Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are, ourselves as we are, and the people about us as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin. Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice every day of our lives. ~ AA World Services Inc. As Bill Sees It. A.A. World Services, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Accept us as we are,
our circumstances as they are
and other people in stasis as well.
Is he right, that such acceptance
constitutes realistic humility?
Is that a prerequisite for a genuine advance
to begin? Do you resent the putdown,
“we shall need to return
to that unflattering
point of departure.
This is an exercise in acceptance
that we can profitably practice
every day of our lives.”?
Is this real (realistic)
humility?