Responsibility Statement

I am sober but that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm sane. Throughout my life, I can't remember ever having a desire to be socially acceptable or to act appropriately. (Well, okay, I'll act appropriate and/or socially acceptably for certain situations, but I'm talking about in general.) When I was boozin' and usin' my actions were hateful and harmful towards others and mostly malicious. Now that I'm sober, that part has changed (by the Grace and Mercy of the old HP) but I still tend to be drawn to the naughty or slightly scandalous stuff that causes me to giggle way down inside. So that's what I'm thinking I ought to write about today.

Alcoholics Anonymous has a "Responsibility Statement" that states: "I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that, I am responsible." Good stuff that speaks to our primary purpose of carrying the message to alcoholics who still suffer. And I do that whenever I get the opportunity, but when I'm out in the world with the people who are supposed to be 'normal' (and who decided what normal was anyway?) I apply this statement a bit differently.

When I encounter someone that seems to delight in ticking me off, I use the responsibility statement like this: (* indicates what my mind is thinking.)

I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help,

*Now, who would want to behave like this idiot? If they could see themselves acting so stupidly, I'm sure they'd want someone to stop them. They must be reaching out for help!

I want the hand of AA always to be there.

*In my minds eye, the hand of AA reaches out, wraps around the fool's neck and thoroughly chokes the stuffing out of them.

And for that, I am responsible.

Then I smile sweetly at them and try not to laugh.

Have a good and sober day.