Starting Somewhere

As newcomers shared at a meeting this morning there was a lot of talk about what they needed to get their lives together. 

• Jobs. 
• Their families. 
• Off parole. 
• Money. 
• Regain health.
  
  

This isn’t the complete list – but it’s close.

But only a couple of those in the room – those with more than five years sober – hit the nail on the head. After being sober a while they realized all they needed to focus on was sobriety. They reported reunions with families, new careers, and success in their lives.

But the more important thing that happened - with their eyes on sobriety - is they realized that whatever life presented they’d be able to get through it. And their years in recovery are the evidence.

When adversity showed up they relied on the steps, their sponsors, and their support groups. They didn’t run to the dope house or the bar. A simple way to deal with life’s challenges.

As someone who’s been sober many years I agree wholeheartedly. From the day I admitted being an alcoholic and started living – sometimes half-assed – by 12-step principles my life became measurably better.

And though I begin this blog quasi-critical of their lack of focus on what’s important, we all started somewhere – didn’t we?