Member: Sharon Frey
Location: Portland, Oregon
Remote Name: 67.168.200.60
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 11:21 AM -0500
Good morning, I am so full of gratitude this am that you can scrape me off the ceiling. I'm grateful for my God who led me to AA so I could find my God. Grateful for 47 degree temps and rain showers, a warm apt. I can afford, the ability to walk some today, for the fellowship and the great friends I have made all around the world. The list goes on and on. I just have to remember that a drink can take all this away, so for today, I don't plan on drinking. Even those in the North East must have a bit to be grateful for, inspite of their weather. What are you grateful for? Love a sister in AA Sharon Frey slfrey@yahoo.com
Member: Mike H
Location: Jackson Michigan
Remote Name: 68.76.54.70
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 11:28 AM -0500
Thank you Sharon for gratitude. I have been going through a rough period right now and haven't been thinking about gratitude. I have to remember the good things going on in my life.It is way too easy to slip backwards. Talk about a wake up call. Thanks again.
Member: Les
Location: San Diego
Remote Name: 198.81.26.103
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 12:22 PM -0500
Thanks for the subject Sharon. There was a time in my life, before the booze got me, when I had money, power, and prestige and all during that time I was unhappy and grateful for nothing. In fact, all my life, regardless of what was going on, I was unhappy. The alcohol, for a long, long time, treated the dissatisfaction from which I continually suffered. The problem with the drinking was that it stopped working. The problem was intensified by the fact that I could not stop drinking even after I became aware that it had quite working for me. I came to AA, took each and every Step following the instructions in the Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, and try to practice the Principles learned from those Steps in all aspects of my life. I now, sixteen years away from my last drink, have very little money, power, or prestige and yet I am happy -- I love my life and sometimes think that I am the luckiest man alive. atwoodles@aol.com and Les111 on Paltalk
Member: Marv L
Location: Ms.
Remote Name: 209.240.205.61
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 01:10 PM -0500
Hi,Im Marv,alcoholic,grateful today for so many things! Have heard often that an attitude of gratitude is a good shield against relapse.Ohhh,how I used to dread meetings on this topic! When I came to AA,sure didnt see much to be grateful for--and then you told me life gets better;well,it sure does! Thanks for the topic,Sharon,I"d like to share one thought: As a song says"Ive seen the lily press its way from "neath the stubborn sod, I beleive in miracles,and I beleive in God"Thank you all for being here,helping me enjoy another sober day!!Love ya!
Member: Rarely
Location: rontherocket@hotmail.com
Remote Name: 142.161.179.210
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 01:21 PM -0500
Ron and Im an alcoholic. Some times I open up the clubroom, make the coffee, chair a meeting, share my experience, strength. and hope, shake a new commers hand, greet someone who is just comming back, give out my telephone number, sponsor another member, put money in the basket, give a ride, clean up the clubroom, attend the meetings on time and hang around after, I bring some home made cookies or some candy some times. I read some place that some one else done these things out of a sense of duty. cause it was a pleasure. Because in so doing there paying a debit to the man who took time to do these things for us. And because every time I do them I take out a little more insurance for myself against a possible slip. As far as the topic of gratitude goes, I think its a good topic but I really don't know what to say about it.
Member: Bonny G
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Remote Name: 152.163.253.70
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 02:05 PM -0500
Bonny, grateful recoverying alcoholic. Thanks Sharon on the choice of topic! I am grateful that the decisions I make today do not have to be made as a result of drinking to much alcohol and putting myself or others in harms way. God has blessed my life with so much that I am happy for the life I now get to lead. I was told early on in sobriety to not give up before the miracle happens. I am now experiencing the promises of the program in my life, and for that I am very grateful. Hard times come, but the trust I've got in God and my fellow group members, has shown me that I do not have to return to drinking when problems occur. Thanks for allowing me to share.
Member: jules h.
Location: Iowa
Remote Name: 207.177.18.195
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 02:18 PM -0500
Hi all.........Jules here, I'm alcoholic and Rarely, you pretty much covered it,all those things make me grateful also,I just feel gratitude being privledged enough to open the doors to a local meeting or to get a phone call from someone inquiring about A.A., wondering what it's all about. I say we're a bunch of recovering alcoholics who get together to support one another.....that doesn't sound so scary to me, since fear held me back in the beginning from getting to my first meeting. I'm just grateful H.P. gave me that pushed through the door of my first meeting!Thanks for being here always, and thanks again for the topic!!
