Hey all, I haven't posted here in quite a while. I have had lots of "life" issues that I have been dealing with in the last few months. Its been hard, but I have been able to maintain my sobriety and my clean time. This past Saturday (july 9), was my AA/NA birthday, 4 YEARS!!!
I actually went to a meeting to pick up a chip. I have NEVER ever picked up a chip on my actual date!!! Tonite I am celebrating at my home group- a meeting that I am chair of. Tomorrow night in the other fellowship I am celebrating too.
I have also NEVER celebrated, or really made it known about my birthdate. I always felt I didn't deserve it, why should I celebrate something as awful as having been an addict/alcoholic?? I never did understand any of it.
However this last year has had its trials and tribulations, and I actually feel READY to celebrate. I had carried so much guilt and shame I had no desire to be Proud of what I had accomplished.
I go to more meetings than ever now. I used to go because I HAD to go. Now I go because I Want to go. I pick and choose my AA/NA friends very carefully. I am always grateful to the newcomer, but I am wary too. I don't need the drama, I stay out of the "clicks", and in general I am there for anyone that needs to talk. My life is now centered around the program. I am able to work in my chosen profession (nurse) today because of how I handled myself and what steps I took to become a better person.
I just want to let newcomers know, that it does work!! you may not be comfortable with yourself or your situations for a very long time- but just take it day by day, hour by hour, or minute by minute!!!
Hi Kim, It's great to see you back. Congratulations on 4 years of being clean and sober you certainly deserve that chip.
Did you ever find Caduceus meetings? If so ,did it help?We have a few people here who are in health care or were, I don't think they have any of the Caduceus meetings here.
Keep coming back, glad you have kept at it one day at a time.
Its great to be back. I still read here about once a week, just haven't had the desire to post until recently.
I did find the Caduceus meetings, and its funny because they are at the psych center where I go every day but wednesday for my regular meetings!! AND its right across the street from where I live, so I walk to them. And YES, they help tons, because it is very informal and we just talk.
you certainly deserve that chip.