I can choose my thoughts -- my attitude -- like I choose my food: There is some food that is delicious and full of nutrients. (Obviously) Other food is delicious but basically empty calories. (Again: Obviously. But also: Sadly). There is pleasure in both. Some thoughts nurture and sustain me, others undermine and keep me in fear. There is pleasure in both. (The pleasure in the thoughts that undermine me is that it can be familiar - and thus comfortable - mental ground. Or it can allow me to indulge character defects I am unwilling to release.) I can choose which receive my focus. I may not always be able to choose which show up in a random moment, but I can certainly choose whether to regard or disregard it.
And I can influence how often "junk food" thoughts show up by changing my habitual actions. Again and again (and again, sigh) I encounter the great truth (maybe that should be Great Truth? or is that too grandiose?) that my actions change my insides; my thinking and attitude. I cannot change my thinking with my thinking.
The good news? I know how to change my thinking!
In a way, I am sorry to see you cutting back; I’ve come to appreciate your comments and upbeat views. I will miss the personal notes on the Sponsees as well as your adventures in the Real World.
Still, as you noted, there is a time when a person should look into other adventures.
I bought your last book and will buy the new one; I like your writing.
I have mentioned your site to others- I do not know if they read it or not but a couple of them reported back that they did not care for your style. As my Daddy used to say- different strokes for different folks.
Years ago, bits and pieces of your material found its way into some sessions with Sponsees. But that was then- I do not have any right now, the last one having gone to some pill that he takes every day to keep from drinking too much. I understand that it costs a lot so maybe that is why he did not think much of the AA program; it was too cheap?
And then comes your anniversary date- and for 28 years? There are no coincidences. I chose mine to be the 29th as I did not remember the actual date; in any case, it no longer matters.
We had a small party for the anniversary people, all four of them which is a lot for our groups.
A nice size cake plus coke- one of the women had two years and became quite emotional about the support from the 12 & 12 group. (She has had a long journey to wind up here.) The group’s support system is something that everyone helps out with so as to keep up that spirit.
Here is the basic excerpt from one of our alumni.
To: A.A. Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon (and A.A. everywhere)
That was quick. Just over a year ago, I found myself in a life or death situation. My health was deteriorated, nearly to the point of no return. My sanity was beyond questionable. My extinction was imminent. By the grace of God, my life was spared one day last March. My deadly and destructive ways had nearly lead to my ultimate demise and my last few breaths but God had other plans. He spared my life and brought me into the light. In this case, "the light" was and is A.A. It is an extraordinary program and fellowship that I will be forever grateful for. Thank you all for bestowing wisdom upon me. Thank you all for listening. Thank you all for supporting my recovery and thus, thank you for helping save my life. You all have been a blessing in my life. Revealing what struggles you had to overcome provided me with a profound realization that I too could completely transform my life for the best through God. My transformation will always have room for improvement, and that's something I will gladly work for. Thank you! Thank God!
Faith, Hope, and Love,
So, if you should ever make it to Rio, please be sure to let us know; we would very much enjoy having you address our groups.
All the best, Ward
Posted by: ward ryan | March 07, 2016 at 11:19 AM