Tradition 2: Our Way, Not My Way

When I was drinking, I didn't want anyone telling me what to do, mostly because I was afraid they'd tell me to stop drinking. Getting sober has required letting someone tell me what to do, not as a demand, but as a life-or-death suggestion (like taking a parachute along when you jump from an airplane). When first humbled by my alcoholism, I found it easy to follow instructions. As a result, I developed a lot of habits that are good for maintaining my sobriety, such as going to meetings, reading the literature, doing service work, etc. But as time marched on, I found some new suggestions harder to swallow. I also found myself with a bit of what I call sober pride, which is the belief that I know about AA and staying sober since I have such-and-such time away from my last drink. It's logical. If I have time, I must be doing something right. If I'm doing something right, then I should know what that is. Maybe I know what's best for me now. Maybe I even know what's best for you.