I see we have another piss'n contest developing here on the board ... sad ... I'd jump in but have lost the desire to 'push' my point of view ... and speak'n of piss'n contests, I'd loose ... since I have a big problem in that area anyway ... LOL
I got diagnosed last week with 'advanced' stage prostate cancer ... so my mind is consumed with the thoughts of 'bone scan', CT scans, radiation therapy, and looking for an oncologist for a second opinion on treatment options, etc. ... the 'side effects' of all this is very consuming to one's thoughts for the day ... ... drink'n is the least of my problems much less getting into a verbal fight on the differences of working out of the BB or the '12 and 12' ... ... ... I 'WILL' say that 'both' books were vital to my recovery ... among many other AA books written years ago ... I also found that 'knowledge' didn't do a damn thing to help me recover, 'taking action' by following a few recommendations in these books did though ...
I am finding less joy and satisfaction on this site lately ... maybe I need a break ...
May God Bless you all and may you find the joys of sober living thru practicing the steps on a daily basis,
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I hear ya pappy, although I did post a sentence out of the....12&12. I too am dealing with cancer. I stay busy with that issue but my #1 priority remains, the growth and maintenance of my spiritual, emotional, and mental condition. Having cancer is somewhat a game changer, but I have been blessed with a gift that allows me peace and acceptance. Watching others struggle with issues helps to remlnd me and shows me, where I was at one time.I need that. The pains of growing up, as Bill put it. For me there is to much to be rejoicing about in life, especially since this cancer thing came on board. This A.A. program, and I mean ALL this program, mtgs, (BB and 12&12) service, fellowship, working with others, tolerating verbose leads, taking criticism......has been a fabulous journey, but the willingness to learn and grow, to want more than mere sobriety, has been the greatest gift of all. I don't know what the future holds for me, it's really not that important.....what is though is the happiness and well being of my family, friends, and the people around me. I adore what this journey has done to me, and for me. Good luck with your walk my friend. Life is good.....just have to learn to leave it alone.
Sending love and peace. The good news is that such things only affect the body not the self. I'll be thinking of you as you walk this part of the journey. You are not alone.
Sending prayers your way Pappy....No pissing contest here....You know me well enough. I carry the same message that was carried to me....This one.
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.
BB pg 17
Not big on debating it...But I will defend it. This being life and death like it is Pappy. My younger brother doesn't need this program....He can handle this problem on his own. He was hauled into a hospital this morning after trying to take his life. Maybe he's ready now....Maybe I can carry this message to him now. I guess he can't handle it alone. Maybe God has us both where he wants us....I don't know. I could use your prayers too. Get well friend.
I am finding less joy and satisfaction on this site lately ... maybe I need a break ...
May God Bless you all and may you find the joys of sober living thru practicing the steps on a daily basis,
Pappy
And may God guide you through the uncharted waters ahead, Pappy. May they be navigable to a healthful destination.
As for breaks, I can recommend them. After a year's break here, it was salubrious to miss out on all of the fractiousness and conflict, which I occasionally watched from afar.
Prayer for you Pappy, my wonderful friend. The great thing about this board, is that it is always active and vibrant with many things. I have been here for over 4 years and met many different people and opinions. I found that the true recovery message always prevails, because God Himself has written it.
pappy, IMO, its time for you to take care of you. I can relate a bit about whats goin with the cancer. when I was diagnosed stage 3 metastatic melanoma, everything involving treating and fighting it took a LOT. it was very difficult for me to take the advise of my sponsor and concentrate on me, but its what I had to do.
nothing wrong with taking a break. but PLEASE keep God close. keep the line of communication with Him and others in recovery open. don't stuff whats goin on in yer melon!
I am so sorry to hear of this challenge in your life. It's okay to be sad and scared and pissed and everything else. Please call me when you need to vent. I hope to be here for you the way you were ALWAYS here for me when I needed it. This - for me - is what it's all about... the chance to offer back freely - what was freely offered to me... and from you - that was love and encouragement and support any time - any day. I believe now will be a crucial time to *not* please not isolate. I have experience doing that when things get overwhelming in other areas - it's my nature - this program and YOU have taught me to act against what is sometimes my survival instinct - and move toward a reflection of a HP that is warm and welcoming, and involved - such as stated in our concepts(?): Participation is the key to harmony. You deserve harmony - peace & serenity through this challenge.
I have sometimes spouted off to sponsee's "our biggest challenges offer us the most opportunity for growth". Usually I am referring to a troublesome personality for my perception (one that might try and take over a thread meant to be all about YOU for example, and turn the focus back on self :( oh dear - blessings blessings and more blessings to those who still suffer).
I can't say I would offer up these words I so commonly use in working with others - or in my own prayers of thanks for the challenges presented to me - that I may be offered the chance to grow closer to my God. No... I can't say that I would find it possible to do such a prayer if I had news like yours. What I would likely do is just lean on the allies I have built over time (my insurance policy - the one you worked so hard to create for yourself here and I'm sure elsewhere)... let the love come back to me - wash over me - lift me up - let me feel all my feelings around all of this... quietly, in complete acceptance and unconditional love --- until I can come to the place of acceptance on my own, through this path... that leads to a door that says "you have all the time you deserve". You do deserve it Roger. As God's child and our gift to this human family and place we call home... or Earth... we are still close in our hearts - though we may be far apart.
So please keep coming back Roger - and keep us posted when you can - keeping being the amazing and wonderful you.
P.S.
*My Dad just fought this diagnosis and beat it. He is 2 yrs clear now... and out golfing today. Cancer sucks - but there is hope.... and the treatments are getting better and less intrusive. My dad drove in for radiation every morning for 15 minutes and had almost no side effects at all. The few left overs are not a problem for him 98% of the time. He just told me that this morning.
Love you
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
Hi Pappy, I haven't posted on here in a long time because I needed a break from this circus. I log on today, and it's the same old, except I see your post. I wish you all the best, and hope for a treatment that will have you back to good health. You are a kind soul.
Pappy, I think you were the first person to ever reply to any of my posts. Your wisdom and support have had a huge impact on me and I will certainly be praying for your speedy recovery. All the best. -A
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When every situation which life can offer is turned to the profit of spiritual growth, no situation can really be a bad one.-Paul Brunton
Sorry to hear about your health issues. It is a guarantee that we all will get them. I will pray for you. I have been inspired by your thoughtfulness and kindness in your shares. Early in my sobriety there was a guy I didn't know very well, who always had a cup of coffee ready for me when I walked into this meeting. He became sick and I hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks. A friend of his came up to me and said that he had asks if I was still coming to meetings? This was my first awakening because I couldn't believe that a total stranger would care more about me than his own health.
Take a break my friend, but not for too long. There are alcoholics who need you, including this sick puppy.
Sorry to hear about your health issues. It is a guarantee that we all will get them. I will pray for you. I have been inspired by your thoughtfulness and kindness in your shares. Early in my sobriety there was a guy I didn't know very well, who always had a cup of coffee ready for me when I walked into this meeting. He became sick and I hadn't seen him in a couple of weeks. A friend of his came up to me and said that he had asks if I was still coming to meetings? This was my first awakening because I couldn't believe that a total stranger would care more about me than his own health. Take a break my friend, but not for too long. There are alcoholics who need you, including this sick puppy.
Prayers yep always ...life on life's terms. Google asparagus and cancer and see what info you get about it...been some really miraculous outcomes I read. (((hugs)))
