- In observing alcoholics (myself included) this weekend, it struck me how readily our ego and defiance work together (at lightning speed, and virtually unseen) to perceive a criticism or sleight from someone when none is offered -- that is, someone is talking literally about themselves, but what we hear -- and react to -- is a comment about us -- a comment they were not making at all.
- People make up a lot of rules in their head about sharing in AA meetings that do not exist. While some sharing is more productive than others -- and some meeting formats request people abide by certain suggestions (no cross talk, for example) -- there is really no "wrong" sharing.
- Alcoholics Anonymous does not try to explain God, it only suggests we seek one, as we understand them. Being angry or doubtful or cynical or critical of a belief in God is absolutely no barrier to working the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Serenity is learning to live with unanswered questions and unresolved issues.
- As it says in the Big Book, when discussing our inventories, "the world and its people are often quite wrong." Looking at my part in things -- so crucial for my peace of mind and continued sobriety -- is not the same as saying that a wrong thing is not, in fact, wrong.
- Anonymity helps me remain teachable, as well as to hear peoples' shares in meetings with a minimum of filters.
- Listening to a 5th Step is, when done with real attention and a true intent to be of service to another person in recovery, actually very hard work -- well worth it, but hard work nonetheless.