April 24, 2024 - Readings in Recovery: Step by Step

 

Step by Step
Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Today, the link between consequences and responsibility -- and the reality that I and I alone am responsible to the consequences of my behavior and choices, including drinking, and that excuses and justifications will not spare me either consequences or responsibility. The Program’s 12th Step suggests I “practice these principles in all (my) affairs” -- to live by AA’s principles and not 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 to the consequences, the “out” is clear: don’t do what I don’t want to suffer consequences for. And our common journey continues. Step by step. -- Chris M., 2024