What do the Holidays really have to do with staying sober? Well for many they were a great excuse for drinking and so it may feel a little strange trying to find “Holiday Cheer” in a sober world. That may mean we have to work extra hard to remember sobriety is a sober alcoholic’s main job.
Somewhere in the Big Book, it says something like, “…we don’t have to fight anything or anybody.” I was recently reminded that not everyone feels that way. Still, as my friend Sam says, “I don’t have to go to every fight I’m invited to.” (I hope he doesn’t mind me quoting him here!) If I’m going to miss a good blood-boiling fight then I need to fill that time with a good fun-loving party. Sobriety is found in positive projects that require action.
So it’s not about staying away from a fight or a drink, it’s about filling my time and attitudes with better things and sobriety. So I need to focus on bringing good to the world around me. Focus on how can I help someone or be of service somewhere?
That is very much what the Downeast Intergroup was founded on and is all about. Literature sales buy more books. Contributions pay for more Meeting Lists. This website tries to bring groups and districts together. There are many other Service Offices and Intergroups but there’s only one Downeast Intergroup…
So keep in touch with your Intergroup. Send upcoming anniversaries, events, and service get-togethers. Send a blog post for this page. Notice that the email addresses to contribute and get in touch with the Intergroup are all over this website!
Let the people around you know that sobriety looks good, sounds good, and is a valuable part of your community. That’s a holiday message I can get behind…
Stay safe and have fun!