We thought we were complicated individuals until we dissected the life of Fred Flintstone, the lovable “Twinkletoes” that graced our living rooms from the early to mid-1960s (and beyond with that old thing called “cable”).
According to the intelligent people who author Wikipedia, Fred had a gambling addiction. It is unknown if his addictive behavior carried over to vices like drugs or alcohol but let's say for a moment that he may have been in an original 12 stone program.
Fast forward a few thousand years and a lateral leap into reality, and you find Mike and Glenn discussing the 12-step recovery program.
So why the reference to the short-stocky prehistoric made-up character? (wait, that was not real?)
Fred's personality and profession as a Bronto crane operator caught our attention as we prepared for this blog post.
The Brontosaurus was a perfect work tool used to move construction material. Much like a modern-day bobcat that can move several tons of rock in a single motion.
It made us think that Fred possessed the humility to surrender himself to a power greater than himself to move rock during his work shift. That may be a stretch, but the principle is solid.
It is when we come to the understanding that there is help available and we then accept that support that incredible growth occurs.
Today we find help in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, the fellowship of like-missioned people, professional guidance and counseling, and the vast digital volumes available online. Finally, and most importantly, we find help through the much-referenced higher power - accepting that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity if we surrender to “it.”
In the end, we desire true sobriety, so getting there with support, seems the most logical of paths to follow.
During the closing credits of the original Flintstones cartoon, Fred can be seen banging on the door screaming for Wilma to let him in. Inches to his right was all the help he needed - a window opening large enough to fit his plump body. Sometimes help is just inches away.
We beg of you to discover it and apply it.
"yabba dabba doo!"
Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from sober.coffee podcast #8 Step 7 - Karen joins to Chat about "Humbly asked Him...." The podcast dropped on 5/26/2021. Click here to hear the podcast.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
BLOG DISCLAIMER:
Alcoholics Anonymous and AA are registered trademarks of Alcoholics World Service. Inc. References to AA, the 12 steps, and 12 traditions does not mean that AA has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication nor that AA agrees with the views expressed herein. This publication is intended to support personal growth and should not be considered a substitute for healthcare professionals' advice. The author’s advice and viewpoints are their own.