AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)
September 28, 2014
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Fear
For all its usual destructiveness, we have found that fear can be the starting point for better things.
Fear can be a stepping-stone to prudence and to a decent respect for others.
It can point the path to justice, as well as to hate. And the more we have of respect and justice,
the more we shall begin to find the love which can suffer much, and yet be freely given.
So fear need not always be destructive, because the lessons of its consequences can lead us to positive values.
- The Language of the Heart, p. 265
Thought to Ponder . . .
What I fear I create.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
F E A R = Frustration, Ego, Anxiety, Resentment.
A Member Shares:
Hi all, Claudia here, an alcoholic. Self-centered fear -- you mean even my fears might be too much about self? In my experience, I have to say yes, often they were and still are. I was afraid I'd lose something I had, or not get something I wanted. I confess that in my drinking days and in early sobriety, my world was all about me, me, and more me. And usually someone or something was out to get me. I spent my life afraid and on the defensive, running on self preservation at all costs. Drinking gave me self-bravado and made me feel like I didn't care. I'd push my way through fear and usually go directly to anger. Early on, all I could identify was anger and fear. And without the numbing effect and false bravado of alcohol, I was a real mess and bundle of nerves. Most of the time I felt like I would fall apart or implode at any moment. Early recovery was pure hell for awhile. I knew I couldn't drink any more and I knew I couldn't stop alone. AA was the first thing in a long time that had ever given me hope. I kept coming and, thank God, I didn't fall apart or implode, but fear lingered. Eventually, I found that fear really can be the starting point for better things. It got me to a point of being willing to listen and start trying a few things differently. Once I broke that fearful barrier I started to hear things that related to my ongoing struggles. So here's what I've discovered about fear and my involvement in it -- nine times out of ten when I do feel afraid it's because I feel threatened in some way. I'm either afraid I'll lose something or not get something. I can either continue to be ruled and controlled by it or I can try a new plan of action rather than reaction. This new spiritual life is one of progress, not progression. I am discovering that when I work the Twelve Steps, they work. Thank you.
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Thanks to all of you for sharing so generously of your experience, strength and hope in carrying the AA message.
Blessings in sobriety to all,
In love and service,
joanna b
dailythought@aa-alive.org
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