Doing what it takes.......

Selfish is a word that is thrown around a lot at AA meetings. It's often at the core of an alcoholic. We of course do not see our selfishness because we are too busy being the victim, or the one who doesn't have a problem, everyone else has the problem. But there is also a time when selfishness is very important in the role of recovery. You need to do what it takes to stay sober. For some people they have to stop hanging out with people that they've been with for years, because they know that staying with these people will only lead to relapse. For others it's learning to take care of themselves, to say no, and to let other people take care of themselves. And there are often times when the situation is so wrong that the person may have to leave their families in order to stay sober. This can come with a heavy price tag. The guilt associated with making such a selfish decision often weighs heavily on the mind of someone who has been told they have a very selfish and self-centered disease. Yet is it selfish? Working through this program is no easy task. Sobriety is not for cowards. You have to face it head on and be fearless. Otherwise when it comes to admission, forgiveness, and redemption you will be overwhelmed and give up. Having to leave behind friends and family to stay sober may seem selfish but compared with baring the emptiness of your soul, it's not. Selfish lies in deliberate hurt, not taking responsibility for your actions, and not caring because you only care about you. A fellow AA is facing leaving their family. They are torn, but they know its the only way they can stay sober. Rarely do you get to glimpse real courage. This decision that they have to make takes real courage. They will not be alone. They have their AA family, sponsor, and the greatest power of all, God. The next time you need real courage, ask God to walk with you. There is nothing you can't do with the Lord on your side. Doing what it takes in this circumstance is not selfish at all.....