![]() If we’re following our program, however, we should not be dismayed when outcomes turn out to be unfavorable or take turns that disappoint us. With any choice or decision, it’s only good sense to make the one that seems likely to have the best outcome. No matter how limited our opportunities may be, we always have choices and decisions to make. An opportunity for spiritual growth is open to all.” “In such an atmosphere the orthodox, the unorthodox, and the believer mix happily and usefully together. All people having an alcoholic problem who wish to get rid of it and so make a happy adjustment with the circumstances of their lives, become A.A. “In order to carry the principles of inclusiveness and tolerance still further, we make no religious requirement of anyone. Much experience tells us he will presently change his mind about God, but nobody tells him he must do so. meeting still denying the Deity, yet reporting how vastly he has been changed in attitude and outlook. We can never say (or insinuate) to anyone that he must agree to our formula or be excommunicated. “We found that the principles of tolerance and love had to be emphasized in actual practice. I pray that my character may be changed by this reaching upward for the things of the spirit. I pray that I may reach forward and upward. Reaching after these things of the spirit, your whole nature becomes changed so that you can best receive and delight in the wonders of the abundant life. Your whole character changes as you reach upward for the things of the spirit for beauty, for love, for honesty, for purity, and for unselfishness. In the animal world, the very form of an animal changes to enable it to reach that upon which it delights to feed. Reach ever forward and upward after the things of the spirit. You not only can live a new life but you also can grow in grace and power and beauty. Will I choose not to take the first drink? Yes, alcoholism is a progressive illness and there are only three ends to it–the insane asylum, the morgue, or total abstinence. We eventually lose our homes, our families, and our self-respect. ![]() We go through the three stages of social drinking, trouble drinking, and merry-go-round drinking. journey becomes richer, the understanding becomes truth, the dreams become realities and today becomes forever. ![]() lies in knowing that my life, with God’s help, will improve. This is where long-term hope is born and perspective is gained, both of the nature of my illness and the path of my recovery. ![]() That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins. When they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions or pleasures than are possible or due us, that is the point at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. Since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn’t strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose. ![]()
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