Section 1.1: The Significance of "I Am"

The phrases we attach to “I am” carry immense weight. Take a moment to reflect on this. When you say "I am," what thoughts immediately follow?

Upon joining Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), I viewed myself as "I am miserable." My self-loathing was profound, leading to a cycle of negativity where I hurt others because I was unhappy. This behavior spiraled into remorse, which ultimately drove me to drink in an attempt to escape my pain.

This destructive cycle only deepened my suffering, leading me to contemplate ending my life. I envisioned a dramatic exit, believing my family would be financially secure through my insurance policy, rather than facing the stigma of suicide.

However, a shift began when I surrendered to the program's spiritual aspects. I started following the guidance of my sponsors and engaged with the AA community's wisdom.

Gradually, my self-perception evolved from "I am worthless" to "I AM SOMEBODY." This affirmation blossomed into "I AM SOMEBODY GOOD" and eventually "I AM CARING ABOUT OTHERS AS WELL AS MYSELF." Family members and colleagues began to trust me again, and as my feelings improved, so did my life.

Once I recognized my progress, my desire for growth intensified. I eagerly sought knowledge and insight from my newfound friends within the AA program. My sponsors guided me to embrace the spiritual dimensions of recovery, which resonated with my thirst for understanding.

To this end, I delved into the teachings of Emmet Fox, who served as a spiritual guide to Bill W. and the early AA members. His influential work, The Sermon on the Mount, was a foundational text for AA before the creation of the Big Book.

Later, I connected with Reverend Stephanie Sorensen from the Flint, MI Life Enrichment Center, who further illuminated my path. She helped me realize that I AM a spiritual being in a universe governed by spiritual laws. I came to understand that as a Divine Being, I am a unique expression of God and interconnected with all that exists.

I have since memorized this insight and incorporate it into my daily affirmations, which keeps me grounded.

I want to emphasize that my transformation from an angry, violent individual to someone who is genuinely happy and free was made possible solely through AA. By surrendering to a straightforward program designed for complex individuals, I can now confidently declare: I AM SOMEBODY. I AM SOMEBODY GOOD. I AM LOVING. I AM A SPIRITUAL BEING.

If I can achieve this, so can you! God bless you!

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Section 1.2: Embracing Spirituality in Recovery