“…our spiritual foundation becomes more important than our individual egos.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 99

Whenever I am at a meeting where things get decided on a group level, I usually become more amazed at how this program must be spiritually inspired. I come together with my MA family to a safe place where we can learn and grow and let our lives become something “beyond our wildest dreams.” This doesn’t mean in a material sense, but by learning that I am no worse or better than anyone. I am just a druggie hoping for another 24 hours.

It took a while to believe that the people in the rooms were truly interested in my struggle. I had an experience in my early days where something I said came back to me in an uncomfortable way. At that point I had a choice; am I willing to go to any lengths and ignore this, or will I let my hurt pride take me out?

I am so glad I chose to stay and learned how important the Twelfth Tradition is, especially to vulnerable newcomers. We may grow impatient with ourselves and others. We don’t get the God’s eye view on anyone else’s path. We can only share our own experience, strength, and hope. Gossip and grumpy comparison are human, but not helpful and can be damaging. We take our disease and recovery seriously but not ourselves. We learn to live and let live.

Final thought: Today, I know I am a child of God and a work in progress.