sharing that he had felt like such a loser and had had no hope that the future would be any better. But after coming into C.D.A., all his problems had become challenges.
~Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 141
March 11
Living in Fellowship: Perhaps nothing else exists that can so completely multiply all our joys and divide all our grief. ∼Day By Day
In Russian, the word for “share” means literally “to divide.” Thus, it is no surprise that Russians in the Fellowship innately understand that to share with others means to divide our burden. Each time we share a trouble, we leave another little piece of the weight of our burden at the meeting or with another person in the Fellowship. This has several unexpected benefits for all. We allow others to practice the principles by reaching out to us, someone else might be experiencing the same burden and benefit from the discussion, and newcomers see first hand how it works. So from the Russian language we learn to share (divide) our burden and lighten our load. Thus, we understand the European Proverb that shared joy is doubled joy; shared sorrow is half the sorrow.
My problems shared are
my problems halved.
One man there spoke of his guilt about the way he'd stolen from his mother {…}. When I shared, I related to him my remorse, in my early recovery, regarding my mother. And I saw a little of the pain leave his eyes.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 122-123
March 12
Sobriety often brings us effects we never expected, like becoming the person we used to resent. ~The Pocket Sponsor
Yes, many of us probably resented those people who lived decent lives. Sometimes we pretended we were living decent lives ourselves, but almost certainly we felt deep down inside that we were fakes. Other times we thought of ourselves as rebels or eccentrics, and we laughed at the straight world. But again, “me thinks he doth protest too much” because our higher self knew we were only acting the part, and we did a darn poor job of acting, as well. There always was an element in us that wanted to be reputable, creditable, and respectable. We may come into recovery to stop using mind-affecting chemicals, but we gain much more than that. We become the person we said we resented.
If I don’t change, I will use.
If I don’t use, I will change.
A change has taken place, one so fundamental that it will not yield to pain, doubt, or denial. Whether one likes it or not, the change in self is here to stay.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 79
March 13
[T]he Realm of the Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; {…}. When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God. ∼Alcoholics Anonymous P 46-47
God, as we understand him, is such a beautiful concept. C.D.A. does not have a preset description of our Higher Power, instead, we are free to choose our own spiritual source—be it God, Group, or Goodness. Chemically Dependent Anonymous holds fast to the precept of utilizing, as a foundation for recovery, a power greater than ourselves and of our own understanding as discussed in A.A.’s Big Book and C.D.A.’s First Edition. Our concept of God is not etched in concrete, but dynamic, flowing, and flexible as we grow and learn spiritual principles. For instance, God, used as an acronym, has been viewed by many of us at one time or another as: Get Out Devil; Group Of Druggies; Group Of Drunks; Giver Of Desires; Give Over Decisions; Great OutDoors; and Good Orderly Direction.
What is my concept of a Higher Power?
It’s a GOD thing.
The only thing remaining, before we begin to delve into our former lives, is to open our minds and hearts to the concept of a Higher Power.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 106
March 14
If you haven’t got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me. ~Alice Roosevelt Longworth
When we were using, we often talked about people in negative ways behind their backs. Gossip was just a part of our daily life. Many of us were intolerant of the differences between ourselves and others. Even if we didn’t talk behind other people’s backs, we may have abrasively said unkind things directly to their faces! Once we begin working the Steps, the time arrives when we realize people are only doing the best they can, just like us. In C.D.A., we are a diverse group of people seeking recovery. At times, each of us falls short. Instead of taking others’ inventories, both in and out of the Program, we would do better to focus on helping them up when they are down, and rejoice in their triumphs when they are on top of the world!
The only time I should be looking down on another is when I’m helping them up.
Obvious social, and sometimes moral issues arise when such a diverse group of addicted people as we are gathered in the Chemically Dependent Anonymous setting.
∼Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 16
March 15
Anybody tell you today that they love you? ~Allen B.
Having destroyed much of our lives, we come to the Program as outcasts. We hit a hard bottom and wind up in C.D.A. How baffling to see so many people reach their hands out and offer us their help. This, for many of us, is the first time we witness unconditional love. It seems these people love us no matter what our past. As time goes on, we get in relationships with others in the Program that become very special. These can be relationships with sponsors, sponsees, or simply fellow members with whom we’ve formed special bonds. No matter how much time we have, we continue to talk openly about where we are and what we’ve done. We share emotions, get things off our mind, and don’t hide skeletons in the closet. People we trust are able to offer advice or simply listen. This ability to be open is a very special gift. It’s also how we stay clean and sober for long periods of time. In fact, it is considered selfish and self-centered not to share on this level in order to help others.
Today, I will tell someone I love them.
I never thought I'd find people like myself, but C.D.A. is open to all addictive people{…}. Their love is what kept me alive for the first month.
~Chemically Dependent Anonymous P 215
March 16
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. ~Ellen Parr
Sometimes we find ourselves bored with recovery. We go to the same meetings and hear the same people say the same things. We may consider not going to meetings at all because we could be doing something else. This is a time when we need to make some changes. We can go to different meetings, get involved in service work, or find a really sick newcomer and sponsor them. Finding out how the Fellowship is organized is also a good way to fight boredom in recovery. Starting a new meeting, or taking meetings into rehabs and institutions are also ways to get excited again. The message is: Get out of self. We need
