Jan. 31, 2010 - Feb. 6, 2010

As it seems to have become the custom, I'll express my thanks to all the members for their insight and perspectives on what are often referred to as "The A.A. Promises." I found a pearl or two.

The contributions seemed more sparse than usual, but maybe things are happening more slowly than quickly. I know that I have periods when they seem to be disillusions,.....but then I remember to breathe and trudge.

I have had some realizations that brought me to new vistas in my recovery; points of reference where I recognized changes becoming patterns, and felt happiness for the result of it.

1)I understand the value of Honesty, Patience, Tolerance and Humility in the progression of character development, which has become a constant aspiration.

   Of particular importance to me is Honesty. Even before I became a daily maintenance drinker, I deluded myself into all sorts of rationalizations for my behavior and unrealistic expectations of myself and life. Some Realism has entered my life now and I strive to keep my vision on the truth,still, with intermittent success. In a real world context, my thinking has become more practical than mystical.

2)Boredom is just not a word that finds much existence in my sober life. I know well how to combat my feelings of uselessness and self-pity, but honestly have more to do than time to do it, often having to slow myself down with some breath meditation and apply the adage, "whatever will be - will be".

3)Love has found a continually evolved definition in my life, when I used to pessimistically consider it synonymous with feigned sincerity. "Tell 'em what they want - take 'em for a ride." Though in its infancy, I now have some Universal Love, in that I have genuine concern for the welfare of all,....well,...at least collectively <snerk>.

4) My Conscience leads me to the voice of reason and has become my spiritual accountant.It is my guide to the benevolent thread of the universe and my search engine for discernment.

5) Though there are more, I do not want to become the "Soliloquy Guy" so I'll stop with the RIDS; they are no longer such a pest, aka: Restlessness, irritability and discontentment. They are more diminished in my life - less intense.

I think the original language was a bit strong when it said: "Are these extravagant promises"? Maybe, when they are put that way, but a general level of spiritual growth and contentment are within the grasp of all who walk the path of recovery using the program of Alcoholic's Anonymous as a reference. Every now and then, it is good to reflect on them and our own inspirations to become aware of our progress.

Thanks for the read and this moment of your consideration. Jay M., Alcoholic.


Edited by Jay M. - 07 Feb 2010 at 12:25am