Member: PappyPaw
Location: Sourt Central Mi
Remote Name: 66.231.36.220
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 07:40 AM -0500

Comments

Hi I am PappyPaw,I am a grateful recovering alcoholic, I had a wonderful thing happen right off this morning...I awoke sober. I have a choice now on how I will spend this day. I am going to celebrate by giving myself another day of soberiety. "How it works" is a daily, up front subject for me. I hear of how people work the steps but in truth it is "How it works" as we daily "live these steps" as best we can, in our own way, under our own belief, understanding and interpertation. Thank you for a chance to share and grow. PappyPaw


Member: Marv L
Location: Ms.
Remote Name: 209.240.205.61
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 08:10 AM -0500

Comments

Great topic!! Im Marv,recovering alcoholic and grateful for another sober day in which AA has become a way of life that gives me a new freedom and a new happiness.At first the program seemed a way to avoid drinking,it turned into a way of life I couldnt have imagined !! THanks to everyone,I love y'all!


Member: Craig L (Dogmanor@yahoo.com)
Location: Aloha, Oregon
Remote Name: 24.21.20.252
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 08:51 AM -0500

Comments

Craig L here, another "real alcoholic" (page 21). Great topic!! I'm also grateful to wake up sober this morning. There were many many days, I regained consiousness with an insatiable need to find more alcohol and continue the nightmare that was my life for yet another day. When I got to AA the 12 steps did not mean much to me. I couldn't see how anything was going to make any difference. I was profoundly insane and narrow minded. I had been to psychiatrists, institutions, churches, yadda yadda yadda. Nothing seemed to help and I continued to drink and suffer. I was so beaten down by alcohol, I decided to try AA. I followed the direction of my sponsor, (well mostly LOL) and I discovered Peace for the first time. I am an alcoholic and that means, I have been physically, mentally and spiritually sick. On a daily basis, I must practice the principles of AA. As a result I get to continue to be happy and Joyous. When I don't, life quickly becomes the living hell my alcoholism wants me to believe is real.


Member: Denise B
Location: Missouri
Remote Name: 216.176.171.13
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 10:49 AM -0500

Comments

Hi, Great topic. Everyday when I wake up - I thank my Higher Power for today - and then for my sobriety. Have a great day everyone. Love ya.


Member: AZbill
Location: azbill1172@cox.net
Remote Name: 68.226.19.133
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 11:34 AM -0500

Comments

Good Morning. Bill here. Alcoholic from Arizona. The God of my understanding loves me so much that He gave me free will. The free will for me to choose to drink or not to drink. What an awesome freedom that is. In the early days of my recovery, I was never told that I could not drink. I was told that if I were an alcoholic, I could not drink successfully. Just for today. I chose not to drink. Love you all, Bill


Member: Stephen C
Location: North Stratford,N.H.
Remote Name: 165.121.145.172
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 12:36 PM -0500

Comments

Hi everyone,well its me steve and wish that i had a good topic for this week but i dont all i can come up with and hope it helps evryone it does me get down on my knees and If I asked which of our blessings I felt was the most responsible for our growth as a fellowship and vital to our community and our brothers and sisters of A A


Member: Stephen C
Location: North Stratford,N.H.
Remote Name: 165.121.145.172
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 01:02 PM -0500

Comments

Serenity,whats it mean to you.


Member: Tracy
Location: Little ole England
Remote Name: 62.255.64.7
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 01:21 PM -0500

Comments

Tracy here Alcoholic real or not..makes no difference...I once drank like I was looking for something in the bottom of a glass...with AA I am finding that something...GOD and he is within me, not in the bottom of a glass...so my reason to drink is now over...God Bless


Member: Mike A.
Location: Elcajon, CA.
Remote Name: 67.72.136.122
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 01:55 PM -0500

Comments

I too woke up this morning instead of coming to and it feels good, I imediately thank my higher power for a good day the day before and ask for his guidance and direction before getting out of bed, that way it helps slow my mind down and keep from wasting a lot of energy thinking about things that race thru my head out of order. I have choices today, I'm not a slave to alcohol. It's a beautiful day in southern Calif. a nice day for a bike ride. Alcoholics Anonymous is a step up for me. Be good to yourself and enjoy your sobriety.