Member: hugh m
Location: alberta canada
Remote Name: 205.206.191.99
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 03:21 PM -0500
Hello Sharon I am grateful to the program of AA and to the thousands that have went before us you know when I was young I grew up around alcoholics and said I never want to go through that in my life.But you know I did go through it because when I turned 16yrs old I sat my higher power in the back seat and I did the driving boy what a disaster it took me 30yrs later to realize the mess my life had become and that I needed help I have been sober and clean for 28 months and what a wonderful life I have now. I was fortunate I did not have to lose my life or family and its because of this wonderful program and you people and for that I am grateful. so thankyou all for my life in sobriety Hubert Morrison Sharon you wouldnt be from Kenora if you are it would be a small world
Member: Tim L
Location: Madison, AL
Remote Name: 24.214.189.234
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 03:50 PM -0500
Tim, Grateful recovering alcoholic. I too am grateful for the AA program and how much I have grown and changed in the last 32 days of sobriety. Only after a few days through the doors of my home meeting.....I felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders and such a sense of relief for admitting that I too was poweless over alcohol. I try and catch as many live meetings as possbile daily and I have recently just found out about these online programs and for that I am definitely grateful because there might be sometime in the future when I can't catch a meeting or get a rise on Ma Bell and this is another alternative to vent and share. I am discovering that everyday that passes without me drinking or using that more and more of the promises are coming true in my life. For this alcoholic today, going back out is not a choice for me ...because I know what lays in wait and for me that keeps my conscious contact with my higher power ever more prevalent. I sustain each day without drinking not from my will but HP's will and by letting HP run the show....I know that I don't have to make another wrong choice in my life..not to say that I won't make a wrong turn but to strive to stay on the narrow and righteous is working pretty damn good for this drunk. Thanks for letting me share. Tim L. Madison, AL
Member: Joel L
Location: alaska
Remote Name: 209.112.220.150
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 04:38 PM -0500
Joel,alcoholic.Im grateful that there is aa.Without it where would we turn? I had almost 5 years at one point( before i decided i was all healed and could drink like a normal person.) Here i sit with a little over 8 hours sober wondering what happened.It was kinda funny actually.I was reading that section in the big book that says if your not sure if you are an alcoholic, step on over to the nearest bar and try some controlled drinking,it might be worth a bad case of the jitters to find out.I dont think this is very good advice!!Before I knew it I was on a six month battle with denial because I was "different" and was gonna prove it if it killed me...Im just grateful that I have a great sponsor who was still here to pick up the pieces and a great program like aa to reassemble my life.You know what? Im not different, just a plain old run of the mill drunk!!!!Thanks for being there....
Member: Bobbie
Location: Port Hueneme CA
Remote Name: 68.235.202.114
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 07:26 PM -0500
Greetings everyone, my name is Bobbie and I am an alcoholic. Thank you Sharon for starting us off with gratitude. I have been so wrapped up in family drama and adjusting to living in a new city that I have lost track not only of AA but gratitude for my sobriety. Even after being sober for 16 1/2 years, I need to work the program and not lose sight of what a awesome gift sobriety it.
Member: Charlie Darling
Location: Key West FL
Remote Name: 66.156.211.254
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 06:53 AM -0500
Hi Family Charlie Darling a very grateful recovering alcholic. Sharon great topic, as I try to keep gratitude in my life all the time, for a grateful heart is a sober heart. I am so gratful that I can stay focused on today, and not worry about tomorrow, as our dog has be diagnosed with cancer throughout her whole body, and is now in her lungs. The vet said she is not in pain, and we are taking care of her the best we can. We carry her out to use the bathroom, and feed her in her bed. She is 10, and has had a good life, and I am so gratful for not drinking today so I am able to care for her the best I can, as I know I cannot put her down, as she is not in pain, and only has a short time left on this earth, and we just want her last days to be comfortable, and for that I am so gratful that my HP has given me the choices to keep her alive for how ever long her life maybe. I am so gratful for the fellowship for they have helped me to be where I am today, and with the help of my HP and the fellowship I don't have to go back to that ugly way of life when everything was dark and horrible, and today I can make joy out of what ever situation may crop up. Thank you all for being here and letting me share. God Bless you all I Love you Peace and Love, Charlie kwduke_1999@yahoo.com
Member: Curtis L
Location: Goliad, Texas
Remote Name: 64.123.97.72
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 07:07 AM -0500
(((Sharon))) Thanks for the topic. We're on the same wave length because I made a gratitude list last night in an effort to battle this depression that I've been fighting. ... When I got to AA, I wasn't grateful for a thing because I didn't have Anyone to be grateful to. If something good happened to me, I took credit for it because "I deserved/earned it". If something bad happened, I found someone to blame. Today, I am grateful to a Higher Power that I call God. I found this HP in AA, and for 18 years I have been grateful enough not to take another drink. I think it was Ron that shared about what he did.. My sponsor told me that gratitude was an action word; "don't tell me you're grateful, show me". By being here and sharing experience, strength, and hope; I believe that we are all showing our gratitude to AA and our HP for our sobriety. Works for me. Curtis
Member: Craig L (Dogmanor@yahoo.com)
Location: Aloha, Oregon
Remote Name: 24.21.49.242
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 07:15 AM -0500
Craig L here, another "real alcoholic" (page 21). Thanks Sharon, I wonder if I've ever seen you in any meetings here. I also did not like this topic much early on. LOL Most of my life I hated God for who I was. I also hated you if you were happy. I just wanted to die and was too cowardly to commit suicide. The alcohol and drugs seemed to make me feel ok for awhile, but at the end they only magnified my misery. As miserable as I was I couldn't stop. I finally hurt enough to come to AA and learn the 12 steps. Today, I am astonished with the Peace which is always available to me when I rely on God. Today I am greatful for my relationship with God, it is the answer to all of my little problems.
