The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today is the day...29 years ago, right about now, I woke up in a treatment center that I arrived at the night before. I arrived in a 'state' so, upon awakening on 10/8/87, I began a journey like no other. Had someone, anyone told me then I would be here now, I would have laughed in their face and probably said something rude and crude.
I am glad it is here. No matter how far away my HP takes me from the first drink, I was taught to be aware always. Upon awakening each day, I still ask God to keep me sober, just for today and it's worked well.
I am grateful for my program, this fellowship, my local fellowship, my HP, my sponsor and so much more. Recovery is hard work but the results and rewards are beyond anything I could ever have expected or projected. I am a firm believer that the best is yet to come!
I still have mixed emotions. I am still unsure, anxious and fearful at times. I have guilt because I feel so blessed and others I love are still suffering. My brain has felt like it's been watching a tennis match all week long. But, I know, just for today, if I do the next right thing, all will be well with the world. I send hugs and prayers to all of you and am honored that you are part of my recovery family! (((Hugs)))
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Congratulations, IAH, on a wonderful day to be grateful...so happy for you, so glad that you are a part of the fellowship. Your contributions here are so meaningful and helpful, thank you so much for sharing yourself and your ESH. Have a magnificent day
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Thanks all! Great meeting this morning....my sponsor surprised me with a special coin and a small gift - what a lovely, lovely person. Best of all, she found a card that's all about recovery! I am not sure if she shopped at our local place of what but it's not your everyday card. She wrote a note that made me smile, and brought tears to my eyes - tears of joy.
We have lovely fall weather here and the sun is shining brightly! I just took a nap and plan to be 'chill' the rest of the day. So grateful all of you are here too!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
I am proud to know you my friend (even if it just online..lol)! You are quite an inspiration to many and I for one appreciate you letting us help celebrate your recovery.
Thanks all - it is truly my pleasure to share this day and all days with you all. At the meeting this morning, we talked about how recovery works - the 'Basics' were discussed. Meetings, Sponsor, Steps, Prayer/Meditation and Literature. Someone shared that a speaker once compared these 5 basic elements of recovery to making a cake. If you look at the box, and see what to do, usually you have the mix, eggs, oil, water and baking process. If you skip a step, you may/may not get a cake. If you skip a couple, same results. Yet, if you follow the suggestions/directions, and put these elements together - voila - you have a cake!
We also talked about how it takes each of us to be a 'family'. We use that word also at my 3 key meetings. We welcome new members with open arms and we share openly and honestly. I am seriously glad this day is almost over - it's been a blessing and I thank each of you for posting!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Congrats PC - super grateful for you, your ESH and your recovery! 10/1 is my brother's birthday.....it's a great day!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Your gift of recovery is a gift to all of us to who don't even know you. HP works in mysterious way. Your willingness to extend your ESH to all of us on this board is very valued. Congratulations on reaching such a milestone in your life.
I wanted to jump out of my chair and scream Yay!! but the emotions of it caught in my throat and the feelings went all to my eyes and they wept out of gratitude and pride for you. I feel secure that you are also part of my own recovery and a trusted Sister in my journey. Mahalo Akua for this family member and the wisdom she carries as a gift to us all.   (((((hugs))))) Â
(((Jerry))) - thank you and you know I love you tons......I am continuously amazed at the reality that there is a closeness among people in recovery that just is. It doesn't have to be earned, it doesn't have to be nurtured - it is just there and it's real. Whenever I ponder my gratitude for this program, I truly am amazed that those who first recovered found each other, built a fellowship and worked tirelessly to help others. They did it all for us - each of us - to have a new way of life, a better way of life - a peaceful life.
Peace to you and yours my brother from another mother!!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene