The Clock Says |
November 1967 Vol. 24 No. 6 |
THERE'S an idea that has intrigued me for a long time. I have not been able to put it into consistent practice, but from time to time I remember it and am rewarded: I think on the AA Step corresponding to the current hour, and apply the principle suggested by it to my affairs as of the moment.
I am generally asleep from midnight to six AM, so Steps Twelve to Five come up only once during the day. The others come up twice, once in the morning and again in the evening. What follows is a rough idea of how I go about relating the Steps to the corresponding hours of the day.
Six to eight AM: Rising time. As Step Six deals with defects of character, Step Seven, shortcomings, and Step Eight, preparing to make amends, we can spend a profitable time aided by these Steps in getting off to a good start for the day.
Nine AM: Many of us arrive at work around this time, and the Ninth Step reminds us that we could possibly adjust some conflicts that have spilled over from yesterday.
Ten AM: Now the day is pretty well laid out for us, and we have a fair idea what we have to contend with. A little mental survey, as the Tenth Step suggests, possibly over the morning coffee break, may well offset a negative attitude that would have made the day rough.
Eleven AM: Perhaps by this time some problems have developed in the course of our duties, or perhaps we. are not feeling well physically. But, whether things are going well or not, it is good at this eleventh hour to remember that we are not alone, and the Eleventh Step helps us to realize this.
Twelve noon and one PM: The three parts of the Twelfth Step are worthy of thought during the lunch period. A spiritual awakening might well be a revised sense of moral values. Perhaps we might have lunch with a member or prospective member; or again we might give him or her a phone call. The lift from this could well be the turning point. We might also ask ourselves what sort of example we are setting. As Step One reminds us, our basic problem is alcoholism. All problems if not dealt with will eventually lead to drinking. The First Step should ever remind us of this.
Two PM: "Sanity" in the Second Step means proper equilibrium. This Step at this time helps to keep things going in proper mental balance.
Three PM: At this time of day, we may begin to sag a little. Thoughts of the Third Step renew our strength and courage.
Four PM: This is a good hour to review our conduct during the day, with the Fourth Step in mind.
Five PM: We know how we have felt and acted during our working day. Contemplate where we may need a Fifth Step.
Six and seven PM: These are the hours when defects of character and shortcomings are put to the test. Do we take the pressures of the day out on our loved ones at home? Our domestic affairs are at the heart of living. Our attitudes will determine how well they go. Steps Six and Seven are vital in this.
Eight to ten PM: Sometimes arguments arise over what the family wants to do for the evening. Steps Eight, Nine, and Ten help us avoid thoughts and actions it may be necessary to make amends for later.
It is quite possible to be a great guy at meetings and unconsciously a petty tyrant at home. So these Steps help greatly in getting on good terms with loved ones, friends, and others.
Eleven PM: It is good at this time of day to remember the fact of our sobriety. May we never reach the state where we take it for granted! Let us thank our Higher Power through the Eleventh Step.
May He be with us in all our hours.