Member: Joe B.
Location: Charleston,W.V.
Remote Name: 152.163.253.70
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 08:45 AM -0500
Hi gang. Sorry, a telephone inturr. After a couple of inventories, my anger began to subside, and I was able to appreciateall that was going on, and so much that is given to us for free. It took awhile.
Member: Adam H.
Location: New York, NY
Remote Name: 64.232.156.194
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 09:38 AM -0500
Adam, alcoholic. Grateful to be on the right side of the dirt... to have sobriety and a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous... to be an honest person in sobriety with manners and principles... to have the privillege of working with and for the people I work with and for today--a dividend of working the steps... and to finally know that I have a Higher Power who is a much better friend to me than I am to myself. Thanks for letting me share my gratitude, and thank you Sahron for the topic.
Member: Mary H
Location: Montreal
Remote Name: 206.167.250.40
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 11:10 AM -0500
Hi everybody! Good choice of topic Sharon! It feels so good to think about the positive. I often go to bed at night and think how lucky I am to have wonderful kids with whom I can play and do sports with, anytime I want because I am in such a great shape to do it. To have a loving husband to whom I don't have to lie to about anything anymore, to get up in the morning taking a deep, pure, healthy breath and thank God for the beautiful day that is about to begin. I am grateful that I have a second chance and that I have the strenght and desire to take it. I am grateful for this site that often gives me the little push that I need to keep going and for you guys that I feel close to just by reading your stories and knowing that you are there. Life is good!!!
Member: Rebecca S
Location: Winter Park, Florida
Remote Name: 65.33.44.186
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 01:26 PM -0500
Hi all, Rebecca here, alcoholic. Thank you Sharon for the topic, Mary, Thanks for the share.(everyone else too!!) I am so greatful for a 2nd chance!! I have a new life with so many beautiful CHOICES!! I used to think "CHOICES" were a curse. My screwed up mind could not seem to make a decent choice, and if I thought I did it was for the wrong reason/motive. So much has been given to me through this program, I can look the world in the eye and know there is nothing God and I can't handle. I used to be so affraid of life and myself. I am so greatful to be freed from that bondage of self. I love my life, and I even love my struggles because I am alive to have them and sober to deal with them....without fear, because I CHOOSE to...Thanks again all for sharing and listening, still sober...Peace & Love, Rebecca
Member: Trace
Location: England
Remote Name: 62.255.64.7
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 02:26 PM -0500
GRATITUDE.. until I came into AA I know now I had never experienced this emotion. Even with the birth of my children I wasn't grateful, to me grateful was a belittling weak emotion, I had to hold onto the fact that *I* had nothing to be grateful for and anything good that did happen was deserved by me. Today I am a GRATEFUL alcoholic, grateful for AA and the prog of AA and grateful to be just grateful, there is nothing I want for in my life today, I have it all. I let my sponser know every day how grateful I am to her, with out a person to pass on how they recovered where would we all be. Thanks Trace
Member: Kay F.
Location: Charleston, SC
Remote Name: 128.23.223.248
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 02:27 PM -0500
Kay F. here and this is my first sober day in a long time and I am grateful.
