The promises outlined in the Big Book get a lot of press. And, for good reason. When I was drinking, all I wanted was to feel good. To hell with consequences…to hell with responsibility…to hell with all the stuff that makes life hard. If there was an easy, half-assed way to get by then that’s what I did. Until, of course, I walked into A.A. If you are looking for a quick fix, get on down the road. If you are looking to get the benefits of this program through osmosis simply by hanging out at meetings, good luck with that. I can tell you that there is only one way to make it…
…take the 12 steps, in order. Believe me, taking the steps is a lot easier than drinking! The founders knew it. So did the first 100. They knew that taking the 12 steps was the easier softer way to lasting, joyful sobriety. When they wrote about the promises in the Big Book, they were giving us a glimpse into the future. They knew that, halfway through, we would begin to sense a change in ourselves and how we viewed others. They knew we would have the courage to confront our fear and they knew we would start really living our lives with happiness.
It was easy for me to recognize the folks who had taken the Twelve Steps and were living out the promises in their lives: I wanted what they had. Very often, I see sick people in meetings that have a lot of time in the rooms. Well, time in the rooms will not bring me life changing sobriety. Time in the 12 Steps will. Meetings are not designed to replace the 12 Steps. Meetings are designed to facilitate them. Making coffee at three meetings a week will not keep me sober…making amends, cleaning house, and trusting my higher power will.
If the promises have not yet come to pass for you, have hope that they will. They are called promises for a reason: they will come true! Life will get better, attitudes will change, paradigms will shift, and soon you will be living a life that was once beyond imagination. Please, take the 12 Steps and come on in. The Fourth Dimension is truly amazing…I promise!

The subtitle of this blog is “Solid Recovery.” What exactly is solid recovery? Well, in a few words, it is recovery wherein the promises of the Big Book have come to fruition through the practice of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you are reading this post and only some, or none, of the promises have not materialized, do not worry! I have it on good authority (and personal experience) that they will…so long as the 12 Steps are taken. If the promises have materialized in your life then you have what other people want…solid recovery. Begin by transmitting what you do have. Pass it on! Start by leaving a comment on this blog about your views and opinions concerning the program and our Victor Valley AA community. Well then, rise and let us trudge the road of Happy Destiny…