Taking a Risk
[Jan 5, 2008][Tags: ]
I read this poem last night in Philip St Romain's book "Reflecting on the Serenity Prayer". It reminded me of the 2 or 3 billion times when I was afraid to do something and what I may have lost because I didn't. I figured someone else might like it.
Author unknown
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out to others is to risk involvement
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self
To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure
But risks must be taken,
because the greatest hazard in life is to do nothing.
The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are a slave,
they forfeited their freedom.
For me, the poem is appropriate right now.
What I consider my home group is discussing forming a new AA group in our town, with a meeting format and agenda geared to newcomers and early sobriety. The idea is that a better grounding in the steps and the recovery process would give newcomers a beter foothold in sobriety. I believe that would be a good thing - but also a lot of work. It would also not be affiliated with the Alano club, as all the other groups here are.
I have been the temporary secretary by default for the last month or so for another meeting, as I was sitting in (I thought for just two meetings) for the real one - who then walked away from it. I was told last week that I was the man recommended for the job.
I have problems with being the permanent secretary for this meeting. It will again be by default, just because no one else wants to do it. Most have 15-20 years of sobriety, believe they have already paid their dues, or are far too comfortable (or asleep) to be bothered. Nor do they appear to want anything changed. The seventh tradition has not been met by the meeting while I have been sitting in.
I will work towards the new group - a risk I want to take.
At this point I believe that I will also toss the books from the other meeting on the table and tell them why - a risk I have to take.
<< Previous Next >>2007: Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 22 Dec 24 Dec 26 2008: Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 13