The following quotation is taken from our “Big Book” Depressed Anonymous (3rd edition) as it appears on page 95.
“All of us who are substance addicted (compulsivre overeating, alcohol, cocaine, pre- scription medication) or process addicted–addicted to a behavior ( the workaholic, sex, gambling, depression) know that in order to free ourselves from the intoxicating experience, we have to first want to give it up and live without it. We best do this one day or one hour at a time. Don’t say you will quit a self-destructive behavior for one year at a time and see how you do. No, trying to live one day at a time is a lot easier. As someone once said “if you want to eat an elephant, the best way to do it is one day at a time.” We know from past experience that our sobriety, our disappearance of sadness is due to letting go and admitting my powerlessness over my sadness. It is turning it over to my Higher Power and letting it take care of my sadness. I can’t do anything to remove my compulsive behavior until I choose to live without it.”
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If you happen to be part of our HOME STUDY PROGRAM OF RECOVERY, you will want to turn to page 80 of the Depressed Anonymous Workbook. Both the Manual and the Workbook come together as important tools in overcoming our attachment to the ruminations and isolation that depression brings upon us.
“All of our efforts so far in this Workbook have been directed toward overcoming –cleaning house if you will —so that our will might be properly disposed to God’s will and that we might feel free and no longer hopeless. We know that our enthusiasm to change will grow the more we desire that change. The more we change the more we will cast off the shackles from our lives that keep us imprisoned and isolated.”
COMMENT Like the quote of how to eat an elephant, we also are most aware that you can’t just wish to get rid of an obsession or addiction, it takes time and work–one day at a time. There is no easy or comfortable way to battle our demons except through work, prayer and meditation. And for me, one of the best ways to overcome my addictions is to use the 12 spiritual principles of the 12 Steps every day of my life. And again, it’s one bite, one step at a time. Don’t wait. Do something today. Don’t tell yourself the lie, “I’ll do it when I feel better.” Take the plunge. If there is no meeting in your community then work with a DA sponsor/guide and participate in our HOME STUDY PROGRAM OF RECOVERY. Go to the main site depressedanon.com menu under the title HOME STUDY PROGRAM. The program is operating presently.
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SOURCES: The Depressed Anonymous Workbook, (2002) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. Page 80.
Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. Page 95.
Please click onto The Depressed Anonymous Publications Bookstore for more helpful literature on THE HOME STUDY PROGRAM OF RECOVERY and information on how to order online.
If you would like to participate in the Home Study, please contact the director at [email protected]. Thank you.