Distilled Spirits

A bird comes into the world in a shell and then breaks out and becomes free to fly. Humans, on the other hand, come into the world free and then build a shell around themselves. When I was drinking, I was afraid to let others know how much I drank, how I felt, or what I was doing or thinking. When I came to AA, I began to break that shell of isolation by admitting I was powerless over alcohol. I broke more of the shell when I did a Fourth Step, talked about the things I'd done which I was ashamed of, and asked God's help in removing my defects and making amends. There is still part of a shell that I recognize from time to time. But I'm thankful for the Steps and the principles given me by AA to help me become the happy, joyous, and free person God wants me to be.