Welcome to January 2023 Jackson County and Josephine County A.A. Newsletter. Thank you for subscribing. We hope you enjoy it.
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This issue of One Day at a Time features articles written by A.A. members that focus on the First Step. Personally, I remember my thoughts and feelings at Step One, or at least just prior to taking my First Step. I remember that it was not pretty. I was not only full of myself, but I was also experiencing feelings of guilt and shame, fear, distrust, uncertainties, doubt, insecurity, disgrace. Selfishness and self-centeredness had become my demise. Upon entering the rooms of A.A., I quickly learned that the only way to begin my recovery and heal was to admit first that I was an alcoholic. I then had to humbly admit my powerlessness over alcohol and, in fact, every aspect of my life, others, situations, and places. However, even though I was in a dreadfully dark place, I also knew in my heart that I was on the path to a better life. Literally, it was the end of a nightmare and the beginning of a new life. I just had to be willing, be honest, and be open minded.
My friends, I pray that you fully and wholeheartedly embrace this Program. I pray that you hold on to it with your dear life. Not that I know firsthand what awaits you and me during the journey, but I do know this. The journey is a beautiful life. It’s not always smooth sailing and sunny blue skies, and it definitely isn’t always fair, but it is always good. So, I pray that God richly blesses you, keeps you, and protects you. As Bill W. proclaims in the Big Book, “It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. There you will find release from care, boredom, and worry. Your imagination will be fired. Life will mean something at last. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. Thus, we find the fellowship, and so will you” (A.A.W.S. Alcoholics Anonymous, 2001, p. 152).
Sincerely, your friend,
Winslow C.