– By Anonymous Staff

There are quite a few different sayings or quotes within the program that can be annoying at times, but are extremely vital when early in recovery. The first step in beginning the process of healing is admitting that you have a problem and that you are powerless over the drugs and alcohol.

One of my first sponsor’s told me that “if I was not the problem, then there was no solution.”Taking responsibility for our limitations and accepting that we needed to change is a huge step, but at the same time only the beginning. “One day at a time” is a saying that helps the addict to stay present and not worry too much about the past or the future. If we are unable to stay present then we lose the ability to make decisions or ask for help with things that are going to immediately impact our lives. “Keep coming back, it works if you work it” refers to the addicts ability to build new positive habits that will give them a better chance to get sober and hopefully stay sober.

My sponsor also told me that “if I hung out long enough in a barbershop, I was going to get a haircut.” When I got sober, I had an incredible array of negative, detrimental habits that were taking me to jails, institutions and eventually would lead me to death. Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures gave me the structure, mentorship, therapy, and leadership training that I needed to help me with becoming an adult. “No matter where I go, there I am” helps me with recognizing that I my ability to run away from everything that makes me uncomfortable only delays the inevitable. With a sober clear head, I have been able to face all that life has thrown at me. My ability to continue down this path and keep my life moving in a positive direction is dependent on “maintaining my spiritual program,” recognizing that I am working at “progress, not perfection,” working with others, and having the ability to follow a friend, sponsor, higher powers suggestions. There are hundreds more sayings that are around the rooms of AA. These are only a few that I use consistently to “keep my self right sized” and “not take myself too seriously.”