DISCIPLINE MONTH: DAY 23: “Decisions help us start. Discipline helps us finish.”― John C. Maxwell
This quote really applies to recovery. We make that 3rd Step decision and have work through the next 9 steps, over and over. This is not a “one and done” kind of program.
I see the difference in those who believe it is. They are so unhappy! We are never cured from this thing. It is an ongoing, chronic disease. There is no fix or cure. There is a treatment, only. And it must be applied daily for us to thrive. For us to be happily recovering.
There are so many pitfalls in our thinking and attitudes that we have to apply a daily dose of recovery or we are doomed to be so dry and miserable that we cannot carry any kind of message to anyone. Except that of how much they need to maintain daily work in this program in order to not have what we have. I have benefitted greatly from that message from others over the years.
When I encounter a dry drunk, I am always happy to reaffirm my path of continuous, ongoing, constant, and consistent work in spiritual principles as they appear in my life through these steps. I continue to grow and develop instead of being that miserable dry drunk with a bad attitude.
The saying “It works if you work it” does not have an end date. As long as I continue to wake up in the morning, I know there is something to learn, an attitude or old idea to heal, and more to work on. This is both reassuring and comforting to me. I like this stuff a lot!
Dolphin Hug 