It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. – Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85, Into Action
If I don’t pay attention and force myself out of my comfort zone on a daily basis, my natural proclivity is to coast and goof off.
Complacency is a killer. No doubt about it. I can be a notorious laurel-rester.
I once heard a radio interview that put things into proper perspective.
The subject of the interview was Jerry Garcia.
As a huge Garcia fan, I listened with great interest.
He said something I’ll never forget, “I’m only as good as my last gig.”
Wise words to live by. Here’s a giant in the music industry, and he only considers himself to be as good as his latest performance.
I’d want the doctor who was operating on me to have that same attitude; A committed and accomplished surgeon who treats every day like it’s his World Cup.
…Rather than some schmuck standing over me with a scalpel, looking at the clock and thinking, “Let’s get this over with so I can get in a quick nine holes…”
If I could consistently live like that day-by-day, there’s nothing I couldn’t accomplish.
To keep a good attitude, enjoy the process and take life as it comes. I could go to bed at night satisfied I had a successful day.
My mission in this incarnation is simple, but not easy. To pursue a program of spiritual growth and development; A life of gracious service rendered with love.
And to that end, Alcoholics anonymous is where I go for my one-stop shopping.
At this station in life, I’m healthier than I probably deserve, probably because I’m not tethered down with any addictions. I don’t drink or drug, and that’s kind of a big deal. It was damned expensive, and no longer any fun.
…And if it’s not fun, what’s the point?
HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY:
I’m not trapped in some paranoid existence punctuated with bouts of fear, anger, misery and depression.
It’s amazing at how healthy and happy you become when you don’t have stress, and stop pumping toxins into your body,
As a recovering alcoholic and addict, my program requires nothing less than a prolonged and consistent effort.
It’s not a sacrifice, an inconvenience, or an imposition. It’s a spiritual life, and the spiritual life is not a theory.
I no longer have to go to meetings…I get to go to meetings. Let’s face it, meetings are a good time.
…After all, if it’s not fun, what’s the point?
If I’m to embrace this path, it must be all the way, all the time, and with total commitment. After all, I’m only as good as my last effort.
And THAT’S the point.
