A Look Backward

 A little voice inside my head said: “Don’t look back, you can never look back.”   Don Henley

I have a strange mixture of fantasy and failure when I try to look back. Some things I can let go, while others hang around, looking for resolution. I don’t want to live in that mental space which demands constant replaying of events which cannot be changed. Step 8 is my opportunity to sit with it, contemplate my actions or inactions, and to finally take the action which disinvites the past from taking up permanent residence.

Trying to live a life different from that which was lubricated with alcohol is a worthy challenge, one in which I’ve been given ample examples of ‘how-to’. Thank goodness it’s not DIY - I already tried that, and it didn’t work out very well. 

I’m very grateful for those who have honed this step and have shown the way. First, look back. Look back with honesty at where I’ve been at fault, then - and this is key - “vigorously” (Bill W’s word) do whatever is necessary to make things right. Once I have done this to the best of my ability, it becomes time to leave it and move forward. 

Life is lived in the Now, and with my Higher Power as my guide, that’s the only place to Be.


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