Member: Jenn P.
Location: Poconos, PA
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 10:04:52 AM
Good Morning! my anme is Jenn and I'm an alcoholic. I would like to hear about practicing these principles in all my affairs, or in other words, living the Program. I can always use help here. Steps 1-2-3 are basic, I can't -he can - I think I'll let Him. Sometimes it takes me awhile to admit I can't though lol! I have to be willing to take my own inventory, that's another thing. I find that the 10th step in the twelve and twelve contains some great directions, as does the 10th step in our Big Book., but I would like to hear from others also. It's a we program, and I need to remember that. Thank you all for your inout, and for helping me stay sober today.
Member: KATHY N
Location: Sunshine state
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 10:42:28 AM
Morning I'm Kathy an alcoholic. Praticing these principles in all my affairs to me means to walk the walk. And believe in my life today it really is a time of complete turning over. My grandson who will be 7 in july has lived his life with me for all but 6 month of his life. My Daughter took visitation for the spring break. She has informed me that she will not be sending him back. He has special needs and I am conserned he will not get what he needs. How to apply the program. Step one I'm powerless for today only not sure about tommorrow. I believe that if I continue to think about this I make myself sick which for me is insanity. I turn my grandson over to the care of god and Pray alot We are now at step 4 what am I afraid of thats easy Not being cared for the way he should(she has neglected him in the past) I afraid I'll never see him again and that breaks my heart. I want him here because my believe I can do it right.(self rightousness) now that I have looked at my defect and have shared them with you I now need to hit the knees and as God to remove my defects of charater and move on to Humility well fokes I'm not there yet but I know if I keep working things will Happen and on step 7 I really believe that its our acceptance step. Onto step 8 am I willing to accept that my grandson my never come back not yet but I know I have to and step 9 what ammends do I owe my daughter I got to tell you anger is stopping from see all my part. Will I'v had him I have not let here take him to her house. She moved 4 hours away and wants me to take him to her. I really am trying to get over the resentment I feel. Tim is adhd and I have sent so many hours this year helping with homework and he is doing really well. Only time will tell what comes next but for me that at least thru step 9 and I know I'm not there but will be soon as I ask God to help me accept his will. Love in Recovery Kathy
Member: Bonny G.
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 11:41:24 AM
Good morning,Happy Easter to all. Thanks Jenn for the topic on practicing the principles of this program in all my affairs. Steps 1, 2 & 3 are the easy steps for me, when I remember to remove "me" out of the way. The most important part of my day begins when I get up in the morning. I start my day with the Bible, daily scriptures and prayer. This is keeping in focus that God is in control of my life, not me. I was a tornado roaring through the lives of my children when I was drinking, single Mom and resentful of others. Today after years in the program, I've learned that I am not that important anymore. Children grow up and they see you as a "living example" today. That to me is using these principles in ever sense of the word. I'm no longer a tornado, I'm a Lamb. I do the best I can and ask God for His guidance in what He would have me to do "for others." This is very important that I move "me" out of the way today. I don't for one minute believe that God would have me to harm another person who is truly trying to work this program, I have a sponsor that I can call on if I am stumped as to how best help another in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. But like so many others in this program, I have to also be willing to live these principles outside the walls of an AA room. That's family and coworkers at my job, even the people at outside events. If I can rest comfortably at night as I look back over my day, I then know I've done the best that I could do. Otherwise, my actions will jump up at me and make me point the finger back at my reaction to outside circumstances. If I owe an apology, then I am responsible to give it to an individual. To me this wonderful program taught me "how to live in the world of others." God bless and keep you all.
Member: jackie b
Location: ireland
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 4:58:37 PM
hello my name is jackie and i am an alcoholic. this is my first time visiting this site and have enjoyed reading.i am just over two years sober and it has been hard but worth it.i have learned to live again through this program,learned to become a mother to my two children.through the steps i have descovered my defects of characterand have became willing to have my higher power remove them or i know i will drink again.my main defect is control and every day i have to stand back and hand over to my higher power i cant do this on my own.i spent so long thinking i was in control and my life was falling apart and all i could do was block it out with drink i dont want to go back to that.the most important thing in me living my life today is staying away from the first drink everything after that is a situation!!!!
