Shift Out of Fear
S
everal months ago, I got into a helps me release excess emotion and shift minor car accident on my way to my perspective so I can return to a sense of qualify at an FA meeting. When balance and equanimity. My sponsor listhat happened, a tiny part of me thought, tened and responded sympathetically with Hey, bad things aren’t supposed to happen to some practical suggestions. Calmer, I me when I am doing drove to the meeting service for my Higher was amazed that I appreciate that my Higher Iand Power. However, I was able to show up was able to arrive at Power uses FA to teach me on time despite the more rational thinkdelay of the accident. ing by processing the whatever I need to learn. When it came time situation with my for me to qualify, it FA fellows. Yes, it FA precepts remind me that was easy for me to was unfortunate that speak about the being humble enough I had miscalculated, abundant gifts of FA but nobody was inrecovery. to ask is a virtue that will jured. Additionally, For months after both cars remained the accident, I found always be rewarded. drivable. I was able myself periodically to once again pracstruggling with tice going to my Higher Power and my worry. How would I repair the damage to sponsor for help rather than seeking the my car? Did I need to notify the DMV? dubious comfort of food addiction and Would my car insurance rates go up? I wasblame. As a result, I spoke kindly and n’t really sure, but I knew that I needed to calmly to the other driver as we exchanged talk with my sponsor and fellows about information. each of these concerns as they arose, so I Once I was back on the road, I called my could take constructive action and shift sponsor, because I have learned that keep- out of self-centered fear. I felt such a sense ing her in the loop helps to safeguard my of relief and gratitude for each of the sugabstinence. Sharing my burdens and joys gestions I was given, and as I took them, 8
November 2022