O is for Opinion. As they say, "Every one has one." It is alright to express your opinion. Was is important is expressing it in an appropriate way. You don't have to agree. you can agree to disagree. I was told in recovery, there wasn't a right way or a wrong way, as long as you stayed sober. If I relapse, then I would have to open my mind a little bit more as to what I need in order to recover from that hopeless state of mind and body. I can't be someone else's Higher Power. My service sponsor said many years ago, "I don't care who or what your Higher Power is as long as it is NOT you. That was just her opinion, but in fact, it was true.

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P is for People

I am thankful for all of the people in my life. My family, friends, co-workers, AA friends, church friends all play a part in my journey of sobriety. Without the love and support I get from them, I may not have stayed sober for almost 6 years.

Q is for Quiet. Quiet your mind. As it says in Step Three, "Listen for the quiet and in the stillness, say the Serenity Prayer." For me this means, quiet your mind so you can hear God's reply. You can't hear if you don't quiet the chaos going on in your head, whether it is the debating society or the fears and bug-a-boos that often paralyzes us from moving forward and/or be open to change, we need to let go and have faith, that your God is there for you.

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R is for Resist. Resist temptation. Ask for help, we don't have to walk this journey alone. When a thought comes to mind and we have trouble dealing with it, pick up the phone and call someone or go to the nearest meeting. For me, it didn't matter what fellowship, a drug is a drug, and alcohol is a drug. Our disease is just waiting there, waiting for you to take the road least resistant and lead you back to active addiction. It doesn't give up, so please don't you give up on yourself or others.

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S is for Should. Quit second guessing your God. Quit shoulding all over the place.

Quit the debating society and saying, "Should have, could have, etc." just accept what was or is, what's done is done and can't be undone. Make things right if you can, and know the wisdom to know the difference. Leave it in your God's Hands. You will have much more sobriety (soundness of mind) that way.

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T is for Thanks. It brought to mind, "Thanks for the memories." They were not all bad. A grateful alcoholic/addict will never have a reason to pick up. That is why I thank my God for another day, each day is a miracle.

U is for Understand. Thanks to the program, I had a new spiritual experience and had a new understanding of my God. Through that understanding, I got to understand and renew myself.

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V is for Very

I am very grateful that I am alive and sober today!

W is for Work. Work the Steps. Take the words off the pages of the recovery literature and apply them to your life.

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X is for eXample. Lead by eXample. As the Big Book says, "Attraction rather than promotion." Don't tell me, show me. I think it is called walking your talk along with some integrity, along with some eXtra love and hugs.

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Y is for You

I am thankful for You! Yes, You! You help me stay sober. You support me in my recovery. You loved me even when I felt unlovable. You found it in your heart to forgive and gave me the ability to forgive myself. You light up my life!

Z is for Zip. Zip your lip. Sometimes it is best to leave words unsaid. Listen to learn and learn to listen.

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