my daily reflections…

11/25/2021 im not ashamed to call myself a member of alcoholics anonymous. the forward to the 1st edition asks that i designate myself as a member when writin or speakin publicly about the program rather than mention my name. as a loyal member i always try to follow the tradition of anonymity. i understand its reasonin and often refer to the program as “this thing we do” or simply as “recovery”. my sponsor once told me that by revealin my name, i have the potential to harm AA. he also said that AA also had the potential to harm me. he said this because if i failed in my recovery, people outside of it may say that it doesnt work. he also said that because of the social stigma placed upon this recovery program, i might be harmed socially because i have admitted that i am alcoholic and use its spiritual principles as a way to change my life. today i reckon i dont care if people know i attend meetins or am a member of this thing we do. i do, however, care about the damage i may do to its wonderful progress. i reckon as long as i continue to practice each spiritual principle contained within the steps and traditions, i wont do much harm. it is only when i allow my self-will to show its ass that problems may occur. i also feel like if i make mistakes, its not because of the program, its because of me and my mishandlin of its guidelines. this is where i must admit my fault and make amends as quickly as possible, showin that recovery does work. i have learned through this program that optimism is based upon havin a positive view, not only for today, but also for tomorrow. when i live for right now, this moment, as best as i can, i set myself up for success and show the good of this program. ive also learned that its never too late to be what i might have been. passin on the gifts of forgiveness, hope, and love, unconditionally, showin others the change i continue to live because of alcoholics anonymous, givin it the credit under my HP, i feel like i can never harm it. when i get busy, i get better, and recovery reaps the rewards. 1 day @ a time...