Blog for October 19th, 2026
Working my Program
If it wasn’t for the ups and downs I seem to have every week, I don’t think I’d have much of an exciting life, and not much to write about! As it is, I do have plenty of opportunities to “work my program”: That is, to pray continuously, to rely on the spiritual principles of the program and of my faith, to pray for my God’s will for me and go to meetings, be of service, sponsor and help others and to be sponsored and take direction from her and others who care about me and my life, my recovery. Especially this week I am standing on Step eleven: Praying for the knowledge of God’s will for me and the power to carry it out.
Yet, as I said, this is a time when I cash in on some of my insurance policy, that’s what I call it when we continue to “work our program” by going to meetings, sponsoring, being of service, trusting God and helping others. Doing all of this, even when we are not in difficult times, we continue to go, well I continue to go when things are going well, I like to keep paid up on my policy, for times such as these and then some.
I have to tell you, this last week I have been deeply hurt, I am still wrestling with it and waiting on knowing God’s will for me and to be given the power to carry it out. The situation is this- I got a call about six days ago that I can no longer work at my job, I have worked there for over twenty-six years, unless I re-apply and jump through some other hoops. I was so offended that I hesitated from doing the re-app. After all this time, they should know I am qualified, willing, able and in fact, I am currently under contract. It’s all very strange and my addict thinking will conjure up reasons why they are doing this, since no one has really told me, I’ll come up with reasons on my own and that is making me a bit crazy.
I think they are pushing me out because I am old, or because the boss wants to put a friend or relative in my position or a host of other uncool reasons my brain thinks of. It’s really pretty stupid what they are having me do, especially without explanation. The HR (human resource) department is the one who called me and their explanation is not very solid or even likely, not after all these years, there must be some other reason.
I also see this as an opportunity from my God to learn to trust Him more and more, to lean on Him in all His ways and to live in the solution. I have not just sat idly by and done nothing. I went to HR, got my packet and I’ve been praying, reaching out to others that are in recovery and who understand my type of work and the politics that can go on in such an institution. I’ve continued to “work my program” and even though I am trying to live in the solution, I will leave the results to Him. That’s all I can do, that is indeed a huge part of my program for all these forty-one plus years.
I believe God is good, all the time and if He closes this door, in fact, so abruptly, then He has another plan, a better plan for me and my future. Did I mention that I will probably be ready to retire in just two more years. My big thing right now is I was going to be using the money from this job to save up to go to the NA world convention in Dublin, Ireland in July of 2028. If it’s God’s will, then I’m sure He’ll get me there and everywhere else I need to be, that would be wherever He wants me. Amen. 😊 and it’s so nice to feel wanted- by Him.
And all I have to do is “work my program” which means, let go and Let God. That has always been my bottom line to every single issue and problem I’ve ever had in my recovery, He has always guided and protected me, as long as I stay clean and “work my program” and try my best, and I am. Amen.
Question of the Week: Are you “working Your program”?
Taken from an article – In AA or NA, What Does it Mean to Work Your Program? by- Recovery, Sober Living / By admin
Substance abuse can ravage your life. If you’re mired in the misery of addiction, life can seem hopeless. However, there is hope. That hope is in recovery. Millions have recovered from an apparently hopeless condition of mind and body. You may wonder how.
These guides will help you meet the one ultimate goal, staying clean and sober.
- Stay in the Present – Staying sober for a lifetime can seem impossible, especially at the earliest stages in recovery. Staying in the present is critical. AA and NA fellowship members stress that you only have to stay clean and sober for 24-hours. Each sober day is a success.
- Get Involved – This is another aspect of working with the AA or NA programs that give you an opportunity for diversity. Every AA or NA fellowship thrives on participation. Someone may be well-suited to act as a representative for the group’s conscience. Another person may be great at making fresh, tasty coffee. Everyone can find a calling in the fellowship. The key is to get involved.
- Stay Connected – This is another aspect of working with the AA and NA programs that can be adapted to your personality. You do not have to suddenly be a huge people person. However, there is a need to connect to other people.