New Year—2025
Time to review.
I never got a DUI when I was still drinking. I should have gotten one because I drove many times under the influence of alcohol. I just didn’t get caught. When I was drinking, I was only concerned with me and what I was doing. Under the influence of alcohol, I was more me. I was self-centered and totally under my own power and influence. I made many poor decisions out of that mindset. Nobody could tell me what to do. I knew everything. I was self-reliant. Yeah, I’m good. Don’t bother me. I don’t need help.
I tried to stop drinking for many years on my own power. When I finally admitted I could not stop on my own, I surrendered and asked God to help me. If I could have gotten sober on my own, I would have. Not until I admitted that I was powerless and surrendered to God, did I finally get sober. I was no longer under the influence of what was confusing me—alcohol.
When alcohol was removed from the equation, I was no longer separated from access to God’s influence in my life. I turned my will over to God. My obsession to drink was removed.
I started to watch others who were able to live this life so fully and without alcohol. How were they doing this? They had an influence on me too. I could see they were not doing it alone or on their own power. The way was shown to me. In meetings. Connection with God. Connection with others like myself. God magically began to put people in my life that would walk beside me, like my sponsor, that asked me challenging questions. “How’s that working for you?”
I started working the 12 Steps with my sponsor. She pointed out things I could not see on my own. I looked inside and reviewed. I examined motives for my behaviors and became willing to change. I was astonished. My eyes were opened. I was influenced in a good way.
For me, it was not just stopping drinking, it became a new way of thinking. I was now consulting God first. Praying for His will, not my own. Then stepping outside myself and thinking of others. What positive influence can I have on others around me who still struggle?
In the 12th Step it says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry the message to others, and practice these principles in all our affairs.”
Just by living this program, we show the way. We may never get to know how we have made a difference for others, but we continue to show the way, like it was shown to us. What a miracle I have been given. Now, I am under the influence of the greatest power of all—God. He guides my every step.
If you are still suffering, reach out. Come and join us in a meeting. We will walk this recovery road with you.
You are not alone.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
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