So, what you're asking is: How has A.A. affected my life lately? Well, to be quite honest, in more ways than anyone could imagine.
A.A. has been my go to outlet for some time now, not just because of the fellowship mind you, but also the quality of sobriety I find there. It personalizes the message like no other
Then there's my sober connections, who I must say make me feel comfortable even on my worst days. There my eyes, ears and voice of reason when I need them the most.
And of course we have other outlets like M.I.P. which I believe serves a need also. The help supplement my sobriety in ways that very few will ever know. I need to have balance, though, and that includes spending quality time in both A.A. and in forums like this one. They both serve a useful purpose beyond what I already know.
However, choosing one over the other is kind of like going it alone. Why you may ask? Well, I'll be happy to tell you, because of the implications. What you're essentially doing is exchanging ideas, information, and also experiences that I feel others need to hear. And it must be heard on all levels and not just one. That would defeat the purpose of carrying the message. Just remember, you may just miss some important aspects of recovery -face to face or more importantly interaction and fellowship if we choose one over the other. So again, keeping a proper perspective is always important. It's how I keep my sobriety strong.
So, to answer your question, Yes, A.A. will always be my go to fellowship. But there's more to that equation than meets the eye. Specifically, what takes place after we hear the message? For example: Are we getting enough out of recovery? Only you can decide that, but for me it requires more than just a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. And do you think that's enough? Or do you feel like you need more? To me, it's all about tweaking our programs, so that it works for us, and successfully so. That means, not only avoiding the relapse cycle (which involves a whole lot more than just picking up a drink), but also living a happy and contented life, in sobriety. For most of us, just setting the bottle down is only the beginning, myself included. So from that standpoint I can only say; there's always room for improvement. I hope others agree.
Onward...
-- Edited by Mr_David on Sunday 29th of September 2013 02:26:00 AM
The other day a friend of mine (in the program) told me she thought it would be good for me to go to more meetings. I felt a bit bristly at her suggestion and had some 'I know what's best for me' 'who does she think she is' thoughts but I decided to get past me controlling things and being right and really thought about it. I thought there must be a reason why she's saying that. As I sat in a meeting today I realized she was right, and I then thanked her for it. Pre AA I knew best about everything!
I love it when I can see the tangible benefits of the program in my behaviour. How about you? How's it been working for you lately?
Hi everyone! Good morning! It's 5:30AM and a great day here in beautiful Iowa. I'm up early, having coffee & prayer, happily giving thanks to God for all my blessings and a life that is amazingly wonderful beyond anything I could've imagined when I got sober 25 years ago. It's all a gift that was given to me, and all I had to do was humbly reach out and open my spirit to accept it. Our 12 Step Program is what made it possible for me to see the reality of the goodness in this life and the people in my life. The gratitude I have inside me and the ability to see that my life is filled with blessings is just one of the ways I can see this awesome Program working in my life today. There are too many blessings to count here, but if I were to list just a few of them, I feel extremely grateful that my second book, "Letting God In" (on Step 4) is now published and doing well, I have a happy wife, our son is doing great in college, our daughter is living her dream career in music, and I'm surrounded by people who love me and I love each one of them.
I feel grateful to love today, rather than hate. There was a time when all I could give you was a long list of resentments, and fears, and shame, and things to complain about. Thankfully, that list is gone from my life and my gratitude list is endless. Does this Program work? Well, when I woke up this morning, I had to say "yes" because I could see the evidence all around me. Good topic! Thanks for letting me share! Blessings to all of you, Mike D.
I am trying to learn more on giving people the space to feel comfortable. I am working on letting someone "have their moment". I can agree and pat them on the back. Even if I don't totally agree, it is their moment of joy or conquest. I may even be wrong. I am tryin to let those times unfold fully before commenting or drawing conclusions.
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"I spent a lifetime in hell and it only took me twelve steps to get to heaven."
"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you."
I had massive changes and got a lot of stuff back and then some in the first 4 years. So this year has been about being okay with where I am at and accepting myself. Not slacking off, but recognizing that I'm not gonna "arrive" and that life is in the journey. I have a great home, great partner, much better paying job, better finances, awesome pets, finished some schooling, quit smoking, lost weight.... Lots of changes for the better and it's all due to AA and getting sober. BUT- these changes are slowing down and I need to be okay with that.
I spent years crippled by the thought of change, but since being in AA, I have worked so hard at changing that I have a hard time now just being still and enjoying things the way they are. I wonder if this makes sense to anyone.
I guess in a nutshell. I'm just another recovering alkie, not king AA and more humility, gratitude, and serenity need to seep in and less energy towards changing my surroundings cuz I have already climbed out of the wreckage.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Going through some conflict with a renter right now. My alcoholic thinking wants to think that I have power to affect the behavior of the other person. Program reminds me that I am powerless and to turn it over to a higher power. I prayed for the person to find another place to live, and let an attorney handle it.
I love it when I can see the tangible benefits of the program in my behaviour. How about you? How's it been working for you lately?
Well, I woke up this morning, guess that means I'm still among the living, LOL ... ... ... If I stop working the program, I will not stay alive for very long, THAT'S how it's been working for me lately ... thanks for asking!
Love ya and God Bless,
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I have the benefit of being a "double" a full member of both the Al-Anon Family Groups and AA sooooo the program works in all facets and corners in my life and I don't drink. Friday while at court supporting another native man the judge used a racial slur to describe the people of culture in the court room and I reacted. I reacted in empathy for him and with resistance and indignancy against the slur. The native defendant confronted the judge with courage, honesty, love and empathy. Love the person and reject the fault and initiate grace and forgiveness. Hows that from an alcoholic in recovery? ...course it takes a much more greater power than I...you can say Higher Power and it's program of recovery to teach me how to do that. Grateful
hi all, great topic Ruby. went to my home group meeting last night and it fits right into your thread. there is long term sobriety at that meeting and it's good to see AA works long term for those who work the program. so how has AA affected my life lately? i am learning patience and tolerance. it hits close to home for me... my husband has little tolerance for the things that don't fall into line with his way of thinking, so i am learning tolerance of his intolerance. kinda tricky.... i used to jump in both feet to disagree with him and it was not ever a pleasant experience. so now, i "pause" in my thinking and remind myself not to be intolerant, using his behavior as an example of what not to do. the pause is a good tactic to get thoughts together and smooth out my facial consternation and just listen. our program is one of love and tolerance for others and ourselves. progress, not perfection in others and ourselves. going to meetings is so helpful and refreshing, listening to others who have the same problems as me and have healthy suggestions for staying sober and alert for dry drunk behaviors.
...course it takes a much more greater power than I...you can say Higher Power and it's program of recovery to teach me how to do that. Grateful