Member: Netrepreneruer2004
Location: Washington
Remote Name: 64.70.24.171
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 05:12 PM -0500

Comments

Thanks everyone Im going to try again starting today. I could use some sober friends. Email me if you can too. God Bless us all Kevin (netrepreneur2001@yahoo.com)


Member: Bonny G
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Remote Name: 64.12.96.238
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 06:20 PM -0500

Comments

Bonny, grateful recovering alcoholic, glad to see the good shares. I am grateful for this sober life that God has allowed me to have today. It's a beautiful day here in the mountains of Arkansas too. I recognize the gifts of being of sober mind and spirit today. I have a choice in life today to live happy, joyous and free from the bondage of alcohol, the steps of AA have allowed me to make the right choice. I am grateful for the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and the people who showed me a better way to live my life. Thanks.


Member: Liz H
Location: chappaqua, NY
Remote Name: 205.188.209.140
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 07:36 PM -0500

Comments

HI all - Liz, alcoholic her.....I too woke up today WITHOUT a hangover, thank god...The first thing i do before getting out of bed every morning is to say the 3rd step prayer....The bondage of self is a great step in the protection from that first drink. The promises have come into my life, time and again and depending upon my spiritual condition, i can be in touch with those promises EVERY day....Blessings to all on another sober day....


Member: Rarely
Location: rontherocket@hotmail.com
Remote Name: 207.161.32.67
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 07:51 PM -0500

Comments

Thank God I never became some kind of spiritual giant when I sobered up. My favorate prayer... " God please don't make me a saint, the ones I know are so hard to live with." So... I wasen't consigned to a life where I shall be stupid boreng and glum like some righteouse people I see.( B.B. pg.152 ) I live it one day at a time, and love being sober. I can get up in the morning and plan to have a great day only to find the weight of the world on my shoulders, to move through the problems that I can face on any given day is what makes me a stronger sober member of A.A. The way other members practice their program has no bearing on my sobreity. I like to think my soberity is a gift from the father. and if I want to keep the gift I must do some things that A.A. makes a pleasure out of doing. From out of the gutter and from behind the bars of many jails I got sober and have become an asset. I can't really say " How It Works " but I can take you to a place any given night of the week where you can find out for yourself. Great Topic Love & Hugs.


Member: John H.
Location: Orange co. Ca.
Remote Name: 198.81.26.103
Date: 07 Mar 2004
Time: 10:25 PM -0500

Comments

I found Willingness to be the major factor for me to stay sober. As long as I'm willing to do the things suggested in the Program, am willing to be honest, willing to want to help others. Openmindedness, Willingness, & Honesty are very, very important to my Sobriety. Thanks for all of you being there, and thank you God. John H.


Member: jimr
Location: chicago
Remote Name: 68.164.225.101
Date: 09 Mar 2004
Time: 12:44 AM -0500

Comments

Jim here, grateful to be sober... How it works is amazing to me, still to this day. Steps 3 and 4. Once the decision was made to turn my will (ways) over to God as I underestand him and started cleaning house through rigorous honesty & personal inventory (1rst time I was truly honest in my life), I started to have faith that I could recapture the one thing I had long lost... My better Judgement. Each day, as I continue to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritual, as a result of working the steps, my life becomes better. The choices I have today are far more abundant than the choices I had when I was dependant on alcohol. Better personal judgement is all about choice. I must always beware of lurking notions and strange mental black spots though. Staying spiritually fit and helping other alcoholics gaurds against that nicely. I am truly grateful to the men and women of AA for helping me regain hope in my life by showing me how to live sober by their unselfish examples. Best wishes to all.


Member: Nathan P
Location: Irwindale, CA
Remote Name: 198.81.26.103
Date: 09 Mar 2004
Time: 02:18 AM -0500

Comments

Nathan. Alcoholic. First time I've admitted that. I had my last drink on Saturday, March 6. I was not very grateful waking up the last couple of days, because I knew that I was fighting not to drink. I'm a little more grateful this evening. We'll see how it goes.


Member: Adam H.
Location: New York, NY
Remote Name: 64.232.156.194
Date: 09 Mar 2004
Time: 10:12 AM -0500

Comments

Adam, alcoholic. Waking up sober...that's a pretty cool thing. I heard a woman from Bermuda Dunes, CA named Donna E. talk about how her sponsor had told her that if she woke up in the morning sober, then it was evidence that God loved her and had something for her to do that day. That was (and still is) real helpful to me because I questioned my spirituality for many years in sobriety... I knew I needed God, but I still had trouble believing God needed me at all. I believed in God, but I felt I needed to know that God believed in me a bit too, if you know what I mean. Hearing what Donna said really gave me the willingness to trust that the same thing applied to me too...that if I woke up and my body was working and I was sober, then it was a done deal and God needed me to do something that day. Maybe help another alcoholic, maybe to simply walk the sidewalk sober and be an example of what AA can do. I never know what it is, but that certainly has added some spiritual meaning to waking up. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: AndyD
Location: Detroit
Remote Name: 68.41.155.151
Date: 09 Mar 2004
Time: 10:19 AM -0500

