AS BILL SEES IT, Question 5c

Do you believe life is unfair, or do you simply chalk it off to "life's experience" and learn to grow by it?

The way I look at life today is totally different from twenty years ago (when I first started in fellowship).  If asked this question then, I would have said life was unfair.  In fact, twenty years ago, my belief was, "life's a b-tch and then you die."  (My coffee mug at work had this saying on it.)  I felt I had to wring as much out of life as I could because it was the only enjoyment I was ever going to get.  WATCH everyone and TRUST NO ONE.

Then I got back into the A.A. Big Book and the A.A. 12&12 and started my spiritual journey.

The analogy I use for my life today is a meandering trail, through the woods, over hills, valleys, mountains and streams,  While on my journey, so far, I've come across forks in the road, beautiful vista's, huge boulders blocking the way, wide rivers and fallen trees.

I could let any obstacle (I come across) block me from moving forward on this journey - I have in the past.  Instead, I use the obstacles to learn something from (maybe that's why they're there in the first place!)  I believe God (HP) wants me to use these experiences to learn the following:

• Foremost, he wants me to learn how to ask for help, from him and others.
• He wants me to learn about my strengths and my weaknesses.
• I need to slow down to enjoy my life - the people, places and things going on around me.
• I need to learn about depending on him (trust) - in all areas of my life.  Today my lessons seem to be about financial trust.  In the past it was about abstinence, my children, my health and my husband.  I've done some financial work in the past.  Today it's on a deeper level; I'm releasing more from the material world I live in.

(I'm sure there will be more, that's why my journey will be never-ending...a great benefit of fellowship, abstinence and working a 12 step program.)

I don't chalk any of this up to" life's experiences." If asked, the way I would explain it to someone is that it's Gods (HP) learning experiences.  They are there to help me become the person he wants me to be.

"These work outs should be regarded as part of your education, for thus you will be learning to live.  You will make mistakes, but if you are in earnest they will not drag you down.  Instead, you will capitalize them.  A better way of life will emerge when they are overcome."

A.A. Big Book, pg 117 

Each day is a new day on this wonderful journey God (HP) has me on!