The phrase “ready, shoot, aim” generally refers to taking action immediately without careful planning or thorough consideration of the consequences.

Have I ever spoken without thinking? Well, if I’m totally honest, the answer is, definitely YES. I’m embarrassed when I think of the times I did it? With 39 years sober, attending over 10000 meetings, and working the program, I believe I should be better than that. Reality is, I’m only human, and some of my old behaviors sneaks in from the back of my mind to the front, when I least expect it. It is said that the old me sleeps lightly.

When I have a bad thinking moment, and it’s only a moment instead of the entire day, I have the option, like it says in the step,“ and when we were wrong, promptly admitt it.” When I place this concept in motion, the side of the street which only I have any power over is cleaned up. Do I always choose the right path? Sometimes, maybe 50% of the time. The other fifty percent usually is fixed the next day. There are times when I don’t know the problem is me, and it takes days or weeks for the process to begin.

If I am on my game while thinking before speaking, I make it through the day without upsetting those I love, either knowing or not. When I slow down and observe, I am much better off.

I could at this time, give you some examples, but if you take a moment, you will have examples of your own. After all, change only happens when I recognize it in me and shine a light on it. We call that, “taking our inventory.” It’s not about taking someone else’s inventory but ours. Doctor Paul, in his Big Book story, Acceptance is The Answer, states, “when there is something wrong in my life, there is something wrong with me, and in my attitudes.” I reap the rewards when I look at who is driving my buss. Is it them or is it me? Change can only happen when it is me who is driving. Others will get in the driver’s seat if I let them. Don’t let them. Reconsider and aim before you shoot.