balance

I apologize for not posting more regularly lately. I've been busy with a million little things going on. And that's pretty much a good thing, until I let that run me off the rails when it comes to my "fundamentals" of prayer, meetings, contact with recovery peeps. I need to do better at sticking with my fundamentals.

Easter was nice, my wife and I played at Mass, she in the bell choir, I in the brass ensemble. Then we hung out at home, enjoyed the beautiful weather and each other. Mass was packed, as Easter Sunday always is. It's nice when lots and lots of folks come to worship!

As an alcoholic, I tend to be a bit of an "all or nothing" kind of guy. One of the things my dad taught me about recovery was the importance of balance. I am by default unbalanced, all or nothing. AA has taught me to try to give equal time to the important aspects of my life in an effort to balance myself. I notice still today that when I cheat my prayer life or neglect my meeting life, the rest of my "really important stuff" begins to suffer. I simply cannot abandon the things that have brought to where I am today.

"It is easy to let up on the spritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's Will into all of our lives. How can I best serve thee-- thy will (not mine) be done. These are the thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish, it is the proper use of the will." -Alcoholics Anonymous, p85.