You don't have to... today

A lot of emails recently from very frightened people; people who relapsed and want to be sober, or are afraid they can't make it or don't deserve it or that other issues will overwhelm them.  I remember feeling that way when I was new... and at other times along the way, too.  After thinking about it a lot and praying a little, this is what I want to offer...

 

Dear Alcoholic,

You don't have to be #1 at anything today.

You don't have to figure things out, or understand, or make sure everyone (or Someone) understands you.

You don't have to remember everything, or get all organized and start making lists.

You don't have to solve every -- or any -- problem you have today (or solve someone else's problems today either).

You don't have to figure out what will make you happy, or what you should do with your life.

 

Those are good things to do of course, and come with a measure of reward or satisfaction or comfort.  That's very true.  I'm not saying those things are completely unimportant.

But you don't have to do any of those things today.

 

All you have to do today is not pick up that first drink.

One hour at a time.

One five minutes at a time.

Until your head hits the pillow.

And if you do that,

you win.

 

That's it.

 

And the rest of that shit will just have to work itself out or wait its turn.

Sober first.

The rest second.

It has worked for thousands of other alcoholics -- it will work for you.

After all, we're in the miracle business -- lives are transformed every day.

Mine is.  Yours too.  (Yes, dear one, even yours.)

Today.

 

Comments

[dAAve]

Very good.
I like the sentence that "we're in the miracle business."
Yes!

[beckyE]

Oh, I *love* the animation--delightful! Beautiful! Thank you! :)