The people in the rooms understood exactly how I was,
and accepted me anyway, defects and all.
They are teaching me how to relate to reality without the bottle.
My first drink was deadly, especially at the end of it.
I am just grateful that there really was a way out
when I was finally ready to open the door and let the Steps in. - Anonymous
Thought to Ponder . . .
We need to share our problems to find our solutions.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
E S H = Experience, Strength and Hope.
A MEMBER SHARES: I'm Mike, an alcoholic. I have been to quite a few meetings and I really love to hear "Experience, Strength and Hope." People have something unique and different to offer about their past and their road to recovery. Yet I hear a common thread, no matter who tells the story, what they drank, or where they did it. Although we come from so many different backgrounds, we can always find the similarities if we take the time to look for them. At one of the first speaker meetings I attended, the speaker's story was so like mine, I thought I had been set up. I know that sounds self-centered, but I was new. When I hear people share about feelings I thought only I have, it is a feeling of freedom. You folks remind me that I am not alone. When you all laugh at your problems and your past, you teach me to laugh too. When you folks share about healing and hope, you give me hope. How many of you can remember that first time that you got that feeling, "Hey! This just may work for me?" I remember that moment very well, and it was a life-changing moment. I've seen it happen here when a newcomer comes in and gets it, a moment of hope, or clarity. I listen to what others say, and how they solved their problems. I learn from all of you; I must always remain teachable. Listening to others open up, I find I'm more willing to open up myself. It does not matter how much time you have sober. Every one of us can help a newcomer. It is up to us to plant the seed, and we do a good job of that right here in this room. When I first got sober, I wanted to save the world, and get everyone sober. Thank God, I have calmed down a bit, but I still believe that my primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery and hope to the alcoholic who still suffers. I feel blessed to be here tonight with all of you who share my feelings and encourage my growth. None of us has all the answers. Each one of us knows a little, so together when we share we can cover a lot of ground. Sharing our ESH is how we help others. I think that is what it's all about. Thank you for letting me share.