Comments

Hey all, great topic. I give thanks every day for having the strength to give up alcohol. Now instead of going through the day to get to the bar, I enjoy the whole day and find happiness in many places I never saw it before. Waking up sober every day and staying that way until I go to bed at night has made my life better than I ever thought it could be. -Andy


Member: kathys
Location: poconos,pa
Remote Name: 207.231.99.86
Date: 09 Mar 2004
Time: 09:45 PM -0500

Comments

Hi everybody, I'm Kathy and I AM an alcoholic! I havent been on this site in a few years, so glad to see it is still here. I am also so grateful to wake up sober today. I think after being sober a while I forget what a privlidge that really is. Just when I think I have problems I talk to or hear someone share that has real problems. A local here once said "My problems today are hi class problems" and that is so true. Everything that i have a problem with today could be taken away immediately with just one drink. I am not homeless, my kids eat daily, my car runs and I have a telephone to call other aa members. What else does one need? Just really glad to be sober and have my problems today. I didnt have problems before cause I didnt care enough. Thanks for reading-- Kathy


Member: Ed E
Location: Dallas, TX
Remote Name: 12.74.175.56
Date: 10 Mar 2004
Time: 06:51 AM -0500

Comments

Ed, alcoholic, and I better not forget it. Waking this morning, I thanked God that the the 800 lb. gorilla of alcoholism is in his cage today. I cannot let myself be deceived that the cage is locked, though. It isn't. As long as I admit to myself daily that I am powerless over that gorilla, and rely on God for the power to stay away from that first drink today, the gorilla will stay in the cage -- today. Staying close to AA and to God on a frequent basis gives me the freedom to wake every morning and enjoy each moment of this gift called life. If I forget the cage isn't locked, the enjoyment wanes and eventually the gorilla pops out and mashes my face into the asphalt again. Yes, its a wonderful day to wake up. The insanity of letting the animals out of the cage won't be part of my life today. It will be replaced by the sanity of a sober day. Thanks, PappyPaw for a great topic.


Member: Lisa H
Location: TX
Remote Name: 66.76.68.202
Date: 10 Mar 2004
Time: 10:24 AM -0500

Comments

Hi all, I'm Lisa an alcoholic. Great topic...I am grateful to wake up sober today and know where I was and what I did last night. When I got to AA in 95 all I knew was something (everything) had to change. I was a mess and felt worthless and hopeless, the BB talks about the pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization (my bottom) and for the first time I could not blame my condition on anyone or anything. Only then could I give up the fight and surrender, at first to the program of AA and later to a loving God. Someone told me that if I wanted to stay sober that I had to come by an idea of God that I could live with. Some days the best I can do is just be grateful but most days I can do much more. I used to see women driving by and I would wish to be them; to be anyone but me...Today I wouldn't want to be anyone but me. I owe it all to Alcoholics Anonymous and my God, I wouldn't have one without the other. Thank you for allowing me to share.


Member: Valerie H.
Location: Thief River Falls, MN
Remote Name: 136.234.19.6
Date: 10 Mar 2004
Time: 12:43 PM -0500

Comments

I am Valerie, a greatful alcoholic!!I am thankful for each day that I wake up sober and breathing. One thing that has helped is to remind myself what a struggle it would be for me to start over -- totally. I am so thankful for the fellowship of others and the guidance of my Higher Power, who is God.


Member: billy j.
Location: scotland
Remote Name: 195.93.34.12
Date: 10 Mar 2004
Time: 07:12 PM -0500

Comments

hi folks, this is Billy and I'm a very grateful alcoholic. every day I wake sober is a blessing. Glad I know what I suffered for years was the illness of alcoholism. AA meetings help me to remind myself that should I lift one drink the physical part of the disease would kick in and the craving would start,all over again. the BB and friends at meetings remind me that the mental part could kick in before taking a drink so I need to be spiritually well to have a good defence against this happening. God bless you all. Billy


Member: beth b
Location: san rafael
Remote Name: 198.81.26.72
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 09:02 AM -0500

Comments

good morning!!!my sponsor says to have an attitude of grattitude each day for my sobriety and just being able to wiggle my toes. have a wonderful day unless you have other plans


Member: Susan A.
Location: Vernon, Connecticut
Remote Name: 204.167.53.87
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 01:55 PM -0500

