Keep your recovery First to make it Last. --Anonymous We all encounter places, people, and times of the year, which trigger memories of our old lifestyle, pleasant or painful events. Holidays and family gatherings may be especially stressful times for us. There have always been a lot of expectations associated with holidays. Many of us may feel pressured to fulfill those expectations. We need to remember that it is a naturally stressful time and we may feel more nervous than usual. We can avoid forcing moods or events on ourselves or those around us. In recovery, we are given tips that have helped many members during the holidays. We plan extra Program activities and keep our phone list handy. We skip any slippery occasions that make us uneasy. We attend special Program events. We take a fellow member with us to a possibly slippery party if we feel uncomfortable going alone. When I keep my recovery Number One in my mind, the holidays, with the help of my friends, will be enjoyable and less stressful.

I'm lucky in many ways, Christmas in the past has never involved much drinking for me. I always found my usual drinking haunts were too full of the 'once a year drinkers' cluttering the bar and making it hard to get served, so I've stayed sober.

We won't be having that problem this year (Laughing).

Best wishes

Chris.

Thanks for the tips, Phil.  I have a hard time through the holidays.  It was the time that we fought the most, cuz it was the time that we were all together,,, or else it was a time that I was alone.. either way was ruff.

Now I get into the reason for the season...  Jesus' birthday,,,  and I enjoy that,,,  go to church, go to meetings. Last year I spoke at an alkathon and sang carols there too.

I think one of the slogans that fits here is  'easy does it'

God bless you all,

amanda

Hey Amanda? thanks for sharing on here.:) You and I have had our different opinions in the past. The best thing is-- we dont hafta decifer them hu? We are who we are. Anyway-I think youre a cool, very knowledgable chick. (For a blonde)And you have a good weekend. :) You think if we got Chris a wig and some good makeup, we could take him out to dinner somewhere? We certaintly cant show up in public with him looking like that.:) Thats what I looked like when I drank.:) Hang IN Chris Buddy. Wele figure somethin out. hahaha Have a good night guys. Tomorrows another day.--- With love.

-- Edited by Phil at 22:05, 2004-12-23