October 23

”Hope does not necessarily take the form of excessive confidence; rather it involves the simple willingness to take the next step.” Stanley Hauerwas

I did not learn to run before I crawled, to write before I could print, or to give a speech before I could say “See spot run.” Like most things in life, I have learned skills gradually and progressively, in a series of small steps as my confidence and ability grew. For many of these abilities my goal was to have an adequate level of proficiency. I have never dreamt of being a marathon runner, a famous author, nor a world class orator. SAA has given me hope for a brighter and saner future, starting with today. Like riding a bike, I have taken gradual steps, attending meetings, sharing my story, gaining a sponsor and working the steps. Each is a stepping stone of progress. I have stumbled along the way, but have had sufficient hope to climb back onto the bicycle and try again. I can happily report that I have a new support network that I frequently rely on, that most days I pick up one or more tool of recovery, and that I still go to my meetings as a fundamental part of my program. SAA continues to give me hope. I am grateful for that gift and even happier to be able to share it and encourage others to keep trying.

Affirmation I will make the small steps I need to in order to continue along my path of recovery.