We have been speaking to you of serious, sometimes tragic things. We have been dealing with alcohol in its worst aspect. But we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers saw no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.
We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world’s troubles on our shoulders. When we see a man sinking into the mire of alcoholism, we give him first aid and place what we have at his disposal. For his sake, we recount and almost relive the horrors of our past. But those of us who try to shoulder the entire burden and troubles of others soon find that we are overwhelmed.
Cheerfulness and laughter make us more useful. Outsiders are sometimes shocked when we burst into merriment over a seemingly tragic experience from our past. But why shouldn’t we laugh? We have recovered and have been given the power to help others.
It’s well known that those in poor health and those who seldom play do not laugh much. So let each family play together—or separately—as much as their circumstances allow. We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free. We cannot subscribe to the belief that this life is a vale of tears, though it once was just that for many of us. But it is clear that we made our own misery. God didn’t do it.
Avoid, then, the deliberate manufacture of misery. But if trouble comes, cheerfully capitalize on it as an opportunity to demonstrate His omnipotence.
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Pages 132-133