Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average.
There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it — then you are ready to take certain steps.
At some of these we balked. Thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not. With all the earnestness (sincerity, seriousness, solemnity, intensity) at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.
Remember that we deal with alcohol, cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power that One is God. May you find Him now!
Half measures avail us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Chapter 5
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Why is it so hard for so some many of us to get honest with ourselves and the world around us? Our families, work, and friend all help to create that world around us but yet many of us are pleading with the dis-ease of dishonesty. How can we break free of this dreaded disease and be free of the misconception that has been created by one lie after another?
Venting Air! 