Wisdom Of The Rooms - 2017

[bluidkiti]

August 7

Quote of the Week

“Be all right with being all right.”

I was always irritable, restless, and discontent before recovery. As a kid I was anxious and afraid of things. When I found alcohol, I finally found a way to be comfortable, hopeful even. Drinking gave me that sense of ease and confidence I saw other people had. Suddenly I could dance better, talk to girls, and be one of the guys. Unfortunately, the solution soon became the problem, and I had to quit drinking.

In recovery, I felt very vulnerable without my solution. Soon all the feelings I used to drown out with alcohol were front and center. At times I thought I would be overwhelmed with them, so I did what was suggested: I took them to meetings, I shared them in fellowship, I inventoried them, and I worked the Steps on them. Sometimes it worked, but for when it didn’t, my sponsor would always bring me back to the present. He’d ask, “Are you alright right now?” “Do you have enough food, gas, money, right now?” etc.

It took a lot to corral my galloping mind and rope it back into the now. But each time I’d have to admit that yes, right now I’m all right. Right now everything is taken care of. After years of going through this exercise, I have the perspective to know that I really am all right. Problems come and go, but I’ve always survived them and have usually done just fine. What I’ve learned is that the key to my serenity is truly being all right with being all right.

And when I can remember that, my serenity returns and I can actually live happy, joyous, and free.