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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> NOT practicing these principles in all our affairs...
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tatigaal


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NOT practicing these principles in all our affairs...
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so i just signed up for this website because my sponsor told me to find online AA things. and because i have swine flu and i am stuck at home. (my NC-suggested quarantine ends in 2 days, yay!)

so i am pretty new with only 4+ months under my belt. and i don't really know how stuff works in the program. but a few of my friends and i started up a late-night meeting in our area. i didn't make it to the last meeting because i was sick with swine flu. i sent a group email to get a consensus on how people felt about me showing up if i wear a mask & gloves, and don't touch people. i got 2 responses back from people who overreacted big time. then i overreacted and took it personally. when i saw one of those people at a meeting tonight she walked in, saw me, and walked out. :( i've been isolated since the 12th because of this stupid flu and really need some fellowshipping. i don't know what to do. the swine flu is like the regular flu, it just sounds fancier. and i feel like i'm being shunned like i have the plague.

i don't know what to do. i'm thoroughly frustrated. i'm going to put this in my god box soon. i know i can't control other people's reactions. i also can't seem to keep from getting my feelings hurt and taking this shunning personally.

one of my big defects is my need to play the victim. i can't figure out if that's what i'm doing or not. is it playing the victim to post this up here? i'm so confused. at least i know i don't have to drink over it today.

-tatiana


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kkotz401


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Being sick sucks. I hope you feel better. I am sorry the people at your fellowship weren't so nice to you. Feel better.

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Jerry F


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Tat...reread your post and see for youself if you sound like a victim.  It is okay to
let other protect and save their own asses regarding things like a flu that is being
fatal at times.   Alcoholism can and does kill also however there isn't much of a
program for Swine Flu today except keep people separated for awhile until they
can recover and so others don't fall victim.  How did you come up with the victim
roll idea? 

If you don't like feeling frustrated work on feeling patience.  An old idea from a
past sponsor that worked with me and that you can have for nothing.

Read some AA literature.  Memorize a slogan like "This too will pass";  try chicken
soup.

(((((hugs))))) smile

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pinkchip


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Welcome Tatiana!  I don't think you are really playing victim that much.  My sponsor had MRSA and I think he was a little angry more people didn't visit him in the hospital, but MRSA is mega contagious and isn't even being called a "pandemic" at the moment.  People aren't educated about swine flu...all we've been hearing is stuff on TV that it could be a pandemic, which means while it's just a treatable flu for most now, it could still mutate into a more deadly virus no? Beats me, but even me thinking that shows how much I know.  There are only a couple of valuable lessons I would take from this.  It sounds like you've put yourself out there enough to get a sponsor and get to know people.  Do it even more so that next time you are sick...you get more calls and people coming to you.  I have come to learn that while the fellowship exists, we have to extend a lot of engery to make these people our friends.  Either way, welcome!  So sorry you are sick and keep coming back here.  MIP is a great place.  Congrats on the 4 and a half months.  No need to ever put "only" in front of your sobriety time.  You worked for it and it's a great achievement.  Someone had to tell me that too...I was proud as hell to announce 30 days...but somehow that turned into "I only have 8 months"...Humility is good, but congratulate yourself on staying sober and let others congratulate you too!

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Sobrietyspell


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Welcome to MIP, Tatiana. Swine flu, eh! That sucks. Wishing you well soon. Victim mentality? Yes, be careful if you've got a head like mine. Resentment is the number one offender. 'How dare they abandon or reject me.. Who do they think they are?' Suddenly turns to 'I know, I'm the worst person in the world & I deserve it' & then I'm resenting me too. Very dangerous stuff. Add to that a good old slapping of fear that evil corroding thread & I'm off with a racing brain in a negative mentality neighbourhood & pretty soon looking for release again.

We are entitled to our feelings but we're also entitled to turn our attitudes around. I am learning this again & again in recovery as I have a terrible propensity to victimhood.. Cunning, baffling & powerful, indeed. It isn't about the drink when we get sober. Tis an illness that centres in the mind & this needs my vigilance too. Stay alert & keep sharing where you're at. You'll get better at the program with time & practice. Four months is Amazing 1Day@aTIme & undoubtedly you have worked for it. Coming here & joining in fellowship at MIP is also a big part of your efforts. I hope you'll keep coming back & finding as much reward here as I do. Happy Sober Day! :) Danielle x

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Doll


MIP Old Timer

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I'm sorry they 'shunned' you as if you have the plague, some are not aware of what Swine Flu really is, the media has blown it so out of proportion. But, either way I refuse to hold hands in the prayer circle with the person who coughed or blew their nose in a meeting.

I would certainly thank you for NOT coming to a meeting. Swine flu, flu-flu, or just a good old fashioned cold. I am grateful when sick folks dont' come to work. For many reasons. It sucks being sick, I can't afford to miss any work, plus I have an illness that I suffer from chronically as it is, I prefer not to add to my misery if at all possible.

Call me paranoid, but............... Try to look it from their point of view, how would you feel about being exposed to any contagious illness.


Welcome to MIP. I do hope you stick around.  Quarantined or not.


And feel better soon.

Cyber (((hugs))) rofl.gif
Jen



-- Edited by Doll on Sunday 21st of June 2009 09:06:04 PM

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