Have you ever read the Big Book?

This week, Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book, after 70 years, is being released in its original form. Included in The Book That Started It All is founder, Bill Wilson’s hand written edits from the manuscript, making for a fascinating story of how the organization was shaped in 1939.

Alcoholism touches millions of lives.

I am the child and grandchild of alcoholics. Yet, like most teenagers, I never imagined that my hard-partying “good times” at 15-years old would eventually land me “at the bottom” by the time I was 21. But they did. In a courtroom, faced with drunk driving charges, possibly pregnant by one of two men, I could trace the demise of my life to my first drink in high school. Before “binge drinking” was popular, I drank more than anyone else—a common thread among alcoholics. Unlike most of my friends, I was never too hung over not to drink the very next day. And for years, I blacked out or passed out almost every time I drank. The signs were all there, yet I wouldn’t admit that I even had a problem, much less identify myself as an alcoholic…until I stood in front of a judge.

Because I wasn’t sentenced immediately, I had time to think about my future. But after only a few hours alone with myself—I felt trapped. I wanted out of my addiction and out of my predicaments, but I had nowhere to turn. I’d burned all my bridges—lying, deceiving, and betraying people whenever it allowed me the opportunity to get high. I considered suicide. Instead, I drove to a church. I was looking for something or someone to save me—literally. And I actually found someone. The janitor. He was newly sober. Having lost his job as a schoolteacher, the only job in town he could get was a church janitor. It was more than a coincidence.

Because of the janitor, I found hope that day. I asked and received forgiveness that day. I felt release from my shame and guilt as I began to walk through the first few 12 steps, “I can’t, God can, I’ll let Him.”

I’ve since spent over 32 years gratefully sober (as my friend likes to say). I’ve spent as many years telling my story to students and adults who struggle—it’s called the 12th Step. And almost every year near January 28th, I go to an AA meeting and get my “chip” as a symbol (and a reward) for the battle I’ve won for my family—past, present, and future—ending the legacy of alcoholism in my family with my generation.

I, for one, am extremely grateful for Bill Wilson and his friends who paved the way for the millions of us who have struggled with addiction. I’m a beneficiary of the stories and steps these men and women articulated 70 years ago, reminding us that empathy and support is often best understood and most freely given by other strugglers. And I’m genuinely impressed with the timelessness of the 12 Steps that continue to give a pathway to men and women—across the world—on how to live sober, love others and give back.

It should be no surprise that Little Changes Big Results™ is built on a similar foundation as Alcoholics Anonymous:

Once you become aware that you have a problem, you can receive courage and hope to change by admitting to God and others that you need help. And big results will come with the accumulation of little changes achieved one hour, one day at a time. Most importantly, long lasting change is sustained by accountability to others—especially to fellow strugglers who know when to lift us up, call us out, encourage us to attend a meeting, get on our knees and humble ourselves in a prayer, or make amends to those we’ve hurt.

I hope you are encouraged,

Becky