Member: Rebecca S
Location: Winter Park, Florida
Remote Name: 65.33.44.186
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 02:32 PM -0500
((Kay))) Congrats!! Take it one minute at a time if need be. We have all been there, still are here. I am greatful you are here. Greatful I have put a couple of 24's together and I know God wants this for you. You're in my prayers....Peace Rebecca
Member: Gypsy
Location: NJ
Remote Name: 141.153.231.230
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 03:26 PM -0500
I am grateful to be sober today, and I am grateful for so many good people in my life who care about me. Many of whom are here at this site. Thanks for helping me to stay sober today (as our Tim V would say) Dorothyann
Member: sheri
Location: wyoming
Remote Name: 204.227.205.36
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 03:44 PM -0500
Sheri here, still an alki! I am grateful to be sober. Some days its very very hard to find anything to be greatful for. But as long as I am sober, I can be greatful that I do not have to do anything more than not drink or use! And when that is hard I only need 1 minute at a time I am greatful that I am accepted for who and what I am, in places like this as well as f2f meetings! Oh, I am greatful that there is something bigger than me running the show I am greatful that you are all here sharing your strenght's and hopes as well as your experience thank you all for your part in my sobriety today Sheri
Member: Kathleen
Location: Florida
Remote Name: 209.208.79.184
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 08:38 PM -0500
Hi all, Kathleen here alcoholic. Good topic. Good shares too. Welcome Kay...:) I'm very grateful for the folks in AA and the program of AA (12 steps). I had nothing when I finally got to AA..no self esteem, no home, lost custody of my one year old son, below zero self esteem, hated myself. Today, dreams have come true, I sleep in a warm home, my children (now adults) are in my life, I have work I love and best of all I'm comfortable in my own skin. The list of what I'm grateful for is very long. Good topic... Thanks for being here. Kathleen
Member: Ernie R.
Location: Goodwell, OK
Remote Name: 208.136.228.140
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 09:31 PM -0500
I'm Ernie and I'm a grateful alcoholic. I went through a horrible period of depression sober about four years ago. (Keep in mind that I share for me only.) I went to a mental health professional and guess what she did--she made me pull out pencil and paper and start writing. Where have we heard that before? After I got through all the garbage I had accumulated through a period of being dry, I noticed that my writing started to included some gratitude. (I later found out that my counselor was a program person herself.) I had to come back to the basics--don't drink, go to meetings, read the books, and above all, find something to be grateful for. Today, I am truly grateful for being sober and sane once again, through the grace of God.
Member: Kelly M
Location: NH
Remote Name: 64.222.178.139
Date: 19 Jan 2004
Time: 11:03 PM -0500
Hi, Kelly an alcoholic. Very grateful today to be free of the bondage of self and the mental obsession with alcohol. AA has given me so much I can't write it all down. The spiritual tool kit that I am learning is probably the greatest gift. I never dealt with anything without a bottle before and now when life throws me a curve I use what I have learned. Things always work out just the way they should. I have peace in my head now not obsessing over things all day long. I find myself smiling and feel a serenity I never thought possible without a drink or drug. God is doing for me what I could/would not do for myself. Kelly :)
Member: PappyPaw
Location: Sourt Central Mi
Remote Name: 66.231.36.75
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 09:12 AM -0500
Hi Everyone, PappyPaw here and I am a grateful alkiholic. For years I remembered every misery in detail and all to blame for its presence while ignoing the existance of any good. Today I like to start out with, "What went right today." Thankyou God for these blessing and grow from these experiences. This is indeed a wonderful topic for a leap forward inot life. Thankyou all for a chance to share and another chance to grow. PappyPaw
Member: Kim T.
Location: Nevada
Remote Name: 63.151.179.133
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 11:59 AM -0500
Good morning,my name is Kim and I am an alcoholic.What a wonderful topic Sharon,thankyou. When I came into the rooms of AA I was beaten pretty badly by this disease.I felt like I was a piece of garbage because of where alcohol had taken me and the many bad choices I had made in my life. Through this fellowship I found there was hope, that I never had to take a drink again--a day at a time.I went to many meetings, which included speaker meetings--where I found my first sponsor.It was truly amazing to me how she shared my story.She gently led me through the steps of this program and got me out of myself and into service.I am so very grateful the God of my understanding put her in my life.Today I do not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.It has led me to who I have become today, and for that I am so very grateful.I've been reflecting on my journey a lot this month as I will be celebrating another AA birthday on the 29th. The credit I owe to my higher power and the beautiful fellowship of AA. I am so very grateful. Thankyou.
Member: HYDIE S
Location: BOSTON, MASS
Remote Name: 12.76.175.244
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 12:54 PM -0500
HYDIE HERE! NEW TO THIS WHOLE THING! FOUR DAYS AND COUNTING...HAVING MAJOR WITHDRAWALS!! BUT GRATEFUL FOR NOT GIVING INTO THEM!!!
Member: AZbill
Location: azbill1172@cox.net
Remote Name: 68.226.19.154
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 01:48 PM -0500
HI, Bill here. Alcoholic from Arizona. I am not really all that tickled to be an alcoholic. But I am grateful I found that out and grateful I have a way to deal with it. I certainly did not aspire as a young man to drink until I was alcoholic then come into AA. But I am grateful that AA gave me "A Way Out" which was one of the considered titles for the Big Book and also the original title for the photograph now called. "The Man on the Bed" Love AA trivia. LOL Love you all, Bill
Member: Scott K.
