Why Don’t They Teach This Stuff?

08.27.25

Last night I went to my first committee meeting for my new service position, and I’m really excited to be part of planning such a great event for next year. Service work continues to feel like such an important part of my sobriety—it gives me purpose and connection.

Today was insanely busy at work with it being the end of the month and heading into a three-day weekend in mortgage land. But I made time for my therapy session, and I’m glad I did. Taking care of myself, even when it feels inconvenient, is important. Lady J helps keep me grounded, and today we talked about the difference between cognitive distortions in mental illness and character defects in AA. They’re closely related and often intertwined, so I need to stay aware and recognize them early when they come up. That way, I can work to prevent them from taking over—or at least minimize their impact.

At one point I asked her why they don’t teach this stuff to everyone, and I laughed so hard when she told me that some people just know. It reminded me how fucked up my own thinking can be at times—but laughing about it made it easier to accept. My mind can be a crazy, wild place, but having tools helps.

Overall, it was a pretty normal day in sobriety for this alcoholic. Tonight I get to go to book study, greet friends, and welcome new faces at the community hall. I’m content with my service commitments right now, holding two positions each week. My sponsor’s words ring true for me: “Three meetings a week to sustain, four to grow.”