Random Acts of Thoughtness
Hello patient friends,
- Usually when I hear advice I think is way off the mark, and hear it over and over, it means I need to listen to it. I've finally decided to listen to Bear's suggestion that maybe I am trying to fight too many battles at once. Thanks Bear! (And apologies to unacknowledged others who have made this same suggestion in the past. As I said, I wasn't listening.)
- AA has taught me that everyone has the right to be wrong. Yesterday morning I realized (remembered) that applies to me too.
- If I take the liberty of deciding that I'm a creature unworthy of life, love, forgiveness, patience, empathy, second (thousandth) chances, etc. them I am playing God.
- I am certain about only one thing concerning God...I am not God.
- Even if I'm not concious of playing God, when I play God I get in trouble.
- Tomorrow I am doing Step Eight** with my sponsor. Some would say it is long overdue. Others would say I am not yet ready for it. I'm going to see what my sponsor says and follow his suggestion...for a change.
- Last night I attended an AA meeting the topic of which was "gratitude." What do I have to be grateful for? Too much to list here. The primary things are the fact that I am sober and that unlike so many who have come before me, I have a chance. I have a choice. And that's a gift. I need to treat it as such and give away whenever possible. Every day. Not just when I'm tired of focusing on me me me me me me.
- To paraphrase something I heard in a meeting, "Today is going to be a great day unless I fuck it up."
Peace.
Flip
**Step Eight: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
And just so you know, the next one is this biggie...
Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
4 comments:
You have the right to be wrong, to make mistakes and to even fuck up royally - and STILL be loved... because you are!
Oh, your welcome Flip! I'm honored.
I guess that's the advantage by having so many people here. If we all say the same thing over and over, someone will finally get through!
You will fall here and there, we all do. We just need to get back up and keep trying no matter how frustrating it may be. I think if you look back, you'll see how much progress you really have made.
:)
Bear has a good point. You should delve into your archives.
My favorite steps:)
Seriously, having seen the consequences of ignoring those steps - Carrie's late mom - I truly appreciate both their importance and the courage of taking them.
I think those steps are also important in the non-AA world. More people need to be willing to stand up and admit when they are wrong - something I deeply believe in and have on occassion tried to be true to in this world.
And Spider says it best - I don't really know you in the flesh but I - along with so many others - do love you.
Nate
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