"We were in a position where life was becoming impossible, and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through human aid, we had but two alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help." P. 25 Big Book
Impossible: Not able to be done or happen.
Blotting: To obliterate; to cancel; to efface.
Intolerable: Not capable of being borne or endured.
A favorite story of mine revolves around the hypothetical drunk being offered the choice of either continuing to drink until he/she dies, is institutionalized because of insanity, or enters the legal system; or accepting spiritual help. There's a long pause, a furrowed brow, and this gem: "Can I get back to you on that tomorrow?"
Another one is the plight of the drunk who stumbles - drunk, of course - over the edge of a cliff and manages to grab onto a tree branch halfway down, hanging over a rocky shoreline being thrashed with huge waves. He's screaming for help when he hears a stentorian voice say: "This is God. I can save you, but first you have to let go of the branch. Just let go!"
The drunk hangs there a minute, arms weakening, grip loosening, then yells: "Is there anyone else up there?"
Blotting out the details of an impossible, intolerable situation. Sounds great, doesn't it?
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