I just returned home from a 3 day professional conference I've attended for the 4 of the last 5 years. 2 years ago it became the start of an 18 month relapse for me. I determined this year that I would go in with an attitude of remaining close to God in my thoughts and actions and to have a ready defense against the call of the cash bar and the bar-hopping that happens when a group high school teachers get together in a town that is not their own and go wild.
I used to think that the people that didn't go out with the 'cool kids' were boring. Do you want to know what I found out? Those non drinking nerds were just as much fun as anyone. We laughed and talked and wandered around downtown Minneapolis under a purple sky and I really got to know some folks well. And I remember what they told me and what their lives are about. It was good.
I ran the sobriety calculator this morning because I've sort of stopped counting the days and am just cruising along with a 6 month chip in my pocket. Today is day 197 of living sober! Wow, it does get easier when I live 1 day at a time. And I have developed better relationships with people that I normally would not mix with. I didn't ask any of my colleagues if they were in AA. I didn't have to. I can hang out with sober people and not obsess about their status.
I'll wrap up with relating about how nice the drive to airport was when I realized that I was not hungover like several were in the van. I was glad that my sweat didn't have a boozy odor to it and I didn't have anything to say about the best way to quell the queasiness of a hangover before getting on a plane to fly several hours home. I'm really glad that I didn't feel the need to crawl into an airport bar with them to get a little hair of the dog to make it to the afternoon and definitely didn't have to listen to and tell me about stuff I had done the night before.
It is wonderful to be sober. Now I'm off to my home group Sunday morning meeting. Have a blessed day.
-- Edited by Troy on Friday 29th of April 2016 05:17:54 AM
Congrats Troy, ... what a wonderful post ... it's great to hear these stories so as to give those who are struggling, hope of a better tomorrow ... THIS, is what it can bring if you work the program ... great job ...
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 am listening to the birds singing on the morning of day 198 and everything feels good. I've done my morning prayers, read the Bible and read the AA Daily reflections. An empty cup of tea sits on the table beside me and I am ready for Monday - wow I seem to like Mondays more and more (well, not really but ya know...) I hope you all have a blessed sober day. I lift up those who are still suffering.
Through an open window in my bedroom, the birds sang their songs until I was fully awake this morn'n ... I am now having my coffee in piece and comfort with my dog 'Rose' by my side ... what could be more pleasant or wonderful in this sober moment in time??? ...
I also pray that you have a blessed day and those that are still suffering may be lifted up to peace and serenity ...
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
This morning marks the 7th 30 days in a row or 210 days. This is amazing to me. This is coming from a guy who, since age 19, had hardly passed 3 or 4 days without drinking for about 30 years. This is simply due to following a few simple steps, helping others and sharing and listening. Is it easy? I wouldn't call it easy, but it is not too complicated.
This morning marks the 7th 30 days in a row or 210 days. This is amazing to me. This is coming from a guy who, since age 19, had hardly passed 3 or 4 days without drinking for about 30 years. This is simply due to following a few simple steps, helping others and sharing and listening. Is it easy? I wouldn't call it easy, but it is not too complicated.
Well said Troy ...
I too, did not find the program that 'easy' to work, BUT, the results have been well worth it ... at the very least, I have my 'self-respect' back ... (anything worth having, is worth working for ...) ...
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
220 days today. I continue to focus on my HP with prayer and reading the Bible, the Big Book, the Daily Reflections and attending meetings when I can. I'm doing much writing with my 4th step inventory and visited with my sponsor about getting ready for the 5th step. My contentment level remains high, even on a night like tonight when I can't sleep - congestion due to allergies.
I want to encourage tmrah55 and others to keep coming back and to keep focusing on the things that have been proven to work in this simple program of recovery. I continue to be amazed at what is happening in my life and how much better of a person I feel like I am becoming.
