As a newcomer to AA, I often sat in meetings and wondered about the Steps, the Traditions, sponsorship, the Big Book. Would I ever understand? But I was able to relate to the simple truths I heard in meetings each day. When I was a year sober, I “took a cake,” as we say in Southern California. Since I found it difficult to speak spontaneously, I chose instead to read the phrases I’d heard repeatedly in my home group. While some may be original, most are simply recycled:
“I may not be much, but I’m all I think about.”
“You can’t change the wind but you can adjust the sails.”
“AA is like a raffle; you must be present to win.”
On resentment: I drink the poison and wait for you to die.”
“The number one way to relieve pain is to forgive.”
“A rich person is one who knows she has enough.”
“I can go from grateful to hateful in a second.”
“Put down the weapons, pick up the tools.”