Location: Northeast
Remote Name: 13.13.137.1
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 03:29 PM -0500
Hi, My name is Scott and I’m an alcoholic. Thank you for this topic Sharon, it is a blessing to be: Grateful to be alive. Grateful for the program of alcoholics anonymous. Grateful; like Kelly M., that my obsession to drink has left me and never returned. Grateful that I have been able to make amends to many that I have hurt in the past. Grateful that I still have a loving wife that has forgiven me. Grateful that I am sober. Grateful that after many years I am finally building a relationship with my higher power. Grateful that I have been experiencing the promises and the rewards. Grateful to have the opportunity to comfort and help others. Grateful that my daughter is pregnant with a healthy baby and I will become a grateful grandfather in the spring. All these things and many more just because I stopped drinking and am now able to work at knowing and improving myself each day. NOW THAT’S INCREDIBLE!!!!!! Scott K.
Member: dave.s
Location: driffield e.yorks
Remote Name: 80.225.170.28
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 07:23 PM -0500
Gratitude what a fluffing good subject!I have been given,freely given, so much by this fellowship that sometimes I forget to say thanks. Iam greatful to be free from alcohol and that was only the beginning! Iam greatful that Hydie S from Boston is here! So much to gain from this fellowship,just one day at a time and the gratitude grows..
Member: Nate W.
Location: Spokane, WA
Remote Name: 67.170.98.93
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 09:45 PM -0500
Grateful is a very good word for myself. I have accomplished things I never could have dreampt of while using. I feel having a clear head makes a difference in how I can handle situations. I am very grateful for everything I have, as well as not taking anything for granted.
Member: Brenna
Location: Michigan
Remote Name: 68.43.219.36
Date: 20 Jan 2004
Time: 11:06 PM -0500
My name's Brenna, and I'm an alcoholic. I'm grateful that today I didn't wake up feeling like death warmed over, again. I'm grateful that the last thing I thought before bed last night was NOT "God, let me die in my sleep," it WAS "God, thanks for today." I'm grateful that the burden of self-pity I carry is greatly lessened. I'm still stunned by how beautiful the MORNING is...I hadn't really seen one in 5 years. I thank God that I don't have to go through this by myself. I feel privileged when I get to sit with someone at their very first meeting. I'm grateful that I remember how helpless and hopeless and depraved I felt the last day I drank...those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. I'm grateful that I can enter an AA room and look every last man and woman in the eyeball, because I haven't lied to any of them. THAT is a new and incredible concept for me...friends to whom I have never lied. I could go on with this for hours. Thanks.
Member: maryw
Location: kansas
Remote Name: 68.103.52.156
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 02:03 AM -0500
gratitude... AA freakin saved my life. with out AA, i would have nothing. i would be worthless, dead or doing time. thank you bill w. for reaching out to dr bob and by doing so, planting a seed that has saved so many lives. An Alcoholic's Anonymous Prayer Almighty God, I humbly pray, Lead me and guide me through this day. Cast out my selfishness and sin, Open my heart to let You in. Help me now as I blindly stray Over the pitfalls along the way. Let me have courage to face each task, Invest me with patience and love, I ask. Care for me through each hour today, Strengthen and guard me now, I pray. As I forgive, forgive me too, Needing Your mercy as I do. Oh, give me Your loving care, Never abandon me to despair. Yesterday's wrongs I would seek to right, Make me more perfect in Your sight. Oh, teach me to live as best I can, Use me to help my fellow man. Save me from acts of bitter shame, I humbly ask it in Your name. ~~ Anonymous ~~ hugs, mary w.
Member: maryw
Location: kansas
Remote Name: 68.103.52.156
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 02:06 AM -0500
the prayer didn't work out right... An Alcoholic's Anonymous Prayer Almighty God, I humbly pray, Lead me and guide me through this day. Cast out my selfishness and sin, Open my heart to let You in. Help me now as I blindly stray Over the pitfalls along the way. Let me have courage to face each task, Invest me with patience and love, I ask. Care for me through each hour today, Strengthen and guard me now, I pray. As I forgive, forgive me too, Needing Your mercy as I do. Oh, give me Your loving care, Never abandon me to despair. Yesterday's wrongs I would seek to right, Make me more perfect in Your sight. Oh, teach me to live as best I can, Use me to help my fellow man. Save me from acts of bitter shame, I humbly ask it in Your name. ~~ Anonymous ~~ the first letter of each line spells out alcoholics anonymous.
