The Determination of Our Founders

 Determination is nothing without appropriate action. I can be as determined as possible to provide my children with all they need to progress in their lives: a car? Here you are; a home of your own? Here’s the down payment. These things require the means with which to accomplish them, which I don’t have. I can provide them with encouragement to reach their goals and congratulations for their victories, large or small. I can be their loudest cheerleader, their biggest fan. My determination is for their happiness, and my action is to always offer support, guidance when asked, and unconditional love, always.

When I look at my own sobriety, I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement of the millions who have achieved their own, and have had the grace and fortitude to stick around and help others. It all began with the drive, determination, and devotion of our founders to share freely how they had finally found deliverance from their “seemingly hopeless state of mind and body”. There was a solution! There was hope! They shared, one-on-one and in small groups, and watched as their experience was repeated in those who heard the message. Their own examples spoke loudest.

This fellowship of former drunks has continued to flourish due to the thoughtful foresight of those original sharers of their solution. We all can follow their examples, sharing our own stories and insights, one-on-one, in groups, or - carefully honoring the anonymity of others - on social media. 

Action starts with determination. Determination starts with insight. Insight starts with compassion.

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