It is simple. It just ain’t easy.
Yes, I was including my sponsors among the ranks of coaches!
So I have just sent my grateful list to my sponsor, where I had to think.
And one was ‘im grateful for stronger relationships with no need to make it stronger’.
My question to the group is : does that bit about no need to make it stronger, would that be an ego thing?.. So I don’t have an ego in the relationships I am grateful for?.
I don’t seem to have to ‘try hard’ to talk or
to listen or be the one to be asked for help…I’m willing to be all these things in relationships with friends, and family so it all seems easier. 🤷🤷🤷
For all you chronic relapsers who haven’t gone to meetings, got a sponsor and worked a program don’t feel sorry for yourself on your next relapse. Do it all and then drink again if that’s what’s going to happen but at least do it all and be able to say you tried everything there is to stay sober.
You might be surprised.
I was frightened to try this route but eventually it was less frightening than death.
some but mostly things I read or I might change a few words here and there. At the moment they will be coming from a book called, in gods care, it’s daily readings about the spiritual side of the 12 steps.
Nobody wants to answer my ego question?.
Behaviors where ego is involved, whether good or bad, is often easily noticed, for example, someone who gets offended when receiving critical feedback.
Your situation, it is not clear, so I would ask, what do you think? Does having a need to make a relationship stronger increase your sense of self importance?
It’s a good question. Maybe would also get more eyes/responses as a new thread. Not everyone looks at this thread.
Some actively avoid it.
They sure do. And it’s because they aren’t quite to the point where facing their own shortcomings is part of their sobriety plan.
Yes I guess I felt that I was worth something by being the one that maybe gave as much as possible?.. I don’t do that today. I am thinking that I just respond to where I am needed and then just keep my mouth shut and listen more…
That’s why I dared ask that question!.. I would like to know more about ego… I have avoided it a lot and I have only just started learning stuff (step work) since I slowed right down to see my own behaviours improve that I Know what I used to do in hindsight??
I’m a chronic relapser!.. I’m trying!. I got a sponsor …(will this reply get derailed I wonder?) (Testing the systems)
Paul is not referring to the chronic relapsers that are working the steps, going to meetings, having a sponsor, etc. He’s referring to the chronic relapsers that aren’t. Some people just need that hard kick in the pants!
But yeah, as someone that can relate to relapsing a lot, that message can sting a little. Even if I understand that it’s not directed to someone like myself.
I don’t fear death. My death will come in its own time, eventually and inevitably. I fear all of the pain, suffering, sadness and loss that proceeds death, that I would experience, and even more so, the knowledge that I willingly inflicted this on people who love, care about, and depend on me.
But I am free from this fear, because I won’t drink. I am free indeed
very true, I don’t fear death now but whilst drinking I feared everything. TBH I probably feared life more than death when I look back hence the thoughts of I would be better off dead.
Now I can’t wait to see what life has got install for me.
Gratitude is an action word. It’s not just a feeling.
I’m grateful for my sobriety so I continue to work my program.
I’m grateful for my job so I continue to work hard and improve.
I’m grateful for my apartment so I clean it.
I’m grateful for my relationships so I make the effort to keep them going.
Saying I’m grateful for anything without showing it is nothing more than a half measure.
Gratitude actions > gratitude lists
I’ve never heard that before. I absolutely love that quote. And also gratitude actions > gratitude lists.
I really liked this post. Very wise. Thank you.
Very well said, Bootz. Gratitude is amazing at pulling me back to the present. Thank you!