Alcoholism Support Group
Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.
I love this from the AA Big Book. We read it every day in treatment. It took every bit of 60 days for me to get it. "Nothing happens in God's world by mistake." Everything that happens has meaning. I believe everything in my life is by design, a part of the grand plan for my journey. When I remember this, I CAN accept things that seem wrong and out of place. It brings me a lot of peace to know there IS a plan for me. All of my life and troubles make sense when I view the world this way. I am not in control and that is just fine. I am just along for the ride, doing the next right thing.
Someone said... One day you will realize that everything IS perfect, and you will look up to the sky and feel a new freedom.
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From the BB "Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict"
"Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situationsome fact of my life unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in Gods world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on lifes terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."
Someone said... One day you will realize that everything IS perfect, and you will look up to the sky and feel a new freedom.
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From the BB "Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict"
"Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situationsome fact of my life unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in Gods world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on lifes terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."
I'm gonna run to this passage over and over again -- AGAIN!
Thanking you!
Nothing happening in gods world by mistake doesnt fit in with the idea of self will and there being a difference between self will and gods will.
It is not always the case that being disturbed means there is something wrong with me. Sometimes self will, selfishness and self centredness, spiritual malady, illness, evil make people do things which are disturbing. it is being able to handle and cope with the fact that I am disturbed by things that is important to me.
If there was a god who truly wanted the world to be as it is now and needed some of the things that go on to happen to fulfill his plan and couldnt achieve it in a better way (given he is all powerful) then I would question whether I wanted to believe in that god.
True serenity to me is about not denying that there are problems, accepting that not all is perfect, accepting that things within me and within the world might benefit from change and still being able to be peaceful, calm, joyful and well. Yes I need to focus most on what needs to be changed in me but I cannot buy into the rest of it because it looks much like spiritual apathy and wearing of blinkers which is not healthy for me.
I have a long way to go. My obsession has not been relieved. I struggle every day. I am lingering a little too long at that jumping off point. I am scared shitless that I will drink again and die.
That said, acceptance and faith in a higher power has finally given me a little reprieve for the fear and pain and anger that I have been living in a for long time. I have hope today. This reading did not make my path - it just describes where I am at very well. What got me to this point was surrender and the steps.
The stories are in the book so that we can relate and see the experience, strength, and hope of those who are recovered before us. It helped me finally get it to hear this by Dr Paul.
And interesting too... Those of my friends who are non-AA'ers seem to really embrace the idea of acceptance. I think it is a universal truth.
Not sure who commented this, but... Acceptance does not mean we have to like something or subject ourself to things UNacceptable to us. To me it is more about letting go things that we can't control.
It was a while before I got into the BB and realized it was straight from the BB. But still, I honestly believe that paragraph was what really really got to me and got me started in recovery.
That was literally what became a turning point in my life....keep it close & refer to it often anyone who is struggling....it's sooo true & brilliantly worded. :)
Acceptance is hard, but it's a huge relief when it's done correctly and fully.
i've also learned that most people when they talk about the "perfect" life never describe the inner peace and happiness - it's always about wanting things and controlling things - well whatever floats a boat....
I am proud of you spunky - there is always a negative in every positive situation - I've said it many times, the quote from my daughter.....If Life Was Perfect Why Would We Need Heaven?
If one found perfection all the time in life (whatever their definition of perfection maybe) I highly doubt that person would know or experience gratitude.
Great post
Peace!
ANd then I see your response and get that you get it!
It is what YOU think. The big book is a guide, not biblical knowlegdge from direct from God, am I wrong? It is how YOU take it. Golly, hope that is correct as I want you to embrace this program, it is so good for you!
In the end though-muddle through and find your truth. I think acceptance that we are not in the drivers seat is the way I start each day-and it is such a more peaceful way to live. Why spend so much energy fighting what is? Wasteful energy!
Sometimes when I hear people bicker over the small details of AA it reminds me of how we all need to stay centered in our own inner wisdom. In the end-I believe we have all the answers inside-it is for us to utilize others and utilize AA if needed to find these answers. But the answers are not somewhere "out there" in a program, religion, book, another person, etc. These are tools-sometimes great powerful tools, but ultimately tool nonetheless.
Tools to guide us to the answers within ourselves.
We have all we need within-but sometimes need help finding it.
Just my opinion.
I would love to have a proper discussion about self will versus nothing happening in gods world by mistake as I am really interested as to how people reconcile these two things but it never seems to work out - maybe I will try again........ :)
You are doing great A, keep up the great work roadie!!!!!!!
LOL
Yep, when I got out of denial my journey began. When I found a sponsor and worked the steps, my sober journey began.
This paragraph meant alot to me when I was first getting sober too. Still love it today. Realise today though that alot of my acceptance is in my journey of growth.........it is how my HP and I work on things. Then I find acceptance naturally starts to happen.
Of course, no one is perfect, we are all work in progress and I love the fact that I can see that today.
My exp. with the 10th step usually comes from my gut if I do something and it bothers me what my actions was in a matter like this I know I have to make it right.
Anna,You keep going the work what is suggested and the promises we talk about will materialize.
Acceptance and wiliness was and is key for me.
Thanks for sharing.