“If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago.”
-Alcoholics Anonymous pp. 44-45
Think positive! Haven’t we all heard this, even in meetings? Have a better attitude! We’ve heard that one as well. The problem is that these better philosophies of life didn’t work for me when I was drinking, and they don’t work for me now that I am sober. Comments like these are simply an example of our self-help culture easing its way into AA.
AA is not a self-help program. Yes, I as a person am helped by the AA program, but I am helped by other people in the program, who eventually point me to a Higher Power who will be my constant helper. AA is a “We” program: we do this together.
AA meetings encourage us to get a sponsor and work the steps. The steps are what change our way of thinking. They change our attitudes about life. The steps are what help us learn to trust in God and not ourselves. The steps point out that my life run on self-will is a disaster. The steps change hearts and minds—they are powerful. And they are powerful because God is powerful.
Today’s Prayer
God, help me live with my mind and heart in AA. Help me leave outside philosophies behind. They didn’t work for me then and they won’t replace the work of doing the steps.