OvercominǗ FeaȨ Of Thǃ Futurǃ

Whaȵ iȮ thǃ PlaǾ?

How Step Two can restore sanity through faith in action This new year brings hope that last year’s dismal conditions will somehow evaporate; that the world will now become happy, joyous, and free—probably not! The stage may be set for deep apprehension or even that great sobriety nemesis: FEAR! At the onset of this new year, I may well look ahead and make decisions (resolutions!) with prayer, good common sense, plus the use of my sponsor. However, irrational fear—that great friend of mental-obsession—will doubtless continue its attack mode. What to do? Page 68 of the Big Book offers suggestions. To paraphrase: First, to realize that I cannot be rid of the powerful fear-devil with my good-keen-intellectual-mind, nor with willpower! Self cannot rid self of self with self—consequently I need help from a power greater than me. But how? The Big Book advises: “We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be.” (p. 68) But how can I be as God would have me? How can I be different tomorrow than I am today? The answer is to live in the spirit of Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve. “Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us” (p. 84). Bob S, Richmond, IN

Dry my hands on a towel like a priest Try to serve in a selfless way Trust a force runs through all living things Try to listen to what others say Take a breath, hold it in, sigh away Try to lighten my head, slow it down Make a smile to encourage my heart As my tools of compassion I hone Loving kindness to me and to you Smile rising sends joy to my eyes Resentments they niggle me still But I try to destroy them with smiles Be true to myself, what is that? I don’t have a clue who I am I try to trust god to decide What’s meant for me – what is the plan? ~ Anon