AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AA-Alive.net)

December 3, 2023
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Step Six
We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable.
Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things
which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now
take them all—every one? If we still cling to something we
will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.
- Alcoholics Anonymous, (Into Action,) p. 76

Thought to Ponder
What have I been given today?
Am I willing to reach out and grasp it?

AA-related 'Alconym'
K I S S  =  Keep It Simple; Surrender.

A Member Shares:
I'm Pammy, and I have alcoholism. I wasn‘t really sure of this step, but I could see that I didn't always know what my strengths and weaknesses were. In my case I have always used thinly veiled sarcasm as a defense mechanism when I felt I was under attack or criticized to stand my ground. But then one thing leads to another and I can easily become close-minded which clouded my judgement and that's where I end up taking 2 steps backwards in my recovery and growth. This step helps me nurture the faith I have that God will guide me in to dealing with people, places and things instead of going straight to knee jerk "Reactions" which were a common response. I can gradually learn through Faith that "Restraint of Pen" and "Pause and Pray" helps me make room where I can systematically remove my toxic thoughts and behaviours and with work and practice replace them with love and tolerance my Higher Power has given to me time and time again. These new "Actions" help me keep my emotions in check before causing harm to others more frequently over time. Especially nowadays when we are so dependent on digital socialization that the context or conversations can so easily be misinterpreted. I know I won't always get it right as many habits do "Die" hard, but they do and can die with rigorous work and awareness on my part. I also know I will never be perfect either because in my opinion there is only one perfection and that is my Higher Power who I am not by a long shot. But I do know I have the capabilities to be a better person than I was once I truly admitted that I am powerless and worked towards Serenity instead of living in chaos. Thank you.

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