The Purpose

 Many people say that AA is about not drinking.  Actually, it is about growing up.  For the addict, not drinking is the first step.  After that the next 11 steps are about growing up.  It is about connectivity both on the outsides, in becoming part of a community and on the insides, in becoming part of a power waiting for you to show up.  It is a bit of getting out of isolation within and in the world. You don’t grow up with a focus on self-centered individualism.  Rather you grow up by doing for others without wanting a reward or recognition.  Parenting can do this.  You get married for love and learn to grow up into your best self, without as much “thank you” as you might like.  If I went to church so that I would feel better, I probably would have stopped long ago.  Life is not all about me.