Big Book Quote of the Day - June 2, 2009

"It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual
condition."

- Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 85

It is a one day a time program - no matter how many days you are able to string together.  I am always wondering how much can I do to keep myself away from a drink.  The disease of alcoholism is always waiting around the dark corner for alcoholics to not take it seriously because "Oh, I have this many years sober" that I might not be affected by its lure and mystique.  I know from experience that its a day to day experience of being sober and doing the next right thing.  Getting on my knees and asking for help and asking God to give me this day in sobiety and making the most of it.  I have seen many people who have taken for granted this beautiful gift and have went by the wayside.  I always think (as I walk to the podium to pick up a chip) how many dead bodies I step on as I get there.  It is just a gift.

- PeterB in NC

Big Book Quote of the Day - May 30, 2009

As I look at this reading today, I know that by the time that I get to Steps 6 and 7, I've already asked God how I can align my will and change my will to be His will for me and what He wants me to do on a daily basis.  Everyone of us can be used in God's plan if we turn our thoughts and hearts to Him.  I continue to try to keep that flow from God to me and keep that conscious contact throughout my day.  When I think of resentments, anger or jealousy it blocks the path between God and myself and I lose the conscious contact.  I must try to the best of my ability to let go of my defects and to ask God to remove them and then I can continue to see God's will for me as I move through my day.  

- PeterB in NC

Big Book Quote of the Day - May 29, 2009

"Opinions vary considerably as to why the alcoholic reacts differently from normal people. We are not sure why, once a certain point is reached, little can be done for him. We cannot answer the riddle." 

- Alcoholics Anonymous, 4Th Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 2

I don' know why it is, but it is.  Once we cross over an invisible line, we're never the same again.  Its like a cucumber turning into a pickle, there's no going back.  I had  to hit bottom before I was  able to take the help that was offered to me.  My experience is that I got the gift of desperation that only one individual can get.  Some people have to die before they can get to that point others may pick up the salad fork instead of the dinner fork and reach their bottom.  Still others have to lose their jobs, their  families or 30-40 years of their life before and still they may not be willing to become teachable.  No one knows why we are what we are, but the fact of the matter is that I know the truth today.  That truth is that I cannot take a drink safely because I don't know if I could take just one drink but I refuse to get back onto that merry-go-round of insanity.  Just for today.

- PeterB in NC