July 2008

When first we come stumbling through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, it can seem as if we have journeyed to a strange, and perhaps frightening, country. We find ourselves faced with much which is new, and to whatever degree, confusing. All of this can be quite overwhelming. We have embarked, perhaps without realising it, on a new and completely different way of life to that previously suffered by ourselves, and those affected by our active alcoholism. Like any trip we make to a new land, we have to learn the language of that place, and get some understanding of that society. There is much to learn, much to absorb. Of great importance to us in our journeying towards sobriety is learning the language of our Fellowship, indeed the language of sober living. We encounter Steps, Traditions, Concepts, and Absolutes. A plethora of terms and words that we may have come across before, but now with meanings vastly different to our former understandings.

We have to accept, and make a beginning on understanding, this culture of sober living which will certainly feel alien to us. However, just as we need attempt to do the same when visiting any foreign land, so must we make great effort to feel comfortable with AA language, customs, practices, and culture.

When we visit a new and different place with its own system of values and language, we most often need some form of guide. In our Fellowship we are no different. Here we rely on our sponsors to guide, educate, translate, and look after our wellbeing as we embrace the new, and discard the old. As we grow in our sobriety we may in turn become a guide to another in need, as we once were. In fact, no matter how much we do embrace and internalise this way of living, we will ever need the support of our guides, our sponsors.

Throughout the pages of our meeting in print, we can view others in their unique journeys to the sober life. We can witness the growth of those who share with us, and take real encouragement from their personal developments. We can, if we are willing, allow them to help us as we learn and continue to learn about the language and values of this wonderful Fellowship. A Fellowship which gives so much to so many.