I came into AA as an unemployable stockbroker at 30The problem I couldnt make it in to the office most of the timebecause I drank 24/7. I was offered a fine job in Boston with a firm that I apparently interviewed with at a barbut couldnt remember the firm I interviewed with as an Institutional Bond Trader.. Shortly after by accident?.. I entered AA maybe they could teach me how to drink.
In spite of these facts some, ignorant of most of the real facts, several family members told me I wasnt an alcoholic; maybe, because I was a good sailor?so I learned to button my lips about drinking. AA taught me I had a disease and that I could never drink again. That hit pretty hard; especially, since I considered myself maybe too young for AA. In those days, my age peers were more the exception to the rule.
I never went back to that professionI loved the sea, lived near the sea, became a seaman starting out at the bottom as an ordinary seamanI was one of only 10% who makes it to senior level navigation ships officer on ocean going vessels.
I also went to school 8 years and was one of the elite 1% who merited a diploma from this school as a Graduate Naval Architect.. Yacht Designer.
Today at 71, writing this in the Laundromat, living on my sailboat, Im grateful to God for perfect health waiting for my new rollerblades to arrive in the mail I work out in the gym 3 times a week.Office 3 days a week
Today with over 40 years of unbroken sobriety since that first meeting, at the little hall, in the basement, where resides the U.S. most patriotic painting The Spirit of 76 in Marblehead Ma. Im sailing my boat around the world now for the past 8 years.
Im still working as a practicing Yacht Designer & recently completed a wonderful screenplay which I am confident will be made into a major movie called SOAKED.. About Sailing.. Since God is pulling the strings I have no worries this will happen.. The screenplay, lightly autobiographical, Im confident will be produced, provided I do the footwork to make it happen. I love Hollywood and love the process.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day of remembranceI will proudly wear my hat as Gulf War Veteran, a volunteer serving on an ammunition ship in operation Imminent Thunder, early in the conflict, receiving a commendation award for service by our Govt.
AA is perfect because it was given to us by God and God doesnt build no junkIf you are having problems hang in there.. or if you had a slip.. learn from it and come back.
Looking back, I thank particularly the DVDs of Father Joseph Martinlaid it on the line for meand My Spiritual mentor.. Joseph Campbell defined for me through his DVDs the God of My understanding.. Many years ago
As The Dali Lama once stated, "the Essence of Spirituality is just being a regular guy"
I hope this helps.. Thats my real job.
Tomas Sailor Face BookI say that because Im quite proud of my posted projects, and wonderful pictures I took along my sailing journey to share "
Thanks Tomas - I'll be checking out those pictures.
I am grateful for the wide variety of people and experiences people have had in AA, I can always find at least one person to whom I can relate to at some level. There was a time I didn't think so - but it was only because I surely wasn't just a regular gal LOL! Just another growth opportunity, and learning experience to be found by not giving up no matter what. I appreciate you.
-- Edited by Tasha on Sunday 25th of May 2014 08:30:43 PM
.There's a wrench to fit every nut..You just gotta keep on looking..When I moved from Ma. to Fl.. with 9 months of sobriety...after several meetings that I could hardly identify with,,I gave up on AA even spending my first anniversary alone... My thoughts ..this is not Marblehead AA..I bought myself a new tennis racket..4 months later ..still sober..I found the right group of AA meeting goe'rs..which was my foundation for about 20 yrs...I would happly drive 20 miles to a meeting every day..and back...Sad to say 90% have passed away, I hear from nobody but have many fond memories.
I still use every day..the 24 hr book which has been in my possession 40 years.
I still use a meditation book signed by Harriett P. in August 1980..sailing as an ordinary seaman...I will probably read some sitting on the back deck of my boat this afternoon..
Thanks for the time and service you gave while you were in the military, Tomas.
Good luck in your sailing and showing other alcoholics that they too, can change their lives and make their dreams come true by being sober.
(Rollerblading???? I am just learning to walk on my own two feet. I never was able to keep my balance on roller or ice skates.)
("There's a wrench to fit every nut" ---Ha! I think I may be the exception in that case. LOL)
Thanks for your post Tomas ... sounds like you've had an interesting, yet productive sober life ... I'm grateful you're part of the family here ... we are never alone unless we choose to be, huh ? ...
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
There was a 7AM Meeting on St. Pete Beach The Alano Club..I would start out rollerblading to the meeting right to the coffee pot..After the meeting rollerblade down the beach..I had over 30 yrs sobriety then ...felt like a 15 yr old kid..an absolutely beautiful place..
The young and the rich from a beach treatment center would always attend.. riding in the van. They spent $10,000 for 28 days room board and recreation plus that7AM meeting..Most sad to say did not make it.
AA and sobriety is not for those who need it but want it...You pick up a schedule...make a call and GO..and if you keep on going you will get sober and stay sober ..Listen to old timers....they stayed spiritually fit each day to stay sober ...But sobriety is a gift and some need to work harder for that spiritual awakening..some like me got it right away...and was gifted that my story was on the first 164 pages of the big book..And the steps made perfect sense.
I can't recommend any higher the AA talks by Father Martin..The AA lessons and experience he related many years ago are absolutely on point I've found..Previews are on U tube as well as purchasing the DVD's..There are extremely spiritually orientated..You can't go wrong with any of his examples or suggestions.
He was famous when I came in the program for his talk to the US Navy on alcoholism called chalk talk...and another on Emotions...many groups would play the "Tapes at that time" as a meeting"..well respected and listened to all walks in AA
