Gratitude list?
Q. Where are "Gratitude Lists" in the Big Book?
A. hahaha ok. ok... One of those questions. I'm going to try to answer this diplomatically. (not sure if I've attempted this before) No. Gratitude lists are not part of the A.A program of action. I've known some members of the A.A. fellowship to use them in addition to the program though. I'm grateful to be a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is nothing less than a privilege and I never want to take this thing for granted. And I've been taught that "gratitude" is an action word. Sooooooooooo as 2022 comes to a close, I consider what I will contribute to Alcoholics Anonymous in 2023. What type of member will I be this year?
- Tomorrow is the beginning of a new year. There will be many newcomers entering the rooms for the first time. Desperate and defeated. Helpless and hopeless. Are we ready for them? Is my home group ready? Is my group a spiritual entity made up of recovered alcoholics in action working together for a single purpose? Will we be ready for them as they arrive?
- In this bran new year will I try to try live these principles or just tell others what they are?
- Will I be involved in ALL THREE legacies of AA: Unity, Service and Recovery? Or will I just simply attend a lot of meetings.
- Will I be a committed and contributing member of my home group and show up to that meeting no matter what to help with the behind the scenes chores? Or will I just attend meetings depending on where I get to be in the spotlight, where my friends are, or where I'm asked to share?
- Will I have compassion for the still sick and suffering? Will I have compassion also for those who view things differently than me? Or will I have to be right and have things my way?
- Will I be showing up early to my group to greet the new person and stay late to lend an ear? Or will I just be there when it's convenient for me and my schedule.
- Will I be responsible with my 7th Tradition, and contribute primarily to my group so that I can be sure the money gets to the proper AA entities, or will I just through money in the basket at every meeting I attend even if I have no idea where the money is going because I'm in self centered fear of what people might think of me?
- Will I take the time to take those I sponsor through the Traditions? Or will I take on too many sponsees, get lazy, sponsor in name only, and drop the ball after the Steps?
- Will I attend the business meeting at my homegroup and listen to the GSR report with an open mind, try to stay informed on what's going on with A.A. as a whole? Or will I just show up to business meetings when I have a great idea or something to complain about.
- In 2023 I want to do my small part in the weaving of the protective mantle which covers our whole society. I want to be a responsible member in good standing of the worldwide Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. I will fall short. Undoubtedly. But I want to try in 2023 to give Alcoholics Anonymous my best.
I believe you just read my "gratitude list"
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