Lending An Ear

If thirty-plus years of AA sobriety teaches anything, it’s how and, more importantly, why to really listen to what others share. Young or old, clever or boring, male or female—it doesn’t matter. I’ve learned more about myself by listening—really listening—than by all the writing and talk of the Steps combined. I’m grateful we have those crucial, life-changing Steps, don’t get me wrong. But, spared the ten or fifteen years of literal hell older alcoholics suffered, I still listen to newcomers as though my life depends on it.