I've spent two days in the wilderness - away from people like us. I got to a meeting tonight and the pure Joy and comfort I felt being back with like minded people is unquantifiable.
Yes, this programme builds a bridge to normal living. Yes this programme enables me to deal with the others. Yes, I know that when the other residents of the training facility were still boozing and carousing at 4 a.m. I was discomfited because I recognised my unacceptable behaviour from previous years. Yes I made the mistake of going to the bar to network. (only there for 45 minutes, before I managed to get away to the snooker room) Yes I resisted the amourous advances of too many too drunk women. Yes I got a lot of useful stuff out of the training. Yes I contributed a lot to the training.
NO - I did not drink. No, I did not want to drink. No, I did not make all the right choices, just the important right choices.
Thank God and AA for how I am today, for the meeting, for the main share and for the newcomer. I'm home.
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It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you got. BB
You didn't pick up... Great Job... Always remember to guard against the unguarded moment.
Why You May Ask? Simply Put... Alcohol is never the solution...Ever...Thats Why...Even Though our disease might convince us otherwise.
There are times when the thought of a drink crosses my mind but it remains that a thought- nothing more. Guarding against the unguarded moment isnt easy- as you already know- but necessary. Let the voice of AA, or this forum, remind you to stay the course despite the circumstances.
We can never confuse a good life with a carefree one. That's why its important to develop a sober routine that helps refocus our attention elsewhere other than the next drink. We also need to safeguard our sobriety by adopting a set of spiritual tools that combats this disease one day at a time.
Let's take, for example, your situation; You didnt pick up this time but what about Tomorrow or the next day. If there are no measures in place to help prolong your Sobriety, today, then forget about tomorrow. If you dont have the answers which can help prolong your sobriety, right now, then I suggest you stay close to this forum or another sober outlet -AA or outpatient services that can help you in these matters. Making informed decisions is about what to do next time, when confronted with a similar dilemma. We are a network of recovering alcoholics who are committed to do so, and will help you develop a routine thats improves your spiritual conditioning and overall well being one day at a time. It has worked for me and I hope it will continue to work for you as well.
~God Bless~
-- Edited by Mr_David on Monday 14th of February 2011 12:10:22 AM
-- Edited by Mr_David on Monday 14th of February 2011 12:11:42 AM
-- Edited by Mr_David on Monday 14th of February 2011 12:12:26 AM
-- Edited by Mr_David on Monday 14th of February 2011 12:13:36 AM
Mr. David - I have some of the answers and am still learning the others.
A 12 step programme, a sponsor and a higher power all help, as does meetings and forums. But i still make ill considered judgements because I thinki am more well than i really am.
AA and the programme and the sponsor have given me some tools which help to put a little thinking time between situation and reaction, so that I can get a measured response rather than the old knee jerk reaction.
sometimes of course, the knee jerk comes forst and then I have to retract and retrace my steps and do the right thing.
I was taught that it's one day at a time. I'll plan but try not to project. There may be a situation in the future where a drunk would be preferable to real life. I do believe for myself that a drunk solves nothing. If that situation comes up in the future, I'll deal with it in the future. Until then it doesn't exist.
Although due to personal issues (Romance and Finance) by 5 am Sunday Morning i was wondering briefly if the 24hr booze shop was still open (think about it). The pain was enough that my head said that getting off my face would be a good idea. I had a few seconds thinking time to remember that for me a drunk is not a solution. Then I laughed at my own stupidity.
there is still pain in my life, mostly brought about by one or more of the 7 sins. Pride, Anger, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Envy and Sloth got me here to begin with. Pride, Anger Lust , Envy and Sloth keep me in the problems I have today. So i've knocked two off so far. Pride is taking a caning, Sloth is being challenged, Envy is being recognised and dealt with on a daily basis, Lust is being addressed and Anger is top of the list of activities to resolve.
it's been said that pain is the touchstone of growth. Me, I think it's over rated. The next well meaning person I meet who gives me the pain=growth line, might just get a kick in the balls and a suggestion to grow from that. Yup, still got anger issues.
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It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you got. BB
