Those who know how to
play can easily leap over the adversaries of life. One who knows how to sing
and laugh never brew mischief.
Iglulik
Eskimo Proverb
We
have been speaking to you of serious, sometimes tragic things. We have
been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspect. But we aren't a glum lot. If
newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We
absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the
state of the nations, nor do we carry the world's troubles on our shoulders.
When we see a man sinking into the mire that is alcoholism, we give him first
aid and place what we have at his disposal. For his sake, we do recount and
almost relive the horrors of our past. But for those of us who have tried to
shoulder the entire burden and trouble of others find we are soon overcome by
them.
So
we think cheerfulness and laughter make for usefulness. Outsiders are sometimes
shocked when we burst out in merriment over a seemingly tragic experience out
of the past. But why shouldn't we laugh? We have recovered, and been given the
power to help others.
Big
Book pg. 132
Grandfather,
Great Spirit, help us to remember to enjoy today. Help us! Help us to remember
to play, help us to remember to laugh! Thank you, Great Spirit.