Hi everyone, I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. My name is Marc and I live in South Carolina, I'm 49 and have been sober since Nov of 86, I was 22 when I finally got the gift. For the first 18 years I was very active in the program and the last 10 not so much, I have noticed myself relating out instead of relating in and have not adapted well to the changes in recovery and the fellowship, it's much different. I am isolating a little right now and know that I need to find a good home group and plug back in, it's also difficult finding a sponsor with a lot of time but I will pursue that with vigor. I really enjoy your group here and will hopefully contribute and be a productive member.
I am a babbler but not by choice lol, I want to apologize in advance if I ramble too much, I lose my train of thought very easily.
Welcome and (((((marc)))))) from one babbler to another.
It is good to have you here to share your ESH. I have heard many shares in the rooms from people who have had long sobriety time and who, unfortunately, relapse. Most of them have said that they stopped going to as many meetings, got out of touch with the people in AA, and stopped working the Steps. It is a great thing that you have been able to maintain your sobriety through all those years and realize and are planning what you need to do to stay sober. I look forward to reading more of your postings here to help me stay sober, too.
BTY
Glad you're here with us! I really have to agree with those who've said that you don't need to find a sponsor who has more time sober than you do. You need a sponsor who has worked all the Steps, and will help you work them. Many years of sobriety don't necessarily indicate spiritual growth. There is a big difference between sobriety and real recovery. It's never too late for recovery.
Thank you for the warm welcome everybody, it certainly means a lot.
I know the role of a sponsor can vary for many as it does for me. I was brought up in the fellowship by some vigorous old timers lol and early on they laid down guidelines for my long term sobriety and I have not strayed other than cutting back on the meetings. I like an elder in the program for many reasons and although length of time does not always equal quality, I feel more comfortable relating with someone that came up in the fellowship when I did or before me, most of them are old crochety fellas but that's where I'm headed and it's about more than just AA, it's about the changes in life that we go through and the emotional impact it has on us. That's part of the guidance I can't get from a younger fella.
You folks have a wonderful community here and I very much look forward to continuing reading the posts here, they're wonderful.
Welcome to the site Marc. When I was about 10 months sober...I reconnected with an old drinking buddy from my youth on Facebook. I hadn't talked to this person in thirty years. I wanted to share with him that I had joined AA and was 10 months sober. He was thrilled for me...And told me he'd been sober in AA for 25 years...I guess I was a slow learner.
He shared something with me...I won't ever forget. He told me when he got to about the 8 year mark...He started backing off AA...Stopped going to meetings....Disconnected if you will. He said he didn't go back out...Almost...But said it was like living as a dry drunk. Miserable.
He said don't ever make that mistake....Stay connected. I plan on taking that advice to heart. I'm coming up on three years...Nothing short of a miracle for me...And I am staying connected. Glad you are with us....Looking forward to hearing more from you.
