"going" in the Big Book

It is a design for living that works in rough going.

All of us spend much of our spare time in the sort of effort which we are going to describe.

If we keep on the way we are going there is little doubt that much good will result, but the surface of the problem would hardly be scratched.

Before going into a detailed discussion, it may be well to summarize some points as we see them.

Despite all we can say, many who are real alcoholics are not going to believe they are in that class.

Here are some of the methods we have tried: Drinking beer only, limiting the number of drinks, never drinking alone, never drinking in the morning, drinking only at home, never having it in the house, never drinking during business hours, drinking only at parties, switching from scotch to brandy, drinking only natural wines, agreeing to resign if ever drunk on the job, taking a trip, not taking a trip, swearing off forever (with and without a solemn oath), taking more physical exercise, reading inspirational books, going to health farms and sanitariums, accepting voluntary commitment to asylums—we could increase the list ad infinitum.

I also had the notion that I might find a customer for a car at this place, which was familiar for I had been going to it for years.

When I returned to the hotel it struck me a highball would be fine before going to bed, so I stepped into the bar and had one.

Perhaps it is going to be that way with you.

And it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God.

fused and baffled by the seeming futility of existence, they show the underlying reasons why they were making heavy going of life.

Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going to be our Director.

Does this mean we are going to get drunk?

As we look over the list of business acquaintances and friends we have hurt, we may feel diffident about going to some of them on a spiritual basis.

He is going to be more interested in a demonstration of good will than in our talk of spiritual discoveries.

Perhaps he is having a secret and exciting affair with “the girl who understands.’’ In fairness we must say that she may understand, but what are we going to do about a thing like that?

We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times.

In that case he is going to wonder how you can add anything to what he already knows.

You should point out that his defects of character are not going to disappear over night.

Therefore, ask yourself on each occasion, “Have I any good social, business, or personal reason for going to this place?

But be sure you are on solid spiritual ground before you start and that your motive in going is thoroughly good.

Be determined that your husband’s drinking is not going to spoil your relations with your children or your friends.

If you and your husband find a solution for the pressing problem of drink you are, of course, going to be very happy.

Perhaps your husband will make a fair start on the new basis, but just as things are going beautifully he dismays you by coming home drunk.

At the very beginning, the couple ought to frankly face the fact that each will have to yield here and there if the family is going to play an effective part in the new life.

You are going to meet these new friends in your own community.