newby1961

THE TREASURE OF THE PAST
Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing which makes life seem so worth while to us now. Cling to the thought that, in God's hands, the dark past is the greatest possession you have -- the key to life and happiness for others. With it you can avert death and misery for them.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 124

What a gift it is for me to realize that all those seemingly useless years were not wasted. The most degrading and humiliating experiences turn out to be the most powerful tools in helping others to recover. In knowing the depths of shame and despair, I can reach out with a loving and compassionate hand, and know that the grace of God is available to me.

paul99

Looking back at my past and using it as a touchstone for change is very important for me - my story is one way to help another alcoholic identify, and me with their story. Like it says in the 9th step promises: "We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.". The pain and humiliation and hurt of the past has certainly not been wasted - it's the kind of stuff that helps to give empathy and compassion for others. In some ways, it's a blessing.

Fernaceman

"No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others."

HappyDestiny3

It truly is such a blessing for this alcoholic to share my decades of abuse. I really did think I wasted so much of my life, come to be in AA it was not so. For today I am 41 and I get to grow up for the very first time..

Veritas1

Relieve me of the bondage of self, so that I may better do Thy will.

Take away my difficulities so that victory over them will bear witness

to those I would help of Thy love, Thy power, and Thy way of life.

~

Day 17

stepping

sometimes the wrong choices lead us to the right place