Never Underestimate the Gratitude List

Aquaman · MIP Old Timer

Never Underestimate the Gratitude List

Larry_H · MIP Old Timer

Aquaman

Your story sounds familiar? Oh yes Bill W. out of town on a sales call and he saw an open door to a bar and he had a tough decision to make.

Sounds like you followed Bill W's. lead and did what was required and put one more 24 hour day of sobriety in the bank.

Way to go!! Sane decision

Remember the Cell Phone is your connection to AA any where you go and at any time. Bill W. never had the luxery of that wonderfull tool. Its just too bad that the phone weighs so much at times and is so hard to pick up. When you do manage to pick up the phone relief is at hand.

Larry,
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It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.

StPeteDean · MIP Old Timer

Great post, there's several of you traveling business people on mip that have strong tempts to drink on the road. It's that "nobody's watching" thing that one has to pull that coin out of the pocket and read "To thine own self be True". You do carry one of those don't you?

-- Edited by StPeteDean on Tuesday 16th of March 2010 03:08:59 AM

Simple · Senior Member

I am a huge fan of the gratitude list. I often need a viewpoint re-adjustment and it does the trick. It's cool that the nagging thought passed and that you came to MIP to post this!

But can I also be the devil's advocate and mention that even without those things, a drink wouldn't be in order? Gratitude is a good device to help with those nagging temptations, and God knows I'm all about wanting to be sober for my family and community, but in the long run there may be a time where that is not enough. I'm afraid to say this because I don't want it to be negative or undermine your great post. I just thought I'd add another layer to this thought process.

Aquaman · MIP Old Timer

Thanks, Simple. I like layers...especially in chocolate tortes!

I get your point, though. What if I lost everything I was grateful for? Had nothing but death surrounding me, lonliness, loss of freedom and was completely infirm? Would I drink? I hope that I am never put in that place.

Peace,
Rob

SoberSteve · MIP Old Timer

Hey Aquaman, great job! May I ask what your tattoo is of? I was thinking of getting the AA symbol on my arm. I truly am proud to be in the program!

Aquaman · MIP Old Timer

Michelangelo God Creates Adam from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
It's on my chest, from edge-of-pect to edge-of-pect with the space between the fingers perfectly centered on my sternum, so I see it every morning when I'm facing "the man in the mirror".
The space between God & Adam's fingertips is where Faith goes...all that's missing for a connection between humanity to divinity.

My sponsor has the black triangle in a circle wrapped in roses on his forearm. He's a 30-year man and his tattoo looks 29 years old bleh

it needs some work. biggrin

Peace,
Rob

SoberSteve · MIP Old Timer

Very nice, if you dont mind Id love to see a pic of the actual tat, dont worry Im not hitting on you lol just love tattoos...

Aquaman · MIP Old Timer

The artist is Brock Swenson of Brock's Valhalla Tattoo in Decorah, Iowa. His work is easily on a par with L.A Ink & Miami Ink work. This is his face-book page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=505785629&ref=ts
and that's where I found this pic. See more work in his photo albums.