Comments

Hi All, I'm Susan and I'm an Alcoholic. Thanks for a great topic, PappyPaw. I smile each morning to wake up and be able to greet God and the day. For me, I'm grateful to be sober today, and everything else is gravy. (There were many times I could have been dead during my drinking career). While I'm stretching, I ask to know what God wants me to do today, and to be given the power to do it. Through the day, I try to do whatever the next best thing is (and like it's said in our Big Book - practice patience, tolerance, and acceptance, without being servile (a doormat)). I do at least two of the following: talk to another drunk, read our literature, go to meeting(s). Also, I do something nice for another, and don't tell anyone, which is a great tool. At night, usually after a pretty full day, I thank God. Sounds like a lot, huh, for a woman who used to get as drunk as possible for as long as possible daily, and didn't give a rat's a** about anyone else. Like I said...Gravy! Thanks all for being here.


Member: Les
Location: San Diego
Remote Name: 198.81.26.103
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 03:43 PM -0500

Comments

Having read Chapter 5 in the Big Book many times I have failed to discover how it works. What I have discovered, however, is how to work it (the program).


Member: KimM
Location: Pompano Beach, FL
Remote Name: 64.118.241.84
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 05:08 PM -0500

Comments

"How it Works" is one of the greates secrets in my life. Through working the 12 steps, meetings, having a higher power, and living one day at a time it just does. We understand each other beyond the normal human beings, and share that understanding through feelings and words. What a great gift we have found! "Oh Lord, thank you that I ain't what I am, or that I ain't what I going to be, But thank you that I ain't what I use to be! Sobriety ODAAT! KimM


Member: rick f
Location: fargo
Remote Name: 64.21.242.69
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 08:00 PM -0500

Comments

Hi,I'm Rick a very grateful recovering alcoholic. Ive had many changes take place in my life in the past month,and at times I can't make since out of my life.But I know I don't want to drink today.I'm thankful for what God has given me in my sobriety, snd I have no desire to give that away. This is the first time to a on-line meeting, Its good to read about hope and encouragement when I can't make it to one of my regular meetings.Thanks!


Member: Peggy E
Location: Salem, Oregon
Remote Name: 67.164.52.213
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 10:34 PM -0500

Comments

Hi! I'm Peggy. I'm an alcoholic. Great topic, Pappy Paw. "How it works"... Steps, Big Book, Meetings, Fellowship, Faith... Don't drink and you don't get drunk. Stay with the winners - and do what they do... One day at a time. Welcome if you are new or new here. It does work!


Member: Kelly M
Location: NH
Remote Name: 152.163.253.70
Date: 12 Mar 2004
Time: 12:04 AM -0500

Comments

Hi All, Kelly here an alcoholic. How it works is the simple part, it's working it daily that (makes it work)... Go to meetings, do the steps, stay active and involved, help another alcoholic, keeping my HP first and foremost. These basic things have become my daily plan. I would not do them so rigorously except that the payback is so great I can't afford not to! I am amazed at how easy life became once I picked up my spiritual tool kit laid at my feet by my HP and began using it. Having an attitude of Gratitude also helps. Whatever I CHOOSE to feel increases so if I am happy and grateful I become even more so each day. And how can I not be grateful to be sober today?! Kelly :)


Member: Leona B
Location: CANADA
Remote Name: 209.17.154.43
Date: 12 Mar 2004
Time: 01:39 AM -0500

Comments

Hi all...my name is Leona and I'm an alcoholic...I'd lke to welcome the new comer and anyone comming back...awakening sober...is a true gift....two days in a row..a miracle...today i pray for continuos miricles every day...i have never gone to sleep,without gratitude...I AM SOBER.....yippee...keep comming back....it works...one day at a time *hugs*


Member: Joe B.
Location: Charleston,W.V.
Remote Name: 152.163.253.70
Date: 12 Mar 2004
Time: 07:44 PM -0500

Comments

Hi gang, good meeting. Thanks. Joe B.


Member: jpuckett
Location: ohio
Remote Name: 63.69.56.183
Date: 12 Mar 2004
Time: 09:37 PM -0500

Comments

hi i am judy i have been sober for 23 years one day at a time i than my GOD every morning and night it has not been good all the time i lost my husband a little over a year ago and it been hard after 38 years of beeing together its like i am starting my life over again but AA people has been with me and now i found this web site i thank all of you you help me stay sober one more day GOD bless you all.


