What I Learned At AA
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What I Learned At AA

The lessons are more universal than you might think.

63
What I Learned At AA

Recently, I attended an AA meeting as a requirement for my Drugs and Alcohol class. I went with some of my friends who are in the same class. I was expecting it to be awkward beyond belief (and it was a little awkward, I won’t lie). But what I wasn’t expecting was for so many of their ideas to touch base with me, like:

Our purpose in life is to serve others.

One woman gave her story and said, “I was always told I was on this earth to get more for myself, but now I know that my purpose in life is to serve others.” What a humbling reminder. It is so easy to get caught up by your own selfish concerns, especially when you’re young and trying to make a life for yourself. But at the end of the day, what matters most is serving others. We are called to be kind. Yes, I think it’s important for individuals to be happy, but not at the price of others. What’s more, making others happy never fails to make me happy. Being a good person isn’t that hard, and it just feels good to do the right thing.

Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

There was a man there who said that when he’s in addiction he’s a solitary person, and when he’s in recovery he’s a people person. I can understand this because I often tend to isolate myself, but it just causes to make things worse. When I am with my friends, I feel so much better. They make me laugh even when I don’t feel like laughing, and they remind me of the good in the world even when it feels like all I can see is the bad. It’s important to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people because they will drive you to be a better person. There’s a saying that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you need to find another room, because how else are you going to grow? It’s like that.

Be grateful.

The topic that day was the second step, which roughly, “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” One of the men there said, “The definition of insanity is getting what you need and wanting more.” This spoke to me because it so often seems like reaching my goals is not enough; there’s always something else that I should strive for. As soon as I reach one goal, it’s on to the next; I very seldom pause to acknowledge my successes. This quickly takes its toll, because it’s so draining to always be living for the next thing. Be grateful for what you have; be actively thankful for the things you have going on in your life—you will become so much more positive.

It seems a little silly that I had to go to an AA meeting to realize these things, but it offered me a change in perspective. You don’t have to go to an AA meeting to change your perspective, but you will have to get out of your comfort zone. Go to a movie by yourself. Get up early and watch the sunrise. Enjoy your life, because you only get one.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52051
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33437
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956274
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181186
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments