July 8, 2024 - Readings in Recovery: Step by Step

 

Step by Step
Monday, July 8, 2024

“Long since I had come to believe I was insane because I did so many things I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to neglect my children. I loved them, I think, as much as any parent. But I did neglect them. I didn’t want to get into fights, but I did get into fights. I didn’t want to get arrested, but I did get arrested. I didn’t want to jeopardize the lives of innocent people by driving an automobile while intoxicated, but I did. I quite naturally came to the conclusion that I must be insane.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, Ch 2 (“He Had to be Shown”), p 199.

Today, reach into yesterday to remember and keep always that I did all I thought I could not do while drunk and that  my intentions were little more than the best laid plans of mice and men. In remembering yesterday so I don’t repeat it today, may I also recognize and admit that I am powerless over alcohol. And with that admission, I have taken the First Step toward recovery. With that Step comes power and control to say I do not have to submit to what I cannot control — alcohol — and that my intention not to do what I don’t want to do is in my control. Today, I seize control of what overpowers me by declaring no more. And our common journey continues. Step by step. — Chris M., 2024