August 11

”Courage is the capacity to confirm what can be imagined.” Leo Rosten

An interesting way to view courage, not so much in terms of fear as we normally portray it, but in the willingness to risk doing something to make it a reality. It is about pushing the limits of our comfort and stepping into unfamiliar territory. I think this applies well to the 12 Steps; for me they are new, untested waters but I can have faith in the thousands who have gone before me and followed the program to a new way of living. While it still takes my willingness and courage to set out on my own voyage through the program, I know I am not alone and have many people willing to support me along the way. Confirmation of what can be imagined…these words strike me each time I read the Ottawa Promises; there is always at least one that resonates. As I progress in my recovery, I have seen some of them realized: hearing myself laugh again, turning loneliness into solitude, shame becoming grace. I am learning to forgive myself and others, to develop a deeper understanding of love and my sexual fantasies and obsessions have diminished. Each of these is a result of my continued faith in a Higher Power and the program to lead me in a better direction than I have led myself. I am grateful I have let go of the reins.

Affirmation I can rely on the hope and faith of others that the program will lead me to a saner life where I can be happy, free, and genuine.