Member: Peggy E
Location: Salem, Oregon
Remote Name: 67.164.52.213
Date: 13 Mar 2004
Time: 01:57 AM -0500

Comments

Hi! I'm Peggy. I'm an alcoholic. I want to reach out to Judy from Ohio. I lost my husband 3 years ago from Cancer when I was 23 years sober. I am 26 years sober now - only because of the grace of God and this loving fellowship. So, Judy, and everyone - this is how it works. Reach out to someone hurting - especially if you have been there. Hugs...(PS. Normally I wouldn't share more than once in a week, but I wanted to reach out to Judy.)


Member: Jean
Location: Vacaville, CA
Remote Name: 67.118.28.216
Date: 13 Mar 2004
Time: 06:51 AM -0500

Comments

My name is Jean and I'm an alcoholic. There I said it. For the last 14 years I have battled with substance problems. I have almost 24 hours clean right now. And I pray that I can make it. I dont know who I am anymore. I dont like the person that I see. I am jealous and resentful of everyone around me. I dont know why God even still has me here. I feel useless and stupid. I am tired of the shame that I feel every time I go on a binge when I wake up. I dont even want to go to a meeting because I feel like it's so weak of me to admit that I'm out of control. Then I start asking myself why am I even at a meeting when there are people out there who have a way bigger problem with alcohol than I do. I dont like to ask for help. I cant even imagine myself picking up a phone calling someone from a meeting for help. I dont drink every day. But when the urge hits I go 12 rounds. I have no friends and I dont trust anyone. I have 'party people' and that's it. I feel like if I were to get a sponser that they will talk about me behind my back or someone will know something that I have done in the past and think I am a fool. I wish that I had the serene feeling that I hear of people in A.A. having. I wish that I felt good about myself but I am so miserable. I have so much shame and guilt. If I dont drink- I dont know of any other way to have fun. I usually just stay in my house to stay out of trouble, but I get bored and go drink again. Since I was 14, I have kept myself busy with drinking/drugs and meeting men. Outside of that, I dont know what else to do. I cant even imagine hanging out without a drink. I am so alone. I will stay sober right now but I know that in a couple days the urge will hit again hard. Help.


Member: Jenny
Location: Iowa
Remote Name: 12.218.224.42
Date: 13 Mar 2004
Time: 09:31 AM -0500

Comments

Hey Jean. I know exactly how you feel...It is hard and scary to get sober. But then I have to ask myself, What have I really got to lose? You say you have no friends and you are scared that people will talk behind your back...Would you let that fear stop you from making new friends in AA and reaching out to others who will help? That would be too bad. My experience has shown me that if I go to AA meetings, get a sponsor and do what she tells me to, things get a lot better. It worked for me when I had no other options, even though I was scared. But I realized that I could not think up a solution in my own head because I was so screwed up, It had to come from somewhere else, and for me that was AA. There is help if you reach out for it, and this program will work for you if you try. For me an amazing strength has come through admitting that I drink like a crazy lady and that I need help. Giving up is a very powerful thing.


Member: carolem
Location: Wisconsin
Remote Name: 216.127.192.25
Date: 13 Mar 2004
Time: 01:08 PM -0500

Comments

My name is Carole and I’m an alcoholic. I’ve just been told about this website & meeting on-line and I could not be more grateful. I’ve read all the discussions and am crying grateful tears because I’ve found you. I live “in the boonies” of WI and sometimes getting to meetings can be a long and time-consuming drive – especially in the winter. Now I can attend a meeting(s) anytime I want. Thank God for all of you. “Keep Coming Back” has now taken on a new meaning. To Jean: I can understand the idea you have that some alcoholics have more problems than you do – I used to hear the ‘war’ stories and think “at least I’m not that bad” and then go on my drunken ways, but somewhere along the way I realized I too was falling into the cellar of despair. Of course, my drinking friends didn’t think so. Finally I came to the realism that I am an alcoholic first and foremost and none of us is any better or worse than another. I hope you keep visiting this website for strength. I intend to. Thanks.


Member: Stephen C
Location: North Stratford,N.H.
Remote Name: 165.121.146.20
Date: 13 Mar 2004
Time: 01:16 PM -0500

Comments

Hi,to everyone,this is me stephen and my topic for this week is "Serenity":what does it mean to you and for me its peace of mind and solidarity and so hpe this is a good topic for everyone and hope to here from everyone on it and you cab reach me at fruitbomber20027@hotmail.com and have a good week and anytime anyone needs the hand of AA my hand is allways here for you.


Member: Nate W.
Location: Spokane, WA
Remote Name: 24.18.115.53
Date: 13 Mar 2004
Time: 03:03 PM -0500

Comments

Nate an alcoholic here, peace of mind is one of the best feelings for myself, and I have learned the only way of getting that is by staying sober. I know I don;t have to worry about the night before or what people are saying when I am the sober one. Thanks