When someone discriminates and judges me, my initial reaction is self-pity and I may shed a few tears. My secondary reaction is to retaliate and cause pain back to the person who has hurt me. Luckily in sobriety I have tools today to pause and not cause unnecessary wreckage. I can take a deep breath, turn to my higher power and ask, “what can I learn from this lesson?” I can set aside 10 minutes to be angry and then go on with my day.

I used to have a sponsor in another town who would tell me, “Get angry, get mad, go crazy all you want, but, just allow yourself 10 minutes and then get on with your day.” I no longer let these little setbacks ruin my entire day, week or life. That’s what they are “little.” They are no big deal. If they are bigger deals I can talk to my sponsor, journal, go to a meeting, pray, meditate. I have options. I use to drink over all of these “little” setbacks. Today, I’m unwilling to allow alcohol to have that power over me anymore. God’s in control now and drinking is not an option! Hallelujah!