Toward the end of my drinking my favorite expression was "life is a sh*t sandwich and it's always lunchtime." I was cynical and sarcastic. I was judgmental to the extreme and I became an expert at pointing out to you what was wrong with just about everything. I was mired in negativity, but couldn't seem to figure out why my life wasn't working all that well. Each setback was fodder for more negativity.
Today, I'm coming to believe that I create my own living experience with my thoughts, words and deeds. If I want a happy, fulfilling positive life, then my thoughts, words and deed have to be happy and positive. In Alcoholics Anonymous I was taught that my thinker is broken and trying to think positive thoughts was pretty much useless. Better that I concentrate on the positive actions as outlined in the 12 Steps, until the thinker gets restored.
The wonderful thing about Alcoholics
Anonymous is that it's built upon the principle of enlightened self-interest.
When I am passing on the message of hope, joy and love, my life becomes
more hopeful and joyful. When I'm taking the actions to connect with a
still suffering alcoholic, my life feels more fulfilling. It's not an obligation
at all. It's simply a wonderful way to live.