Mark75

There is a line in "How it works", the fifth chapter of the AA Big Book that reads:

"If you want what we have..."

I want what they have. People I have met and talked to at meetings... A., a big guy with a twinkle in his eye and a big wonderful belly laugh... C., Someone whose love for fly fishing is genuine and exceeded only by his love of sharing his knowledge with me... J., A guy who always has a smile and warm handshake for me and has peace in his soul, who celebrated his 1st year last night... He came to his jumping off point a year ago, and did, in fact jump, with a rope around his neck, who now loves his life, M., a victim of incest and other terrible challenges when growing up... has a mischievous smile and compassion for all those who suffer... I can go on and on.

The point is, that I want what they have. I will go to any lengths to get what they have.

I didn't read the Big Book and initially decide it was or wasn't for me, I didn't struggle with whether I could accept a higher power in my life, I did not have contempt for all the cute schmaltzy slogans, I didn't get angry with the old timers at the meetings who told me something that I didn't understand and didn't want to hear....I saw the people at the meetings and realized that whatever it was that they did, I'm gonna do....

My little discourse here can apply to any program of recovery that you are using... Life Ring... well, I don't know all of them. Whatever program you are in...

Do you want what they have?

Anna

I wanted peace in my life, and joy.

When I knew that was what I wanted and needed, really knew it, I began to meet people who were teachers to me. Some of the people were here at SR, some at work, some at social activities. I think it was the opening up of myself to what I wanted, that brought it to me.

Fubarcdn

I have never really met anybody and said I want what they have although in each person that I meet I see things that they have that I want.
I want what I have and am quitting drinking so I can keep it.

paulmh

Yes I do.

The funny thing is that there were some people who DIDN'T have what I wanted when I first came round, and yet they gave me gifts nonetheless.

Emimily

if you want what they have, then do what they do.

there are SO many people in my network who have things i want... my sponsor is a perfect example - before we started working together, i used to say "i want to be k and s when i grow up." so... i try my hardest to do what she does. i stay involved, i stay busy, i live life fully, i try to "put the bat away", i give as much of myself as possible, and i take care of myself. sometimes that means napping, sometimes that means yoga, sometimes that means fellowship... it's all beautiful.

so yes, i do want what some have. and i'll do what they do to get it.

Midas

"If you want what we have, and you are willing to go to any lengths to get it..."

Then, and only then you are ready to take certain steps. That's what some old-timers call Step Zero. You have to be willing to do the work, and you have to WANT it.

CarolD

Yes.....I enjoy so many benefits from using AA
as my recovery program.

All AA promised me has come true.

Tommyh

I sure do...when I finally got tired of taking a booze beating,I looked at those AA`s and they was sober and happy...thats what I wanted...
sobriety and happiness...so I did what they told me and I got it..*****!!

PXYZ

I am not sure what they have , so I am not sure that I want it .

nelco

they know a new freedom and a new happiness.

they do not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.

they comprehend the word serenity and they know peace.

No matter how far down the scale they have gone, they see how their experience can benefit others.

That feeling of uselessness and self-pity disappears.

they lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in their fellows.

Self-seeking slips away.
Their whole attitude and outlook upon life changes.

Fear of people and of economic insecurity leaves them

they intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle them

They suddenly realize that God is doing for them what they could not do for themselves



big book quotes from alcoholics anonymous 1st edition

PXYZ

I think just words - propaganda .

nelco

I have experienced it!!

PXYZ

Nice , but I can not be puppet even in some uknown god hands , my father is not Him or someone ... I have one father and he is human like me . High Power ....hmmm.....long way ...grave is near .

nelco

Of course, thats your choice. I wish you well on your journey.

Just sharing my own experience, and in relation to the orginal post.

CrackQuack

Even though I enjoy going to meetings and being in the NA, I have yet to look at one of my fellow addicts (with a year or more clean time) and think 'I want what they have.' It may come, it may not. I've never really been the type to "covet" anyway. I've always wanted my own thing, but it could change with the program. I have just begun my first step, and I have no clue what the future may bring. I try not to stress it, but sometimes I do...

PXYZ

Of course no spirituality in my brain , I can not believe in miracles , I am real .

Mark75

Well, that was sort of my point... I saw results, human beings with serenity and true happiness.... I did not approach the program with contempt prior to investigation, but rather a desire to be happy, I wanted what they had... If it meant a psychic change and suspending skepticism.... so be it... I was willing to go those lengths and beyond. I am so glad I did.

So... PXYZ, what program do you use for your recovery, other than, well, sitting on the sidelines taking potshots at those who are celebrating a program they have found that works for them? Please share it.

Mark

coffeenut

I really don't want what someone else has....because you never Really know exactly what it is they have.

However, I would hope to become friends with that someone so we may learn from each other.

PXYZ

not program here cubile75 ... just thinking ... thinking ... so army life will back maybe .

Rusty Zipper

cub, all i wanted was just "ONE" day of not using before i died!

as you mentioned, whatever recovery program one works at, just work your ass off on it...

me, i do the AA bit, worked it, and all the rest followed...

now, i can say, at least one person told me, "I Want Whay You Have"

that rolled me over!

i did say, what i have, is what millions more have...

a emotional rearangement!