My first post to MIP was "sober for a year, and faltering." I was surprised,disappointed and frightened at feeling close to giving myself permission to drink again. That feeling has been slowly ebbing away; I read everyone's messages every day, and it seems to innoculate me against this disease. I guess I had hoped that someday I would be "off the hook" of having to think about sobriety vs drinking. Wrongthink! Thanks everyone- I like it here Beach Girl
KEWL! Glad you didn't quit before the miracle happened.......It really is living life on life's terms. Some days I have 'better' recovery than other days. That's why I need meetings and this place, the days my recovery is shaky there is always someone to help me carry the load until it gets lighter. Unity is awesome, huh!
__________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Very true. I just found that i woke up to a beautiful day, some time off, plenty of useful things to do, and my wife and kids are off on a field trip......and then.......I did the old "built in test" of the drink system. The thought flashed through my head that maybe I could drink, and immediatly went to the 24 hours a day book, and blammo the urge is abaited and the real world takes over. Then I came here to look at other messages that proclaim the same problem. Thanks for posting what I was thinking Beach Girl!!! Lets both stay sober today! Tom
__________________
"You're in the right place. That's the door right there. Turn around."
glad to hear that you've "got a new attitude" . "someday" you'll not think about a drink for 6 months to years at a time but it takes more than a year. I was fortunate that the year after I got sober they had an AA census ('90) that reported the average AA had 4.9 years of sobriety. That statistic was very telling. A lot of people (most) people leave AA before their 5th anniversary. Bob Earl (great AA circut speaker google him for free audio) talks about that a lot. He said there is a great shortage of AAs with 6,7, and 8 years. Pay attention when they are handing out sobriety chips in meetings. My point is that even though this is a "one day at a time" program, we need to keep an eye on the prize of long term sobriety. When I reached 1 year, I immediately switched my goals to 3, and 5 years. Nothing was more important (except eating, sleeping, breathing and staying sober each day.
It was great to read that the feeling of giving yourself permission to drink has been fading away for you. It's amazing how miracles always happen. I'm so glad that you're here with us.
Take care,
Carol
__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Hey beachy Great share today! I like that you are here too! I still have moments of thinking maybe someday I can drink again...They are closely followed by, yea right! Glad you found MIP and realized the same!
I had a little fear put in me recently. My husband got a new job and will eventually be traveling out of town for a week out of the month! My first thought was "fear" that I would probably drink then! Sharing it with others and recognizing the fact that my mind was "planning" this, helped release me of that fear! Now that its out on the table, at least when this creeps up again, I'll be able to share just where I am! One day at a time! I agree with doll, Lets all stay sober, just for today!!!!!!
Enjoy your day!!! Its gloomy here but sunshine is in my mind!
Lani
__________________
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Excellent share. I too have felt that way. Just goes to show that we are NEVER entirely rid of the disease of THINKING which is what alcoholism really is. But having our daily treatments on hand, like sharing, reading, meetings... is a true blessing. So with that, lets all not forget to "take our daily meds"!!!!!
Grateful to be here with such a great bunch.
:o)
joni
__________________
~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Beach Girl
