The good things about the 12 steps?

August 1, 2001

I dont know how many folks on this list also read the gso list at

yahoo, but I'd appreciate it if folks gave me some feedback on what's

happening over there. It's a bit galling being censored, but I put up

with this as being better than than not being allowed any voice at

all. Therer are some reasonable, pretty sensible views expressed

there which I sometimes x-post here. There are also some outrageous

or even whacko ones that I usually don't. I was wondering though if

folks feel I'm achieving anything by trying to talk with ppl there.

Now for something completely different:

The interviewer leaned forward:

" Now tell me, in words of one syllable, only the *good* things you

remember about your sponsor. "

" My sponsor? I'll tell you about my sponsor. "

'Blade Runner' fans will know how it goes from there!

Right from when this list first started I have meant to write about

aspects of the 12-step program I thought were positive. I'm yet to

get around to it, but I was thinking about it recently. One thing was

the idea of making amends. It's hard to find fault with a philosophy

that encourages ppl to make amends to ppl they have harmed. Even if

the stepper doesnt benefit, then hopefully the other person does,

providing there is some sensitivity to whether the harmed person would

rather you went to hell than hear from you. Also in practice you very

likely do feel better about trying to undo hurt you have done other

as best you can.

Just recently there was something about making amends on the About.com

Alcoholism forum. A woman said she was afraid of doing it because she

didnt want to confront those she had harmed. She asked her sponsor

about it and they said not to worry about seeking them out to confront

them because when the time is ready God will put them in your path.

Since we are talking about lifetime grievances, I expect the chances

of many ppl crossing paths with those they have harmed later are

pretty well zero, not least because said persons may actively be

seeking that state of affairs! Hum....

P.

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