Good Morning Everyone,
I believe we all have a common bond that ties us together, and I believe most alcoholics/addicts suffer from depression or some degree of mental illness. When I go to an AA meeting like I did last night and another woman (a newcomer) shares her story and how hard it is to get sober, I can immediately go to gratitude...sometimes, the drinking career I had seems distant, I usually don't entertain thoughts of drinking again, but the depression, at times gets bad and that's when I have to really take care of myself, because I at times have thought, like some of you, what good is it to be here anyways? However, I stop and think and realize that is not an option, just like drinking is not an option. Thank goodness, for me, I can connect with all of you who are staying sober, and those of you who are still struggling....I gain strength from your stories of hope and encouragement. I was told that I don't drink no matter what now, and there have been several no matter whats in the little over 3 years that I've been sober....but I do know my sobriety and recovery is a gift and I have to pass it on, stay sober, stay around, to be able to share with others that this is do-able (staying sober) and that it is much better than any alternatives that I could come up with. One drunk talking to another has saved my butt many, many times whether it be here on this board or in an AA meeting. By God's grace I am sober today and that's all I have to stay in...is today and God's grace.
Hi Vw Girl......I too agree with this completely. People that aren't addicts just don't understand what we go through. The depression can be absolutely crippling at times.
Last week my H asked me to have his car detailed and I just started crying for no reason. He thought I was a loon but knew that it was just something I was going through. That is when I found the PAW post and started to understand what it was that I was going through.
I have also been following that new series on HBO called addiction. That has been full of information for me too.
Thank you girlfriend for always being here when I have needed a friend to talk to and more importanly not feel so alone in the struggle that we all share. That "Common Bond" is what makes this board work!
Have a peaceful day.
P.S. Did your headache go away? I hope so. Take care of yourself Geri.
XXOO Valarie
Say hello to that sweet sister of yours Rachel for me.
Last week my H asked me to have his car detailed and I just started crying for no reason. He thought I was a loon but knew that it was just something I was going through. That is when I found the PAW post and started to understand what it was that I was going through.
I have also been following that new series on HBO called addiction. That has been full of information for me too.
Thank you girlfriend for always being here when I have needed a friend to talk to and more importanly not feel so alone in the struggle that we all share. That "Common Bond" is what makes this board work!
Have a peaceful day.
P.S. Did your headache go away? I hope so. Take care of yourself Geri.
XXOO Valarie
Say hello to that sweet sister of yours Rachel for me.
Thanks for sharing, Geri....
LOL...I love when I pray to be honest, open and willing and then I hear what I need to hear...I needed this today as I was starting to get a bit irritated at some of the people in the program but I need to be grateful for what I have been given, remember I am there for the newcomers and I am responsible to reach my hand out when anyone needs it...Acceptance that I cannot change others and I can learn from the bleeding deacons as much as everyone else God has put into my life...
I have so much to be grateful for and I don't need to waste precious time dwelling on any negatives...Today is a blessing so I intend to enjoy all the precious moments....
(((hugs)))
Stacey
LOL...I love when I pray to be honest, open and willing and then I hear what I need to hear...I needed this today as I was starting to get a bit irritated at some of the people in the program but I need to be grateful for what I have been given, remember I am there for the newcomers and I am responsible to reach my hand out when anyone needs it...Acceptance that I cannot change others and I can learn from the bleeding deacons as much as everyone else God has put into my life...
I have so much to be grateful for and I don't need to waste precious time dwelling on any negatives...Today is a blessing so I intend to enjoy all the precious moments....
(((hugs)))
Stacey
Hi,
Nice thread. Thats one of the great things, I think, about the program. For me, when I'm at a mixed meeting, ( men and women ) I don't feel, or have I ever felt the difference, or gave gender a second thought. When sharing or listening to someone else share, man or woman, when it comes to this disease there isn't any difference. I think thats a beautiful thing. I've heard many women share or speak and have totally related to there feelings and stories. I wish I could put better into words. When I'm talking to a woman about recovery, it simply becomes to alcoholics sharing with eachother, there's no, "Gotta be careful what I say" thought thats in the back of my mind, just to alcoholic/addicts sharing a common problem or positive soloution or thought. I go to mens meetings and mixed meetings, and have gotten a great deal of help from hearing a woman's perspective on things some woman shared about when I was going through the same or simular thing. It isn't about what a woman has to do or has done, it's simply about what another alcoholic/addict has to do or has done. Another great thing I love about the program is.. I've spoken a few times and a couple times I touched on how when my life was at it's lowest point, suicide really seemed like a reasonable soloution. Where else can you go and share things like that, where people won't lable you in some negative way, even a doctor would probably wanna perscribe something etc..etc.. It's very freeing to be able to share about personal things like that and have a room full of people that not only support you, but totally relate and can understand that sick thinking this disease tells us is normal. I don't think I've met one person in recovery, I have found a common bond with. Black, white, man, woman, young ,old, it doesn't matter. That to me is not only a beautiful thing, but a priceless gift.
Hmm, maybe I'll get a woman sponsor? lmao j/k
Have a great day folks,
Take care,
Bob
Nice thread. Thats one of the great things, I think, about the program. For me, when I'm at a mixed meeting, ( men and women ) I don't feel, or have I ever felt the difference, or gave gender a second thought. When sharing or listening to someone else share, man or woman, when it comes to this disease there isn't any difference. I think thats a beautiful thing. I've heard many women share or speak and have totally related to there feelings and stories. I wish I could put better into words. When I'm talking to a woman about recovery, it simply becomes to alcoholics sharing with eachother, there's no, "Gotta be careful what I say" thought thats in the back of my mind, just to alcoholic/addicts sharing a common problem or positive soloution or thought. I go to mens meetings and mixed meetings, and have gotten a great deal of help from hearing a woman's perspective on things some woman shared about when I was going through the same or simular thing. It isn't about what a woman has to do or has done, it's simply about what another alcoholic/addict has to do or has done. Another great thing I love about the program is.. I've spoken a few times and a couple times I touched on how when my life was at it's lowest point, suicide really seemed like a reasonable soloution. Where else can you go and share things like that, where people won't lable you in some negative way, even a doctor would probably wanna perscribe something etc..etc.. It's very freeing to be able to share about personal things like that and have a room full of people that not only support you, but totally relate and can understand that sick thinking this disease tells us is normal. I don't think I've met one person in recovery, I have found a common bond with. Black, white, man, woman, young ,old, it doesn't matter. That to me is not only a beautiful thing, but a priceless gift.
Hmm, maybe I'll get a woman sponsor? lmao j/k
Have a great day folks,
Take care,
Bob
Thankyou, I really needed to hear this! I really really did! It gives me so much hope! I keep thinking about going back to AA. It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I've been to a meeting. So many things you people write remind me of all the good that AA has to offer. The best is I'm not alone in this disease. I don't have to go it alone anymore. If God wants me to go back then thats where I'll go. Getting counseling & Intensive outpatient treatment now. You guys showed me the way. Thankyou & God Bless, Chris
