Just wanted to offer a quick note of thanks to you all. What an amazing group of people really committed to helping others... While I've only been to a couple of AA meetings, I can see how the program really changes lives. I see the benefit of hearing other peoples' stories. Anyway, I wish I had more to offer right now but I just don't feel like I've got much to give right lately. I'm on day 16 and don't know where things will take me. So glad, though, to know that this path is a good one filled with good people and good intentions. My anxiety is mounting as my trip date closes in. Three weeks away beginning Thursday... second guessing the trip/class. Hoping everything is okay back home while I'm gone... I'll be online when I'm there, hoping to stay sober the whole time. Anyway, be prepared for my craziness!! Laurie
Congradulations on 16 days L...and hook up with the slogans which keep you centered and in balance. They are lightweight, easy to pack and simple to use. Along with the Serenity Prayer you can do One Day at a Time efficiently. Thanks for the update. If we can using this simple program so can you. (((((hugs))))
Laurie, while there is talk of only taking this 1 day at a time, I think it is good to be determined. Nobody can tell the future, but don't forget when you say that you "hope to stay sober" you are the one that has control over that through your actions. Look up meetings where you are going. For me, I did not go out of town until 7 months sober and by then, I knew I had to hit meetings while gone. In my opinion, AA only works with a full commitment/surrender. I think it is awesome that some of your fears of AA are dissipating, but you still seem on the fence a bit and I would just suggest to take the plunge cuz there is no better solution in my mind to my alcoholism other than a strong AA program with 5 to 7 meetings a week, daily calls to my sponsor, service, and stepwork. I personally needed and continue to need that. I am only writing in this tone because I have seen a million times when people come in and dabble in AA but don't fully commit. It leads to relapse. Over the year that I have been on this site, I think I have seen only about 4 out of 100 new people posting that have come as newcomers and stuck around and shared about accumulating sobriety time. All 4 of them appear to go to many meetings, have sponsors, etcetera. I am only saying this because I identify with your posts, have been in your situation, and this is all I know that worked for me. I don't want you to go by the wayside...especially if you think when that 30 day contract is up, you don't have a problem anymore. So...I am extremely grateful to you as well because I need you just as much as you need me to stay sober, but I'm just looking out for your sobriety cuz you deserve it and have worked hard at this already for 16 days!
Mark
Had to edit this...I stated that you have control over relapse...you have some control in terms of how much you immerse yourself in recovery. We all have the disease of alcoholism and people struggle in and out of AA and I realize this. Also, it is a program of attraction and you will find your own answers as time goes on. Regardless of how many meetings you go to or what your level of commitment is to AA at this point, it is a journey...and people do find the path to sobriety in God's time and at the point when they are really ready. Lastly, you have so much to offer and you don't realize it. Without new people coming in, AA relapses would be higher because we need to help others to get out of ourselves and we also need to know that the answers are not in drinking again and we hear that from people new coming in. Sorry for being long winded. Hope this helps some.
-- Edited by pinkchip on Saturday 26th of December 2009 10:52:57 AM
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Felt a little confused at first, what trip??? Was wondering if it was Out Patient or In Patient that you had decided on. Then I read in a different Post that you are going off to Asia, wow, now that IS a trip.....
Praying that you hold on to your Sobriety, and offering a few words about that...."It you keep your Sobriety in Front of EVERYTHING ELSE, chances are very good that you can Keep IT" "Put ANYTHING at all in front of that Sobriety, and the chances are are very slim that you will not be able to keep it"
Looking forward to hearing from you while you are there, we will be right here, Keeping the Lights on for you.
Mark, above had some very wise words, that response was worthy of a triple read, if not a cut and paste.
Deep breathing helps with the panic, as you know, I am sure.
You take care of YOU,
hugs, Toni
-- Edited by Just Toni on Saturday 26th of December 2009 01:23:11 PM
