Sometimes I feel like the rest of the world is missing out by not being privy to what goes on inside the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s rich history, the contiguously joyful environment, the never-ending supply of free coffee and most importantly its core literature.
The AA Big Book, as it’s affectionately known, is one of the most incredible and impactful works ever written. You should read it sometime, no matter what your life situation it will help you. Especially if you are a parent, who is struggling with what to say or do for your child. It’s the best resource you could find to understand what they are suffering through.
With that said, today I thought I would share one of my favorite portions of the book. It’s found on page 417 and is widely popular. The chairperson at my home group on Sunday nights has been closing the meeting with this reading. It’s really been a great way to end my week and kick off a new one in a a mindset that helps me stay in the solution, not the problem.
I hope it helps you as much as it helps me.
A.A. Big Book Page 417 – Acceptance is the answer to ALL of my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation- some fact of my life- unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept my life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.
Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and woman merely players.” He forgot to mention that I was the chief critic. I was always able to see the flaw in every person, every situation. And I was always glad to point it out, because I knew you wanted perfection, just as I did. A.A. and acceptance have taught me that there is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us; that we are all children of God and we each have a right to be here. When I complain about me or about you, I am complaining about God’s handiwork. I am saying that I know better than God.
Do you find this helpful? What is it you need to work on accepting today?
