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Window of Opportunity p421-436

Good evening everyone,
This week we'll be reading Window of Opportunity p421-436. This fellow's story is one of those self-admittedly short drinking careers gone awry. Most took far longer, with far more consequences, to realize they had a problem. However, when he talks about his behavior while under the influence, there is no denying his qualifications as an alcoholic. It's a very interesting story and it reminded me of how important it is to identify rather than to compare.
When remembering the times where I actively made the effort to compare my story and find how I was different, what I was actually doing was trying to shield myself from anything that could challenge my carefully constructed wall of denial. It was a hateful thing inside me causing this conscious separation of self from others - The Ego. When I was finally ready to identify,  I had given up struggling with the question, I admitted I had a problem and became interested in what you had to say - identifying was almost like a 1st & 2nd Step rolled into one. 

There are times, even today, when I'll hear someone's story and feel like I can't relate to it or just don't like what that person has to say about sobriety. I find it's important to always make a conscious effort to find some common ground in every story lest I allow the ego some room to maneuver. It is also equally important for me to be able to let go of whatever I can't relate to or don't like without fighting it. Not everything that comes out of every person's mouth at a meeting or in a story is meant for ME - although I tend to think it should. It's not my job to set others straight. 

"And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone—even alcohol."  BB p84-85

Happy 24hrs,
David t.
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Location: San José Province, Escazu, Costa Rica

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