Big Book

[root]

(About the First 9 Steps)

If we are persistent enough at this stage of our development, we can marvel at the journey we have already taken. We discover a new freedom and happiness. We do not mourn the past, nor do we wish to slam the door on it. We understand what joy is and become acquainted with peace. No matter how deeply we have sunk, we see that our experiences can serve the good of others.

The feelings of uselessness and self-pity disappear. We are no longer interested in selfish, trivial matters; instead, we become increasingly concerned about our fellow human beings.

Selfishness will become a thing of the past. Our entire outlook on life and behavior changes. The fear of people and material insecurity leaves us. We instinctively know how to behave in situations that previously embarrassed us. Suddenly, we realize that God does for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these promises exaggerated? We think not. They all come true around us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They always materialize if we work for them.  
[Anonymous Alcoholics, p. 78]

No longer do we have to struggle against everything and everyone, not even against alcohol. By this time, our sanity has returned. We rarely show interest in drinking. We fear it like fire.

We respond rationally and normally, and we will find that this happens automatically. We will see that a new attitude toward alcohol has been given to us, and there was no need for contemplation or effort on our part. It simply comes! This is the miracle of it. We do not fight it, and we do not try to avoid the temptation. We feel as though we have entered a neutral, safe, and protected situation. We have not even made a vow.

Instead, the problem has disappeared. It no longer exists for us. We are neither arrogant nor fearful. This is what we have experienced. We will respond this way as long as we are spiritually strong.  
[Anonymous Alcoholics, p. 79]