From “Poor Me” to Great-Full

There is an AA meme:

“The world is against me, poor me,
poor me,
pour me,
pour me a drink.”

I start by feeling sorry for myself, “poor me.” I internalize that observation, and it becomes a core belief. Next, I think pouring a drink of alcohol would be a solution. Finally, I activate that idea and have another relapse.

The progression is clear, and it is a helpful warning. We start with a self-possessed, self-centred obsession and our problems. With a ruthless focus on ourselves, we dwell on the problems and misery we suffer, ignoring all the benefits we have. And we solve the problem with our default solution, drinking and using.

The “poor me” aphorism is an AA meme for a good reason; there is a reality to the alliterative phrase. There is a casual chain that links the poor me attitude to pour me drinking relapses.

There is another progression that we can see if we follow the Program. If I am practicing the Steps and developing spiritually, life is full.

I sense I am loved. Things generally go better when I am clean and sober. Family and work life are more manageable; I often feel great.

I can say with good reason:

“I am both great and full,
Great-full,
Grateful,
Being grateful, I thank my God.”