself sometimes.”
“But what I can promise is that if and when I take a drink, it will be after careful thought and consideration of the consequences – not just how much fun it might be.”
Daily Reflections September 22
Like a gaunt prospector, belt drawn in over the last ounce of food, our pick struck gold. Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds. Father feels he has struck something better than gold. For a time he may try to hug the new treasure to himself. He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 128-29
When I talk with a newcomer to A.A., my past looks me straight in the face and then disappears like it never existed as they take my hand.
The pain that had been so vivid just seconds ago fades away into nothingness because this person is healing themselves from addiction while standing next to me – one day at time, step by adorable little-bit more meaningful stride!
I’m not sure where you’re coming from or what led up until now but all people need help sometimes; if only we could listen better…
I’m not a stranger to pain. My life has been full of challenges and hardship, but my greatest strengths have come from the lessons that only suffering can teach you.
It’s why when people walk into A.A., they see me as someone who knows their struggle intimately—I am once again on familiar ground where past meets present in an instant with one simple handshake.”