Hello. I have been in and out of the rooms since 2007. I have been able to put some solid time together a long the way but have not gotten to far in the steps. I am raw right now, feeling fearless but am tired of hearing from sponsor that we will get to the steps "when I am ready." I've heard that before and would wind up drinking. And I wish to not do that this time but am aware of my pattern. An AA friend told me that when AA first began a newbie would go through the steps in one day thus helping him or her really begin sobriety. That is what I need. Or, I feel, death it is for me.
If anyone here can help bring me through the 12 steps in one day I would sincerely appreciate it. Thank you.
It sounds to me like you've got a dud for a sponsor ... First of all, it's extremely hard to do sponsorship over the internet ... good sponsorship requires the sponsor to read your body language as well as listening to your thoughts ... We alcoholic are highly accomplished liars, and work'n the steps with total honesty is a must ... our sponsors can look us in the eye and know when we're 'fake'n it ... ... ...
In addition to come'n here for support, I suggest you get serious, and find a good sponsor there to lead you through the steps ... A.S.A.P ... I've seen too many get to the point in time you described above, and not do anything, they're all dead now ... seriously!!!
If you're 'willing' to go to any length to get and stay sober, GO TO 90 meetings IN 90 DAYS and find a good sponsor ... DO NOT make it 'contingent' on do'n the steps in one day ... take at least a week to make sure you are thorough .... AND you're right about one thing, DEATH is an alternative ... ... ...
Love ya man and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Here's a way to think about doing the steps in 1 day.
when you were a little toddler, you didn't just one day start walking. First, you learned to stand up. (I think you've already done that, by admitting your alcohol problem, and making a choice to do something about it).
then, one day, while standing up, you probably took 1, maybe 2 steps forward. Then you probably either fell, or sat back down. And yer parents were probably (in that high pitched, pathetic sounding, goo goo-ga ga voice) like : "OOohh !!! Look honey! She started walking!
Then maybe a couple of days later, you took a couple of more steps, like maybe 3 or 4.
And after a couple of weeks, you were able to string together enough steps to walk. (my first walking journey was to the refridgerator, to get a beer).
So, you see what I'm getting at? You can't just do the 12 steps in 1 day. Just like the little toddler couldn't.
Now, there is nothing wrong with say, reading all about the 12 different steps, on your own, and maybe starting to gather up some thoughts and plans on how to tackle them.
With all of the information out there on the interwebs, and sites like this, in addition to all the people that go to your home AA room, I don't see why you can't just start it on your own, until you find a sponsor who can help guide you through.
whatever you do, don't let this frustration get to you enough to take a drink.
And, also, we're glad you're here with us. Ask us anything. There's people here with a lot more experience and wisdom than I have, who could probably help you along.
