Tuesday, August 29, 2006
A.A.: How It Works: Self
"The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success."
"Most people try to live by self-propulsion."
"... a self-seeker even when trying to be kind. Is he not a victum of the delusion that he can wrest satisfaction and happiness out of this world if he only manages well?"
Alcoholics Anonymous
How it Works
Page 61
What's so difficult about this Alcoholics Anonymous program? Only that I had to change my entire approach to life. I grew up believing that self-will, self-determination, and even self-help were the keys to success. When I didn't measure up to my self-image I concluded that I had not applied myself hard enough or that I had let external influences distract me from my goals.
In this regard, I don't see myself as being all that different from most people. But for me, this character defect combined with unrealistic expectations and my compulsive need to control my life, resulted in gut-wrenching pain and fear. I resorted to alcohol to cope with the frustration and failing to manage and live up to unobtainable goals.
So, one of the more difficult aspects of AA is re-learning how to live in a manner that includes self-sacrifice, service to others, and seeking God's will. This is a continual work-in-progress. I have by no means perfected this -- progress is my new objective.
Ironically, I have attained more relative "success" against my old values now that those things have taken a back seat.
www.sponsornet.com/12steps.html
Get the latest edition of:
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA Services
aa addiction alcoholism recovery sponsornet substance abuse
"Most people try to live by self-propulsion."
"... a self-seeker even when trying to be kind. Is he not a victum of the delusion that he can wrest satisfaction and happiness out of this world if he only manages well?"
Alcoholics Anonymous
How it Works
Page 61
What's so difficult about this Alcoholics Anonymous program? Only that I had to change my entire approach to life. I grew up believing that self-will, self-determination, and even self-help were the keys to success. When I didn't measure up to my self-image I concluded that I had not applied myself hard enough or that I had let external influences distract me from my goals.
In this regard, I don't see myself as being all that different from most people. But for me, this character defect combined with unrealistic expectations and my compulsive need to control my life, resulted in gut-wrenching pain and fear. I resorted to alcohol to cope with the frustration and failing to manage and live up to unobtainable goals.
So, one of the more difficult aspects of AA is re-learning how to live in a manner that includes self-sacrifice, service to others, and seeking God's will. This is a continual work-in-progress. I have by no means perfected this -- progress is my new objective.
Ironically, I have attained more relative "success" against my old values now that those things have taken a back seat.
www.sponsornet.com/12steps.html
Get the latest edition of:
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA Services
aa addiction alcoholism recovery sponsornet substance abuse
# posted by Bill B. @ 11:15 PM 
