A Revolutionary Change in Recovery begins when we stop trying to control our lives and become willing to experience a profound spiritual transformation.
“The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God’s universe.”- Alcoholics Anonymous page 25.
The ‘great fact’ describes the solution to every alcoholic’s character defect when trying to play God, by attempting to control people, places, and things.
The Need for a Revolutionary Change
Before recovery, I was a master of manipulation to get what I wanted. Behind my drinking was an insatiable desire to stay in control, but in reality, I was destroying my life. My family was broken, I was about to lose my job, and I was miserable.
Finally, I reached out for help and found AA. Slowly, I turned the pages of the Big Book and learned that a revolutionary change was necessary for lasting sobriety. I understood the ‘great fact’. I was tired of my old life ready to change everything.
Changing Old Habits Through Working the Twelve Steps
As I worked through the twelve steps, a deeper change began to take place. Eventually, I became honest about my character defects.
First, I had to recognize pride, fear, selfishness, and the craving that forced my choices. Next, I had to stop deceiving myself- believing I was powerless. Then, with complete humility, I asked God to remove those defects.
As a result, I began learning how to live by faith, service, and spiritual growth to break old habits.
Priorities Before Spiritual Change in Recovery
As I looked back, I saw that ego had shaped my priorities. Therefore, before recovery, I placed them in this order:
Work-Family-God
Work came first because it fed my desire for material success, but it was never enough.
Family mattered deeply to me. However, fear often shaped how I loved them. I frequently overreacted with anger instead of responding with love.
God remained distant in my life. Usually, I reach for Him in moments of desperation. Yet, I rarely turned to Him with trust gratitude.
Priorities After Revolutionary Change in Recovery
As I practiced daily prayer and meditation every morning, and watched for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear throughout my day, I realized my priorities were shifting. Gradually, God moved from the edge of my life to the center. As a result, my core values changed to:
God-Family-Work
A New Order for Lasting Sobriety
Consequently, a revolutionary change took place. Instead of living by ego, fear, and self-will, I began to live by the legacy of Recovery-Unity-Service. As I put God first, helped others, and cared for my family, everything began to change.
“Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change…”- Alcoholics Anonymous page 84.
Reflection: Change is a continuous process needed for growth. Am I ready for change to maintain my sobriety?
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