When asked to share my story at meetings, I always end my time with a section of “A Vision for You” from pg 152 of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book:
“We have shown how we got out from under. You say, “Yes, I’m willing. But am I to be consigned to a life where I shall be stupid, boring and glum, like some righteous people I see” I know I must get along without liquor, but how can I? Have you a sufficient substitute?
Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. There you will find release from care, boredom, and worry. Your imagination will be fired. Life will mean something at last. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. Thus we find the fellowship, and so will you.”
I get chills even typing the words! Because this has proven itself to be my experience. No, it’s not just a club I signed up for and magically my troubles disappeared. But through rigorous honesty while working the steps with my sponsor; attending various type of meetings covering different aspects of recovery; and working every day to stay in a fit spiritual condition, recovery is possible!
When worry, boredom, care, - and I’ll add stress, frustration, anger – try and sneak into my day, I’ve got tools and support and a community in this fellowship that are all there to remind me, encourage me, and lead me back to the serenity of recovery. For this, I am eternally grateful.
There are days when my life is pretty fantastic! Among the promises in our literature is above – The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. I accept this promise and own it as my future. I’m so glad to have found this fellowship and I’m glad it includes you!
Robin E
Second Member at Large
“We have shown how we got out from under. You say, “Yes, I’m willing. But am I to be consigned to a life where I shall be stupid, boring and glum, like some righteous people I see” I know I must get along without liquor, but how can I? Have you a sufficient substitute?
Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. There you will find release from care, boredom, and worry. Your imagination will be fired. Life will mean something at last. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. Thus we find the fellowship, and so will you.”
I get chills even typing the words! Because this has proven itself to be my experience. No, it’s not just a club I signed up for and magically my troubles disappeared. But through rigorous honesty while working the steps with my sponsor; attending various type of meetings covering different aspects of recovery; and working every day to stay in a fit spiritual condition, recovery is possible!
When worry, boredom, care, - and I’ll add stress, frustration, anger – try and sneak into my day, I’ve got tools and support and a community in this fellowship that are all there to remind me, encourage me, and lead me back to the serenity of recovery. For this, I am eternally grateful.
There are days when my life is pretty fantastic! Among the promises in our literature is above – The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. I accept this promise and own it as my future. I’m so glad to have found this fellowship and I’m glad it includes you!
Robin E
Second Member at Large