"Happiness"

[Charlize]

This is a quote from "The Daily Reflection" for 4/26:

 

26

April

HAPPINESS IS NOT THE POINT

I don't think happiness or unhappiness is the point. How do we meet the problems we face? How do we best learn from them and transmit what we have learned to others, if they would receive the knowledge?

— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 306

In my search "to be happy," I changed jobs, married and divorced, took geographical cures, and ran myself into debt—financially, emotionally and spiritually. In A.A., I'm learning to grow up. Instead of demanding that people, places and things make me happy, I can ask God for self-acceptance. When a problem overwhelms me, A.A.'s Twelve Steps will help me grow through the pain. The knowledge I gain can be a gift to others who suffer with the same problem. As Bill said, "When pain comes, we are expected to learn from it willingly, and help others to learn. When happiness comes, we accept it as a gift, and thank God for it." (As Bill Sees It, p. 306)

 

 

When i came to AA i was beaten.  Happiness was certainly well out of reach but as i saw others i believed i could find sobriety.  Today i hear the Promises (pgs 83-84 AA) and often feel they fit.

I have had pink clouds come and go.  I expect that will continue.  Life serves up rough times and i’m human.  Depression can easily creep back and disappear again.  My emotions seem to travel in waves.  By applying the steps to my life, looking at my part in disputes, trying to help others, and trying to improve my contact with a higher power i am developing an understanding of serenity.

I’m not sure what happiness actually is but i am beginning to find serenity despite life’s ups and downs.

That alone is beyond my wildest dreams.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize