April 24, 2016 - Readings in Recovery: Step by Step

Step by Step
Sunday, April 24, 2016
 
Today, the link between consequences and responsibility - and an appreciation that I and I alone am responsible to the consequences of all my behavior and choices, including drinking, and that excuses and justifications will not spare me either consequences or responsibility. The program's 12th step requirement to "practice these principles in all (my) affairs" implies that to live by AA's principles I must not try to weasel out of owning my feelings, actions and behavior and the consequences of each. If, for example, I slip or relapse, I cannot blame anything but myself because, in the end, I made the choice to drink. No one tied me down and poured it down my throat, and I and no one else will endure the physical and emotional consequences of my choice to drink. Today, I am mindful that all I say, do and feel will bear consequences and that I alone am responsible to those consequences. And if I want to avoid responsibility for consequences, the "out" is clear: don't do what I don't want to be responsible for. And our common journey continues. Step by step. - Chris M., 2016