In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We’ve heard it said a thousand times:
“This is a simple program for complicated people.”
Here’s another familiar one:
“Don’t think, don’t drink, go to meetings and ask for help.”
I’ve heard it for years from many friends, “You should go on Jeopardy!”
Not that I’m bragging or anything, but I’m a walking repository of arcane and useless information (that, & fifty cents)…
At no time does my pathology become more evident than when I’m turned loose to complicate the living crap out of even the simplest of situations.…(I’ll screw up a boiled egg).
If a lost motorist asks for directions, if I don’t stop myself I’ll include all sorts of unneeded factoids and gems of data no one cares about.
Those poor people will drive away, no better off than a Bedouin in a sandstorm.
Here’s the kicker: I’m lot better than I used to be.
I hit the Dysfunction Daily Double –
I’m an alcoholic with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Don’t cry for me Argentina.
I am now onto myself, and know enough to shut down my thought process. Well, I have my good days and my bad days.
Anyway,
My self-inflicted attempts at sobriety always failed miserably because I complicated the hell out of it. For instance, I’d invariably decide to stop drinking in the middle of a dorm room keg party. I’d loudly announce, “This is my very last beer…forever!” A cry of derision would erupt, accompanied by suggestions to do a bong hit and shut up. Little wonder my batting average was so lousy.
But here’s the deal:
AA works for even the most convoluted, complicated and confused soul. Someone who couldn’t find their own ass with two hands, a road map and a flashlight.
None of that mattered.
In my case, kind old timers took me under their wing, tolerated my off-the-rails thought process, smiled, and gently told me to keep coming back.
It’s amazing what happens when people lead by example…
First, I got a Home Group;
Next, I showed up;
Then, I participated and made a contribution.
Incredibly, It worked.
This isn’t rocket surgery
You don’t need to invest in finger cymbals, incense, a new tambourine or orange robes.You don’t need to shave your head, sit in the lotus position, chant, or sell paper poppies at the airport.
You need to unlearn things you spent your whole life buying into. Resist the temptation to control and overdo.“Sometimes less is more.”
Sure, there are plenty of folks who memorize drinking stats, readily quote all kinds of stuff from our literature, and I respect that…That’s just not my gig.
While we’re on the subject, here’s something important that I did manage to memorize:
DON’T DRINK
That’s pretty straightforward.
HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY:
The same things that helped me stay sober when I was brand new, keep me sober today. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
You don’t have to be setting any world records. The folks at AA World Headquarters don’t need to be discussing about how smart, wonderful, important and innovative you are.
No one expects you to become a recovery encyclopedia.
No one wants you to be an authority on everything AA (I hate that crap).
However, we’d love it if you showed up, joined us, and brought your brand of recovery to the table..
