I try to keep a delicate balance in these daily emails to share about
me (without getting too self-centered) and A.A.-related slogans and
readings and topics (without dispersing too much "rehab psycho-
babble"). Since lately I have been writing a lot about how the
economy has been affecting my job (like everyone else) and about my
family (the rewards and benefits of continuous sobriety), today I
will share about the 12th Step and the current Daily Reflections.

The past couple days the readings have centered around the WE aspect
of the Program .. how WE have to help each other to survive. We need
to "reach out", "do anything to help", and act as "partners in
recovery". I like to use analogies - it helps to create a clear
mental picture which helps me keep it simple:

* We are all on a sinking ship filled with holes, but if we each
stick a finger in a hole the water cannot continue to flood the boat.
Also, we need to communicate together to find a way to paddle the
boat to safety - it takes teamwork .. alone we would sink, together
WE can stay afloat.


It's December so the readings tend to focus on 12th Step work (12th
month of the year) .. which I always found very appropriate for the
holiday season. So many alcoholics (both in recovery and not)
struggle this time of year due to the temptations of parties and
challenges of spending time with families, especially when drinking
is present. It's a prime opporunity to work a 12th Step -- help the
still suffering drunk, both inside the rooms and out and the person
finally ready to take that 1st step and join us!

Since we are supposed to live and work all the steps every day ...
consider this a conscious contact with the Program: GO WORK WITH
ANOTHER ALKIE TODAY!
Tuesday morning I chair an open Daily Reflections meeting and will be
picking up a friend recently home from rehab. What are YOU going to
do?

Jonathan, Alcoholic from New Jersey