Stick with the Winners – In AA, among the many phrases and clichés we learn two came to mind.
1) Stick with the winners
2) Never take anyone’s inventory.
Looking at this on the surface it seems reasonable. Upon further examination, I realize I can’t stick with the winners unless I take an observation inventory of those around me.
My good friend and sober mentor, Slo-Will, taught me to take people’s inventory, but never use it against them. So, with that I have learned to observe, but not judge. Before I consider a person a winner and begin to incorporate their views or actions into my life you can bet the farm I have taken their inventory.
I have learned to not be quick to assume someone has quality just because they have quantity. If you need proof of this for yourself hang out in any 12-step meeting once or twice and you will see I am correct.
A person that is good to follow is a person who is living out their life, according to the principals of recovery, working the steps, attends meetings regularly and has a sponsor that they are involved with. Also, you want to find someone who is involved in some type of service to others.
Point being is to find out who is a winner and then stick with them.
What we need to become is a person that other newcomers can see from our example this new approach to living is an approach that works. At first, we are about self-survival and just getting by day by. Once we are around awhile we begin to give to others as others gave to us. The Big Book says “but obviously, you can’t transmit something you haven’t got.” We need to grow so we can be of service to others
Above all, make a positive difference in the life of at least one person today. We are always better for it.
Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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