We can all have Hope, instead of desperation;
Faith, instead of despair;
Courage, instead of fear;
Peace of Mind, instead of confusion;
Self-respect, instead of self-contempt;
Self-confidence, instead of helplessness;
The respect of others, instead of their pity and contempt;
A clean conscience, instead of a sense of guilt;
Real friendships, instead of loneliness;
A clean pattern of life, instead of a purposeless existence;
The love and understanding of our families, instead of their doubts and fears;
And the freedom of a happy life, instead of the bondage of an alcoholic obsession.
All this and more through AA, are we grateful enough?
Gratitude will continue the miracle of your sobriety, I found that out.
As written by Ann C. of Niles, Ohio - sober April 1, 1948
Ann C. wrote this "a number of years before" the 1985 International Convention in Montreal, Canada, where she set it to tape at the Old-timers Meeting. She wrote it to show the contrast that can take place in any of our lives when we sincerely try to follow the principles of AA's suggested program of recovery.
