How Bill W. explained what was meant by the saying that
“A.A. is a SELFISH program.”

…. Another correspondent complained directly that he had been ‘disturbed to hear some A.A. speakers say, ‘A.A. is a selfish program.’” The co-founder’s response was eventually published in “The A.A. Way of Life”:

I can see why you are disturbed…. The word ’selfish’ ordinarily implies that one is acquisitive, demanding, and thoughtless of the welfare of others. Of course, the A.A. way of life does not at all imply such undesirable traits.

What do these speakers mean? Well, any theologian will tell you that the salvation of his own soul is the highest vocation that a man can have. Without salvation – however we may define this – he will have little or nothing. For us in A.A. there is even more urgency.

If we cannot or will not achieve sobriety, then we become truly lost, right in the here and now. We are of no value to anyone, including ourselves, until we find salvation from alcohol. Therefore, our own recovery and spiritual growth have to come first – a right and necessary kind of self-concern.

[From "Not-God, A History of Alcoholics Anonymous", pp. 243-244, by Ernest Kurtz.]

Post from: Blisstree

AA – Selfish Program?

Those who don’t grow will inevitably go – back to drinking (drugging, overeating, etc.). Pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization.

Let’s take a shot (and I mean shoot at it lol) at complacency. From today’s Daily Reflection;

“Sobriety fills the painful ‘hole in my soul’ that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done.”

Were we to leave it right there I’d imagine many would get a different idea. Sounds like we could be approaching finished doesn’t it? Then – that horrible word – however…

“However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others.”

Another area where man (we alkies) sells newcomers short, sometimes have a tendency to show favoritism towards certain folks whom we approve of to speak at speaker meetings, ignoring many at the expense of a few. Yet, without doubt, HP levels the playing field (in His time).

“My Higher Power presents many opportunities for deeper spiritual awakening. I need only to bring into my recovery the willingness to grow. Today I am ready to grow.”

Post from: Blisstree

Grow – Or – Go…