Isn't is strange to note the absence of a lot of old pre-AA friends over the week-end? We have not offended them, surely, and we are just as good friends as we used to be, but somehow they don't call on us with the same regularity. The answer is simple--the bar is closed. Now home is what it should be and the people who do call do so because they like us and not just to get a drink.
Later, in meetings I would hear treatment talk "need to change my playground and playpals" (are all psych majors required to be corney? do they all really want to be writing ad jingles? what?)
There would be much talk and effort about changing their environment and relationships.
Hahahaha.
No Need.
If you get sober, work the 12 steps, and have a spiritual experience, you won't need to change your friends.
They will leave SKID MARKS in your drive.
God will do for you what there is no need for you to do yourself.
Very true. Once I worked the AA program and started to grow as an individual, these old friends didn't look so appealing to me. I spend time now with people in recovery where there's mutual understanding, compassion, honesty and spirituality.
Yes many years ago,I always thought I was the "life of the party",they loved me like crazy,,they would laugh as I fell out of my car and let me drive anywhere,would even come along........only one or two around now!!!!! they also chose life.and have their own process............ And for me the "party" is LIFE, sobriety and giving back,a day at a time!!I am truly grateful everyday!!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
I'm very fortunate to have great and supportive friends who have stuck by me in my recovery. The strangest thing for me is realizing how little they actually drink. I was always so busy managing my own intake that I didn't notice they were really only having one or two drinks. Amazing how sobriety opens your eyes!