Acceptance

[Charlize]

This quote is from page 417 of the book called "Alcoholics Anonymous" which while also called the big book is where AA got it's name.

And acceptance is the answer to all my problems

today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some

person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of my life

—unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until

I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being

exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world

by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I

could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely

on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concen-

trate not so much on what needs to be changed in the

world as on what needs to be changed in me and in

my attitudes.

This passage is so important to my life both as an alcoholic, addict and as a trans* person. Accepting that i was an addict was so important in looking for a solution. That is the first step for any problem. Accepting myself was equally hard if not harder. It took and continues to take time. I have to accept amongst other things that my body will never be right and that i've lived so much of my life trying to be what i wasn't. Accepting life on its terms requires that i somehow relax my expectations. I must move as i can looking at the trail rather than the goal. If i can do that day by day and not dwell on what i can't change i do find some peace with the world.

Hugs,

Charlize an alcoholic

[Guest Lara-Saphire]

Hi Charlize ....... Hmm m Ok so you reading my mind now Ha Ha Ha !

There is a thought I carry around since my early day's in AA , first year I think . I backed into AA when I was 22, Sober since then. I'm 57 this month.

Anyway , there is a passage in the big book of "AA" that reads like and I quote "It is a spiritual axiom that when ever I am hurt or upset I am at fault ", doesn't matter whether it was caused by some one else or myself. In all the years I attended meetings and shared with others over coffee I have never heard much as a whisper on the subject and yet there you are today making a Quote that just surprises me . Yes I've had many discussions around that subject . Now, your thoughts, I would think as they relate to the quote for me are are spot on. Your Quote kinda spells out in a long version, what mine means to me if that makes sense???

After reading your post I had to go and look for your " Quote" I had to go and look it up just to make sure, It's not in my book I have The 1st addition . So I phoned a friend who I know has the current one, gonna go for a visit and read the story which has the quote you wrote .

I've always bin very introspective and somewhat prone to being my own worst enemy at times. Putting it more simply "I think too much" . It has been a blessing and a curse for me threw out my life although I'd say more of a blessing these day's.

As it turns out since finding my way to Laura' Playground and I quote your passage again " Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in gods world by mistake" , I see, feel or hear things only when I am ready to see, hear or feel them. It just amazes me what I find discussed so openly and freely here in the forum's . I only hope I can help others someday half as much as you have all helped me

I find myself looking back and connecting the dots trying to put the pieces of my life together with my present understanding. Me as a Cross Dresser fits my whole life, It's like the missing link! At least that's what eye see when I look back.

Anyway, so much of what I read here strikes a cord with me . Thanks for your Quote. Thanks for your thoughts.

I've enjoyed reading many of your post's.

Lara

[Charlize]

Thank you Lara that quote is from the 4th addition of the BB. It has been used as a topic in discussion meeting both in the TGAA Skype meeting i attend and at a GLBTQ meeting i lead last night. It simply makes sense to me. Years ago at university during an acid trip i was doing calligraphy. One bit i saved was a picture of some grasses with the words: "everything is perfect...How else could it be". I just hope that i can make enough progress in spirituality to understand that when i'm sober as well.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest suden]

You have that right -(keeping you eyes on the trail)- step from one rock to the next with out slipping off.

If we keep focused - life will just fill up with friends and moments to remember.

eden

[Guest Lara-Saphire]

Thanks Charlize, I borrowed the 4th addition from a friend , seem to have found a new reason to study the Big Book. Going to start with reading the story you quoted from. Had to google what GLBTQ stood for , I get it now. Still getting familiar with what all the letters I see used stand for.

Would it be okay to PM you and add you as a Friend! I have a few Questions regarding AA and the TG community in general.

Not sure if they would be appropriate in these forums to discus them.

[Charlize]

Absolutely on all counts. I am more than happy to try and help as i can.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Lara-Saphire]

Ok Thanks Charlize Just so You know I'm OK ! Lara was excluded from the whole AA experience in every possible way, a realization I must

correct . One day at a time sounds good to me right now. Talk to you soon.

Thanks a bunch

Lara