Member: maryw
Location: kansas
Remote Name: 68.103.52.156
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 02:08 AM -0500
oh well check it out here... www.barefootsworld.net/leadmeguideme.html
Member: Shel S.
Location: NE
Remote Name: 12.163.61.16
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 01:45 PM -0500
I was in a similar place of gratitude this a.m., and unfortunately need an attitude readjustment several hours later. Big problems don't bother me, it's the little nusances that still can send me into a tail spin...coworkers, etc. I lost 2 AA buddies to the disease over the holidays.One to suicide. Both had disappeared over the past few years.I do believe nothing happens by mistake: The loss of these two friends from my hometown who both helped me years ago really shook me up. Made me resolve not to take another day for granted. Can't make many meetings here. Love to correspond: Gina M.(ANTEEUGLEE@YAHOO.COM)
Member: Mark N.
Location: Niagara Falls (slowly I turn)
Remote Name: 128.205.247.146
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 04:56 PM -0500
I am Mark, I am an alcoholic. I am grateful to God that He has revealed Himself to me in so many ways since I began my journey in sobriety. I have believed in God for a long time, but did not know what God was or what He meant to me. Now, thru several signs and spiritual events, I DO!!!!!! I am new to this internet stuff so will only read to learn and learn to read (lol) for a while after this.
Member: Kayla W
Location: Boston
Remote Name: 64.12.96.171
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 06:17 PM -0500
Im a new member, and I am just starting out sobriety. I have been to alcohol counseling, and all that. I decided by myself to finally try this, and regular AA meetings in my town, because I finally WANT to stop drinking. I'm young, and have not even hit the legal age to drink. I've been drinking for about 4 years, but would say I have been a full fledged alcoholic for about a year and a half now. I used to drink to have fun with my friends, or when I went out, but have been drinking heavily to clear my mind of depressing thoughts, my anxiety and other bad feelings I have. I want to say thanks because already I can see that some of you had the same problems, and I hope this helps me. ~Kayla W
Member: jamel
Location: VA
Remote Name: 68.49.119.81
Date: 21 Jan 2004
Time: 11:52 PM -0500
Hello I am Jame and I am an alcoholic addict. I have a desire to get sober, I am starting my 24 hour period...which will soon be 48 hours. I have a big book, I have a Higher Power, I have a temp sponsor, I have gone online and chatted in an AA chat room tonight, I have a home group and a when and wheres guide for my area. I WANT TO STAY SOBER!!!!! I am 41 years old and have been drinking and using for over 23 years, I now want to stop. I have gone through rehab once, back in 1998 for 30 days inpatient and 365 days outpatient. I have had 6 months sober as my longest period. I have a good job, career, family and support network. My disease is very powerful and uses me in many deceptive ways. I can not trust it, I am fearful of it, I simply want to stop drinking. Lately it has been very expensive and very damaging to my relationships with wife and daughters. Though I am somewhat scared that I will not pull this out, I am also very willing to let go and admit I am powerless of the disease of alcohol addiction and I truly want help. Oh God hear my plea, I am willing to go to any lengths, please don't let this be another failed attempt, I simply wnat what AA offers, I am broken and humbly come to you on my hands and knees for help. I am Jame and I am an alcoholic addict and this is my testimony. God Bless.
Member: Shel S.
Location: NE
Remote Name: 12.163.61.65
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 12:11 PM -0500
Member: Shel S.
Location: NE
Remote Name: 12.163.61.65
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 12:17 PM -0500
Hey Jamel and Kayla. Sounds like you are taking the right steps! I DO know what you're going through. I have been in and out of treatment centers and AA for years.I can relate to your fears and frustrations. Fortunately, today a day at a time I'm sober, have a good job (that I actually get up and go to every day!) and I am happy. Keep it Simple. shel(ANTEEUGLEE@YAHOO.COM)
Member: Ken J
Location: Calgary
Remote Name: 142.59.197.207
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 03:46 PM -0500
hi. Ken alcoholic,fist time AA online,have being enjoying others comments and see a great addition to my meetings and am feeling gratfull for the potential this will have in my life .another gift just like an abundance of other gifts I have recieved by just the choosing to participate with the opening of a door(window).I am gratfull to be able to use my god given balls and step fwd into my life with the resouces (gifts)that are always in my life. As long as I reach out in service it seems that light will shine on my gifts and the gifts that are to be found .With 15yrs clean/sober I find that service and compassion is a formidable method for preventing myself from getting abusively agressive and bitter (resentfull) thanks Ken J big hugs
Member: Kat
Location: Boston
Remote Name: 24.91.168.81
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 05:48 PM -0500
I am so grateful for this site, for AA and for all the friends I've met here who have supported me and encouraged me to keep going one day at a time. I'm grateful that I answered God's call and am so grateful to have a great relationship with my higher power and find my power ONLY through him. I am grateful for my precious sons and a husband who adores me just the way I am. I am so grateful to be sober!! This is freedom... this is power... this is a way of life... for this and all the many blessings in my life I am so grateful. love to all, Kat
Member: d shandley
Location: kansas
Remote Name: 68.103.90.84
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 06:11 PM -0500
dani hear, well i was glad to here that i was not the only one who has slipped recentley. i only had five months, but it was a hard earned five months and i slipped this weekend. because i was too ashamed to tell my friend that i had a problem with drugs and alcahol. because she is a normi and doesnt know about my problem. instead of sticking up for myself, i gave in. am so thankful for people in the program to understand, me for who i am. thanks.
