Those Who Still Suffer

 We are each free to find and follow our own path. That’s hard to remember sometimes, especially when I think I’ve stumbled onto the Secret of Life. What works for me, what my understanding is, and how I apply that to my situation isn’t necessarily going to fit another. 

That is so in A.A. as well. We have the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, but all are suggestions. Each of us is free to determine how - or whether - to follow them. My experience won’t mirror anyone else’s, and I can’t determine how those with whom I work will grasp and use anything I offer.

I’m reminded of how siblings within a family have their own recollections and interpretations of their parents and their shared history. Those memories are individual, based on many differing factors. I can’t see life through my sister’s eyes - I can listen to her talk about her memories, and try to place myself in the same timeframe. What was I doing then? How did I feel? How are we alike, and how are we different? Is my memory the only valid one?

When I see another person who is still suffering from their addiction and their subsequent troubles, it is my job to honestly, humbly, willingly be an example of truly working on the factors which led me down the same path. Honesty in being myself, warts and all, humility in recognize my strengths and my weaknesses, and willingness to share as much as another is able to accept. 

We have a shared humanity. We’re all just doing the best we can at any given time. If I continue to do what I have done to find and maintain sobriety, I have a foundation from which to stand. From there, I try to invite others to establish their own strong foundations, using their own strengths and materials.