I drank alcoholically for 45 years.

When I was,(finally), ready to admit defeat I found that I couldn’t get sober,(and clean), without AA.

I paid special attention to the advice that is rarely given, “Take what works for you and leave the rest.”

I owe my life to AA, but that doesn’t mean that I have to 'toe the line' of the most popular path.

I still go to meetings two or three days a week, the newcomers meeting in particular. I must be there, available to help another person who has a similar situation/story/mindset to mine.

If you’re sober, advancing in your spiritual life, helping others when you can,(not just other alcoholics), then you are a miraculous success!

Personally, I think that, in all endeavors in life, the less intellectually 'gifted' need hard, fast, simple rules to follow. I leave them alone about it, and simply encourage them and celebrate their success. Meanwhile, I do what works for me…

I don’t try to upset the apple cart. I share my “experience, strength and hope” at meetings, and leave each member to find the path that works for them.

I practice Tibetan Buddhism,(but not religiously). The “god of Abraham” is not my cup of tea either.

Because of that, and the fact that I’m a trans-woman lesbian, in Greenville NC USA, I could never really connect with a sponsor, but I found many friends.

The main thing that I keep saying and remaining aware of is, “It’s not a competition. It’s a cooperation.” Especially, I try to remain aware that not everyone keeps that sentiment close to their hearts, and I can’t change other people. I can only “keep my side of the street clean.”

--weezi-- 💜🙏🏼🦄🥳🎉

PS: I wouldn’t normally mention the “less intellectually gifted”, but, here on Medium, I suspect that I’m immersed in a pool of intellectual excellence…

--weezi--💖🙏🏼