The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (3rd edition, p.
83-84) promises a new life filled with hope, freedom and happiness.
In the next article of this series, you are going to examine promise number two.
"We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
" Who would not regret the past anguish and torment of his or her former drinking days? What good can come from remembering smashed up cars and destroyed relationships? Why not shut the door on the humiliation of your insane behavior at your daughter's wedding? Can you really find any good in the horrendous wreckage of your past? Strangely enough, the answer is yes! To remember the terror and insanity of your worst drinking days is actually an asset! These experiences and recollections can be used to keep yourself and other members of the program clean and sober.
My good friend Donny has once more agreed to let me share his story about coming to terms with the 2nd promise.
"I hate war stories about our old drinking days! Everybody knows what it was like.
Why don't we just focus on how we are going to get better? I approached an old-timer after a meeting about my concerns after a particularly long winded speaker lamented about his awful experiences.
" "You're right son," commented the old-timer.
"But, remembering your last 'drunk' is a very powerful reminder of why you want to stay sober.
I clearly remember what it was like and what my issues were when I began to sober up.
I was bitter over my divorce, had no self confidence and spent most of my time feeling sorry for myself about my circumstances.
Does that sound familiar to you?" "It sure does," Donny replied in a very quiet voice.
"Replace all those useless and harmful thoughts, attitudes and actions with positive and constructive thoughts, attitudes and actions," the old-timer continued.
"First of all count your blessings that you're still alive! Both of us should have been dead many times over.
If you're feeling sorry for yourself, volunteer to help somebody else! I guarantee that you will come back and be very appreciative of your current situation.
Don't dwell on the past, but there is nothing wrong with remembering where you have come from.
Use your past to keep yourself and others sober.
" The key to the 2nd Promise comes from the last statement of Donny's conversation.
"Use your past to keep yourself and others sober.
"In other words, keep the door to the past slightly open and use it wisely to face your current challenges.
The 2nd Promise is crucial to your recovery and the recovery of others.
Don't dwell on the past but always remember what is used to be like!