On September 12, 1991, I completed thirty days of abstinence, answered my 30-day OA-HOW questions, and I “stepped up.” To celebrate, my wonderful sponsor gave me a little plant to symbolize my growth in the program. Today, 9,190 days later (that’s 25 years, 1 month, and 28 days), my plant is still alive and growing. It even needs to be repotted.
That plant has really become a symbol of my program. There have been many times (especially during fall or winter) when it didn’t look very perky. At times I’ve thought, “Gee, this plant is really old, maybe it’s time to toss it,” but instead, I’ve just treated it with a little more kindness by feeding it fresh nutrients, watering it carefully, and talking to it. The plant always perks up again, and I see its beauty once more.
That’s what can happen in program. It has happened to me many times during my many thousands of days in OA: My program seems old and dull, and I start thinking maybe it’s time to move on. But then I attend an especially inspiring meeting, workshop, or retreat and I get enthused all over again. I step up my program, increase my self-care, and talk with my sponsor. And again, I become able to appreciate the beauty of the Twelve Steps.
If you’re feeling a bit “blah” because it’s cold outside, or if your program isn’t giving you the results you’d like to see today, please, please don’t miss International Day Experiencing Abstinence. Organize or attend a retreat or workshop. Energize your program, get inspired, and love, love, love our program of recovery through the Twelve Steps, all over again.
—Anonymous