Member: pat a
Location: ventura
Remote Name: 68.66.196.71
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 07:40 PM -0500
I am grateful for this organiztion.I have failed countless times to quit drinking,now I have added another problem to my life because of alcohol..a dui.My wife died 2 years ago because she was an alcoholic,age 45.She joined AA,but too late.I am going in on SAturday to my first meeting..walking.I am nervous and anxious.I only quit AGAIN..24 hours ago and have the shakes.I hope to reap the benefits of a group of peers that understand and that I stick with my resolve to stop drinking. This is an opportunity that I am very grateful for.
Member: Mike J.
Location: Pennsylvania
Remote Name: 205.188.209.69
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 10:22 PM -0500
Hey Dani. Sometimes slipping is part of getting sober. 5 months is pretty good for a first try. Keep coming back and make it to as many meetings as you posibly can and this program promises you results that you will love. There is a saying regarding people places and things that we used to associate with drinking or using. You need to remember that your the most important person right now and you can't drink and have a good life. after you have been around for a while you will see that drinking and using are not really normal for many people. Most people are looking for what you're getting a chance to get in this program. Hang in there and find someone in the meetings you can talk to. A sponser who can help you out with the 12 steps in the Big book. Pat, when I first came to AA I couldn't afford a car so I ended up using a bicycle to get around. The added benefit was that I became healthier and this helped to keep me sober, and get me to meetings, and work and any where else I needed to go. I'm sorry to hear that you're in so much pain but keep coming back things do get better. I'm just trying to help. Thats what this program is about .One alcoholic trying to help another alcoholic.Keep coming back it works if you work it!
Member: jamel
Location: VA
Remote Name: 68.49.119.81
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Time: 11:02 PM -0500
Hello I am Jame, an alcoholic-addict. Day 3, I am sober today and I made a meeting. My goal is one day at a time right now. It works if you work and Keep Coming Back
Member: Desdimonah
Location: Florida
Remote Name: 66.157.213.164
Date: 23 Jan 2004
Time: 10:43 AM -0500
Good day, all, Desdimonah - recovering alcoholic. I've realized that the grace of God has been with me always and it's so evident in my life today at this very moment. It does work IF you work it. I'm at work currently, I went out for my 1st cigarette break and while standing in the sun I realized that I'd had a drunk dream; my 1st drunk dream last night. Whoa! When I'd remembered the dream, it actually felt as if I'd really "gone out!" In fact, today I do feel a bit of an emotional hangover. Wild. I thought about picking up another surrender chip - scary - I don't ever want to be in that position again, but I do know IF it happens in reality I'm always welcome back - however, I must say that is not something I strive for today. I'm sober just under 6 mos and I want to keep the momentum going. One day at a time. God bless you all.
Member: dave jr
Location: ohio
Remote Name: 205.188.209.140
Date: 23 Jan 2004
Time: 07:21 PM -0500
hi i am dave i am very gratefull for alot. i wake up every morning and one of the first things i do is write down atleast 1 or 2 gratitudes. i was in a halfway house and 1 of our teachers had us writing gratitudes every day. i am thankfull for what i learned there and i view my going away now as a blessing in disguise. i realize i can not do it alone. i didnt become an alocoholic or an addict in one day and i am not going to recover in 1 day. i just got to take it 1 day at a time.
Member: BETTE M
Location: OHIO
Remote Name: 152.163.253.70
Date: 23 Jan 2004
Time: 08:55 PM -0500
Graditude - Beautiful topic. You can't go wrong in thinking positive. I was anything but grateful when I was using. Now 19 years sober I am very very grateful and owe it all to my higher power, AA, the steps, a sponsor and service. IT WORKS IF YOU WANT IT.
