Ok...so it isn't humble to toot my own horn...BUT...Toot toot toot. Year 1 was all about gaining a foundation and learning to just acquire basic skills to live sober. Year 2 has been about making serious life changes. I did not like that I was a smoker...so I quit. I didn't like being overweight...so I lost another 30 pounds. In all, down from 240 to 170. I didn't like that I was stagnant in my career, so I applied for licensure and am in that process. I got a new sponsor at the start of the year and worked the steps fairly thoroughly this year and I think that is behind some of the positive changes. Of course God and the fellowship of AA would be right up there too. All I did was live in fear and shame for like 20 years of active alcoholism. This has not been easy and there have been times at which I wanted to scream "@#$@#&! Why do I have to keep changing!!!?" I have come to learn now that life is all about acceptance and dealing with the constant pace of changes. I have learned that working the program is a process and there is no finish line. I have learned that some of the best wisdom I have is when I realize that I really don't understand some things at all and I just believe anyhow or I just listen to someone else and I don't try and fix their problem at all. I have learned that the steps are never "done" and they are guidelines for living the rest of my life in the solution (where as I only had problems before). I have learned I am capable of making really stupid choices and acting really dumb despite being sober, but I do not have to drink over those behaviors and I can learn from them if I listen to others, take suggestions, and stay sober.
For anyone new here, I first posted on this site when I had about 70 days sober. Down here they give chips to denote milestones in your first year of sobriety. The one at 60 days is pink. Hence the name pinkchip. This journey is just starting and there is so much left to learn. To many here, I am sure I sound pretty green. Nonetheless, it is a miracle and I feel blessed that the pinkchip is now a 2 year medallion.
Wishing everyone serenity and continued sobriety,
Mark
(and as i side note, I had planned on opening the Congrats Sobriety Spell on 4 years thread seeing as we have the special bond of the same anniversary date, but sucky Dean beat me to it).
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Whatever the color of your chip, I am grateful I get to share the board with you. I am honored to witness your journey and I find your words to be thoughtful, thorough and heartfelt. Happy 2nd Birthday Mark,
Congradulations Mark on both the pink and the medallion. You've done good recovery work with courage to change the things you could and are willing to keep growing. You know that the growth is unlimited cause you've been working at it and watching it in others. You're not so apparently green when you step up to offer some one here your ESH. I'm glad for those you have already and will in the future touch with your sobriety and professional knowledge. I certainly pray for your success.
(((Mark))) Congralulations!!!!! When I start to doubt myself, your posts always fill me with strength....I love your independence of thought and humour SO much!!! Thank you for being here. Love always Louisa xx
Congratulations Mark! Life, in recovery, can be so beautiful even with all the trials and tribulations. Thank you for continuing your experience,strength and hope with us and working your program to the best of your ability! Truly another miracle in progress!!!!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Happy Happy Soberversary!!! Dean already sent you two cakes, so I'll pass, too many sweets and you're watching your weight....:)
That exceleration of growth has been so apparent, and yes we continue to grow and as we get older, it is such a blessing to be allowed by our Higher Power to keep changing, keep learning always, never standing still...one of the truly great gifts of this Awesome Program.
Ok my opinion is over..
Just so happy you are a part of us here.
Hope you do something wonderful for yourself today...
