Sept. 11, 2023 - Readings in Recovery: Step by Step

 

Step by Step
Monday, Sept. 11, 2023

“We must learn to walk before we can run. That’s why we have these slogans. I use that ‘Easy Does It’ every day, to slow me down a little. I have to watch myself all the time. So I don’t just take the inventory at night — I take it continually throughout the day. Before I step out and do anything, I stop and check it over first, and then let my conscience be my guide.
‘For me, AA has become a way of life.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, “They Lost Nearly All,” Ch 8 (“Desperation Drinking”), p 516.

Today, talking the talk isn’t enough, nor is walking the walk. Both have to be firmly rooted in my heart, soul, spirit, character and mind if I have any chance of a meaningful, serene, peaceful and quality recovery. Nor is the quality of my recovery truly measured when I am dry and life is generally good. It is measured when life situations arise that require practical but diligent application of the Steps. Even if I emerge from those situations sober but my reaction and response to those situations do not meet the Program’s standards, I need another 10th Step. Today, I may talk the talk and walk the walk, but if recovery has not become a way of life in all I say, do and feel, I start working again on talking the talk, walking the walk and feeling the feeling. And our common journey continues. Step by step. — Chris M., 2023