After several visits, I have began attending the FreeLife meetings at church. They are very similar to AA, but with more emphasis on Christ and the overall groups meeting encompasses alcoholic, narcotics, divorce, etc. We break off an focus on our addiction/problem. I have what essentially is a sponsor with the group and we work the steps that are nearly identical to AA's 12 steps. I still attend AA meetings, but my focus has shifted to FreeLife.
I had my first real conversation with my wife since she left in February last Monday night. It was then I had realized how much I have changed and how she has remained the same. It's not that she necessarily needs to change, it just that the shoe seems to no longer fit. I have decided to sign the papers... I'm awaiting for her to resend them. I will still be willing to talk about reconciiliation if she decides to and I made that clear to her, but it would be out of obedience to God to save my marriage, not because I really want to.
Things are going great otherwise. I've been steady in the gym for the last 4 weeks and look much different that I did before. I have dropped from a 34 waste to a 30/31. I feel great, have a great outlook, building new relationships with people and the most important part is that I have as much as thought about drinking in the last few weeks. It's been nice.
-- Edited by Mad_Jasper on Friday 8th of April 2011 08:08:10 PM
Nice is good and feeling great is better. I understand about the shoe not fitting anymore. It's not such a bad thing if it lets both of you move on to what you need.
-- Edited by Frodo on Friday 8th of April 2011 08:13:45 PM
I can't help but sense a long term goal of moving out of AA and away from the acceptance of being alcoholic through some church group who "may" seek to water down what we are "alcoholic" . I may be wrong I very often am. But I am tired of saying polite things that are not true for me. AA is where alcoholism was beaten then and now.
I'm so glad to hear about your recovery and that everything is going well. FreeLife is a good program and I know a lot of people who have recovered using that method. I have to agree with your assessment: That any method that keeps us sober is rewarding and worth pursuing. So, keep us posted on your recovery and any other tidbit worth mentioning.
~God bless~
-- Edited by Mr_David on Saturday 9th of April 2011 09:11:52 PM
The leaders of our FreeLife group are both products of AA, therefore they don't subscribe to the belief that some church organizations do that they are no longer alcoholics. Personally, I think it is just splitting hairs because both conclusions require a total absence of alcohol.
@ everyone
Thanks. For me, the most important part of this is that I was able to withstand the temptation of drinking when I was tempted, it's that I don't seem to have the desire anymore. That amazes me. In lest that two months, I the old me is hardly recognizable and I'm very excited about where this evolution will lead me.
This site has been a big part of that. The conversations are engaging and supportive and always give me something to think about. This is a great place to be.
I have seen people get sober using church and principles very similar to AA. My uncle did that. It worked, only he was a little more rigid than my other uncle who got sober the AA way. The big book says a spiritual awakening and a psychic shift is really what is needed anyhow. Glad to hear you are doing well.
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