Danger--Nostalgia Present

THE pitfalls along the way of the alcoholic are countless. Even extremely minor incidents can start a chain of thought which, if not recognized and halted, can turn into the old way of "stinkin' thinkin'." We all have our memories of the old days. Let us never forget them, for to do so would mean to forget that we are alcoholics, and that we can never do if we are to continue in our lives of sobriety. Yes, by all means let us keep our memories; but don't let nostalgia creep in to the extent that it becomes a stumbling block. Learn to recognize the danger signs--it might be only the smell of beer and the sound of the juke box coming from a tavern as you walk by; or it could even be a bowl of ripe grapes sitting on your own dining table with their fragrance speaking of the tantalizing taste of wine; or maybe it is the smell of whiskey on a sick alcoholic's breath as you are trying to help him. Small things, yes, but unless you've learned to control the memories that are aroused, your thinking might start on the wrong track without realizing it in time. Don't let these feelings trick you. Become at ease with the AA way of life and enjoy AA--and AA will enjoy you. Serenity is wonderful. Let it come to you so that memories can't upset what you've accomplished by our day by day program.