Soooo awesome Vixen! That gave me vicarious goose bumps! Very proud of you and happy for you!
edit - the goose bumps were real but vicarious cuz it sent me back to getting that 1 year sober. I only have a few others to compare it to but the 1 year was REALLY meaningful for me.
-- Edited by pinkchip on Sunday 9th of September 2012 01:33:24 PM
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
I quit drinking and joined AA on May 9, 2011. I went to meetings, read the literature and got a a dedicated, loving sponsor who worked the steps with me. In the summer of 2011 I mentioned to her, quite casually, that I was still smoking a little pot at night to help me sleep. She told me she wouldn't be able to work with me anymore if I did not quit. She patiently explained to me why using another drug while in recovery wasn't a good idea and I completely understood. I told her I would quit on September 9, the day I was getting my four month chip.
She then asked me, well, aren't you going to change your sobriety date? I balked...and balked and balked. I did NOT want to "give up" getting my chip or the time I built up in the program. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of my home group. I didn't want to start from scratch. It just didn't seem fair.
After thinking and praying on it, I went to the meeting that day and instead of taking a four month chip I declared myself a newcomer and got a welcome chip instead. The people in my fellowship were amazing, supportive, and congratulated me on working an honest program.
Looking back now, I really do feel September 9 is when my true recovery began. It's the day I surrendered completely to my Higher Power, the day I chose integrity over pride, the day I humbled myself completely to working an honest program, the day I decided that what really matters is healing my spirit and not just quitting drinking.
I see now I didn't "give up" anything. I gained a bunch though. I now have a deeper respect for myself, my sponsor and what this program really aims to do. I have faith that with God I can get through everything and that I am never, ever alone. I trust that making uncomfortable choices in the name of recovery can only benefit me in the long run.
It works, AA, it works if you work it...honestly, faithfully, constantly and joyfully. Life is a bajillion times better now. My heart is full, my mind is clear, my future is bright, my past is full of lessons and not regrets, my spirit is connected to a Higher One.
It's so much more than just being sober...it's about being whole. I thank every person here who posts. I learn from you all. Thank you for sharing your journeys, strength, hopes, and experiences with me. This place is chock full of gorgeous souls who walk that same path I do and show me it not only can be done, it can be done with style, grace, class, joy and humor.
Here's to 16 months without a drink and 1 amazing year of recovery. :)
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
Many thanks to you all, my online home group! I got to celebrate today with my hometown home group and it was just incredible to be able to share the day with them. It takes a village of alcoholics to help an alcoholic...and online and off, I got some great villagers to hang with and learn from. :)
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
