Not About

As a little kid once said, “This is brand and new!”  As I write this, I’ve just begun to find my blogging voice and I know it’s going to change as the blog grows and I am in recovery longer.

Even so, I can state there are some things that GoodLife is not about.

  • whining
  • blaming
  • making excuses
  • rescuing
  • being a victim
  • criticizing AA
  • name calling
  • fault-finding
  • avoiding the steps
  • psychoanalysis
  • shortcuts to honesty

Therefore I allow comments on the blog that avoid the above. If the criticizing is directed at me, I’ll give it serious thought. If it’s directed towards AA, you can have your opinion, but you’ll be keeping it to yourself. Remember, as in anything online, once it’s out there it’s out there!

I believe that no organization is perfect, but AA was instrumental in saving my life. Period. I have been in meetings from coast to coast and on cruise ships and in foreign countries, and have never been to a meeting that was a complete waste of my time. I don’t find it constructive or necessary to criticize specific meetings in my blog. When I refer to AA, it’s with respect for the program as outlined in the book.

Given the origination of the book, I do not understand the hesitancy to use the God word. I might say Higher Power, but I believe in the Trinity and Jesus Christ is my savior. God showed me He loved me at a very young age and alcohol, along with some very unhealthy thinking, nearly cost me my life. I will not judge your definition of your Higher Power or take your inventory or judge your program.

I believe that most alcoholics are addicted to more than just alcohol, so I have no issue with mentioning other addictions. The program, if worked, does work. I believe that. However, I also believe that only God makes it possible and for some reason, there are individuals who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves and with God. The program ‘fails’ without such honesty.

In the original manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous,  after the a, b & c of  How It Works on page 60, Bill wrote:

“If you are not convinced of these vital issues, you ought to re-read the book or throw it away.”