“No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.”
Over the years I’ve managed to stay sober through all sorts of life tests: sickness, death, lost jobs, repossession, bitter disappointment, tragic loss – in short, everything life has thrown at me. By staying close to Alcoholics Anonymous and leaning on my friends, I always manage to get through it all.
The Great Lesson of Alcoholics anonymous:
All my pain and suffering is meaningless unless it can be used to help other people…it’s all about service to others.
Of all the tests my sobriety has been through, COVID19 really takes the cake.
Here’s the thing:
It’s not just messing up my life. Everyone’s a casualty…and the damn thing just keeps dragging on.
Fun, crowded, thriving meetings are now just a shadow of their former selves –
and many, many meetings have altogether ceased to exist.
Something as common and basic as a kiss is frowned upon.
Hugs have been replaced with rubbing elbows or fist bumps.
Regardless of whether I’m actually infected, I’m made to feel like I’m walking around with a case of cooties on steroids.
My Opinion:
‘Zoom’ meetings should be an adjunct to, and not an entire replacement for regular gatherings.
Hey, I get it:
A lot of people don’t have the benefit of that choice. It’s a Zoom meeting or nothing.
I’m lucky because I have a choice. I can still go to live meetings (at least for now).
Huge changes have been imposed upon us. And we all know how alcoholics embrace change.
Either way, it’s important to never lose sight of the fact that alcoholism is a killer:
A predator that wants to separate you from the herd, break your spirit and take you down. Constant vigilance and a prolonged and constant effort is required.
Whatever the cost, we must stick together. In person or on video, I could never do this without my AA family.
Here’s the Takeaway:
In years to come, those of us who made it through this will look at each other, bump fists, and proudly affirm, “We’re still standing!”
For better or for worse, like it or hate it, we’ll all be stronger for it.