Member: deb d
Location: salem oregon
Remote Name: 67.75.193.83
Date: 23 Jan 2004
Time: 09:19 PM -0500
testing 123
Member: Gabrielle P
Location: Northwest Ohio
Remote Name: 205.188.209.140
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 09:30 AM -0500
Gabrielle grateful recovering alcoholic, ((SHARON)) Thank you for this topic...I think today all things considered I am most grateful to just be alive and breathing, to know where I slept last night, how I got home and what I want to do today....to share about the happiness the gift of sober life has brought to me, I was grateful to find out I was an alcholic...I truly didn't know what I was when I got here...but being an alcoholic offered hope and a chance to change my life forever and the best part has been that the journey has and continues to teach me how to appreciate life and all it has to offer, the good times and things that happen are a result of working the Steps to best of my ability and the bad days well they as well are a result of what I am doing in my life, the result is up to GOD but I must take the Steps .... I Cannot Fail Until I Stop Trying, In Sobriety, In AA, In Life, Gabrielle
Member: Linda K
Location: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Remote Name: 68.162.124.75
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 01:11 PM -0500
Hi, my name is Linda and I am an alcoholic. Thanks Sharon for the subject. Today I celebrate my one-year anniversary and my gratitude list is overwhelming. Hey, I am grateful that I even know to make a gratitude list! Before AA, I never felt grateful for any of the gifts in my life. Just like the drink, one thing was never enough. But, you all told me to keep coming back, you put up with my HUGE EGO, an dloved me until I could love myself. I remember what you told me (memory--that's on my list, too)...that I just have today and that meet-makers make it! Thanks for letting me share!
Member: davidh
Location: Nashville T N
Remote Name: 68.53.118.15
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 05:26 PM -0500
David H alcoholic- I have so much to be gratefull for. God willing I will pick up a five year chip in Feb. This morning I woke up with the worst pain Ive ever experienced. It was a kidney stone, My wife rushed me to the hospital not knowing what the problem was at the time. It still hasnt passed but I feel so much better. They had to give me stuff for pain which was terrifying. But my wife and the doctor, also one of us, helped out a ton. Im so gratefull just to be out of pain for now. I love this program.
Member: THOMAS A
Location: SPOKANE, WA
Remote Name: 66.189.209.70
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 06:36 PM -0500
HI THOMAS ALCOHOLIC I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT I HAVE A TRUE GOD THAT BELEAVES IN ME AND WHAT I AM ABOUT.AFTER ALL THAT IVE BEEN THRU THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. I KNOW THAT AS LONG AS I AM HONEST WITH MYSELF I CAN BE HONEST WITH OTHERS WHICH THEN THEY WILL TRUST AND RESPECT ME, AS THEY DID IN THE PAST, BEFORE I HAD THAT EXTRA BEER TO GET RED OF THAT PAIN I WAS HOLDING INSIDE. THERE ARE ALOT OF OTHER WAYS TO GET THRU BAD TIMES AND DRINKING HAS NEVER BEEN THE ANSWER, IT JUST MAKES THINGS WORSE. SO IN CLOSING I NOW KNOW THAT GOD STUCK WITH ME AND HAS GUIDED ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, SO I THANK HIM DAILY. THANKS FOR LETTING ME SHARE AND HOPE THAT ALL OF US HAVE A GOOD WEEK BYE.
Member: Peggy E
Location: Salem, Oregon
Remote Name: 67.164.52.213
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 07:39 PM -0500
Hi! I'm Peggy; I'm an alcoholic. Sharon, thanks for the topic = "gratitude." When this "Miss Negativity" crawled into AA after taking two downers Valium and alcohol for years, AA ruined my negativity with the love and laughter. Now that really pissed me off. And then they hugged me! Now I have caught this "condition" of love, laughter and hugs and I give it back to piss off other newcomers like I was 26 years ago. ((Mary W)) of Kansas, Thank you so much for the truely beautiful prayer you shared. I typed it up and sent it to 20 recovering alcoholics and some church friends. With Love, Laughter, Hugs, Peggy E
Member: Christina
Location: Louisiana
Remote Name: 68.222.129.70
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 08:51 PM -0500
Thanks Sharon for the topic. My graditude list is so long these days but the on top of this list is that in these rooms I found my Higher Power.He has been there to pick me up and give me hope and a new life. Life now is good. Love to all, Christina
Member: Rebecca S
Location: W
Remote Name: 65.33.44.186
Date: 24 Jan 2004
Time: 09:42 PM -0500
((((Linda K.)))) Rebecca here, alcoholic....WAY TO GO....congrats on your one year sobriety....You must feel very greatful...thanks for sharing with us....try another 24 with me...(hours first!!!haha) Take care...still sober...Peace ---Rebecca