The Prevailing Power of Persistence
The Prevailing Power of Persistence
Understanding relentless recovery over repeated return
Personal reflections from a fellow traveler. Not AA approved literature. Shared in the spirit of Experience, Strength, and Hope.
I remember sitting in my 9th grade Algebra class and struggling to understand the fundamentals. I’ve never been much of an advanced math guy. One morning I looked at the clock on the wall hoping class would end soon. Etched into the face of the clock were the words “Persistence equals success.” At the time I scoffed at the idea that I would ever understand Algebra no matter how much persistence I displayed. Today I believe persistence to be one of the most important ingredients to a life well lived.
In life and in recovery I’m faced with countless opportunities to give up or give less than I know I should. Slacking, coasting, cancelling, and quitting sometimes cross my mind when things aren’t going the way I think they should.
It’s these moments that matter. Working out, meeting with sponsees, daily readings, step work, etc. It’s these times when I don’t feel like taking that next step that persistence does its job.
To be Recovered, in Big Book language, describes someone who has been restored from the hopeless condition that drove them repeatedly back to alcohol, particularly the insanity and obsession that precedes the first drink.
It’s important to note that recovery must be maintained. Relentlessly. Continually.
Remember that we are given a daily reprieve dependent upon maintaining one’s spiritual condition.
This requires daily persistence, daily discipline, and fortitude.
I must never forget that this daily grind and the dividends it produces far outweigh the hopeless state of mind that I once was sentenced to. Repeated return to my old ways produces nothing of lasting value, only hardship, hopelessness, and hate.
Your next step matters.
Where in your recovery can you identify an area where you need to practice persistence?