Relapse is Not Required

RELAPSE IS NOT REQUIRED
“Relapse is not required,” said my sponsor, “though at some
meetings they make it seem appealing, all that prodigal drunk treatment.”

“Well, so far, I’m living in the blessing of being convinced
the first time,” I told her, “plus what could possibly be out there that’s
better than what’s in here?”

“That is the point. 
There is so much out there that is faster and bigger, more dramatic and
extreme, but I sure have never seen anything better,” she patted my head and I
grinned.

“Since I am winning the first time why would I want to
lose?” I add just to overstate her point.

“This is the perfect place for those who want it, and all
the rest get drunk, but drinking is not required any more than Santa has to
come on Christmas.”
Save pretty words in a jar like candy.
*
Step 3

Remember that this is a surrender to a friend, a thing
filled with humor and humility not a thing filled with shame or
humiliation.  As for regret the only one
I’ve ever had about step 3 is that I didn’t surrender earlier.  Trying to pull a moose by its antlers across
the desert was always a ridiculous endeavor, but a friend will stay close and
let you try, always ready to lend a hand if asked, though never stealing the
opportunity for me to recognize on my own how foolish I have been.  Hilarity ensues as I explain my thinking and
turn the project over to a brighter mind and more able hand realizing then;
there is no good reason to pull that big thing across that vast wasteland.  On the way back we chat about platypus and
rhinoceros and laugh at how many strange things seem like bright ideas in the
quiet space of even a great brain.  I
have avoided surrendering fearing the loneliness and defeat.  Struggling alone with my torment was lonely;
turning myself over to my best friend keeps me in the very best company.

Vlog:  http://youtu.be/0VICoQBksyo