Member: Mike V
Location: Toronto, Canada
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 8:10:20 PM
Hello everyone, my name is Mike and I'm an alcoholic. "and to practice these principles in all our affairs"(step 12). Many of us exclaimed "what an order!! I can't go through with it." For me, I have been in AA for 8 years. I have found that for me to succeed, I have to do step 4 ("Made a seaching and fearless moral inventory of ouselves.") many times over. I take a piece of paper and write down what I fear the most, whom I fear the most and above all, why I fear what and why. This step requires complete honesty on my part. What really helps me do step 4 is the serenity prayer as well. Thank you Jenn P. for opening the topic.
Member: Arthur
Location: Fla
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 8:44:55 PM
Alcoholic named Arthur here....Practicing these principles in all my affairs for me today means a life of god-conciousness. When I'm open to hearing and seeing God and his will for me (and others)I get along quite okay in this world. When I am selfishly thinking of me and myself, I find myself shut off from my power source and getiing in trouble. I quickly feel I'm in charge and people better notice that fact.....I harbor resentments and create 'em too...Soooo...Just for today...Just for right now...I place my trust in God to lead me to a better life than anything I could design or imagine....We are blessed...Can I get an AMEN...????
Member: ChristineC.
Location: Cakima, MICHIGAN
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 10:04:27 PM
Hello everyone, Christine, Alcoholic, "practicing these principles in all my affairs" This means to me I have to not only be working the steps in the AA doors, but also in "real life". It is easy to do when we are in our "safe place, our meeting, with others who understand us". When we leave through the doors of our fellowship, then "life on life's terms begins.." Acceptance.(449 3rd edition BB)
Today, I have a new situation that kind of goes with the topic---Thanks for the topic Jenn.
I knew it would eventually happen, my ex-husband came to an open meeting at my home group. Isn't it great how God works? Today, while exchanging my children for the holiday, I was asked for a schedule of the meetings in our area-------And I gave it to him. Looking at my 10th, this means to me, Yes, I am growing with the program...my HP. "It gets better"---"One day at a Time"
I am happily remarried and he too is in the fellowship.
Thanks for letting me Share.
Member: Patti H
Location: Grand Beach, Man.
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 10:29:29 PM
Hi, I'm Patti and I am an alcoholic. A very grateful sober alcoholic. After years in the program, I believed I was prcticing Step 12 in every aspect in my life. But today I realise I have kept a little dishonesty in every part of my life. It is like letting go would end my relationship completely with that familiar screw up, and I am still afraid of losing her. So as close as I come to living the life as promised in the BB, I still am standing outside the circle. Please pray for me and every other suffering addict out there. But for the grace of God go I. pEACEFUL EASTER!!!! Thanks for listening and sharing.
Member: Michael P.
Location: U.S, Virgin Islands
Date: 3/31/2002
Time: 10:55:34 PM
Hi I'm Michael and I'm an alcoholc.. To start off i'd like to say I hope every one had a happy easter and i'm thanking my Higher Power on a daily basis for the things i now have in my life and for things to come. I've got 5 months now and living in the Virgin Islands like i do to me that is a great feat. The drinking here per capita is huge, It's a way of life for most. I started in this program about 9 months ago and it was a rough start, the peoole, places and things are sure hard to stay away from when you live on a 26 by 12 mile island with a population of around 36,000 and a rum factory. I've got alot of support with strong sponsors and a great home group it's gotten easier since i just gave in and gave to God the things most troubling in my life. With such a small comunity it's not easy being anonymous but i've learnd to be proud of my acomplishments so far and the people arond me not in the program have noticed the changes in me and have been supporting me 100%. It just feels good to wake up in the morning and know with the right attitude and a little help from god i'll be ok. I go to meetings most days and some days two. I've gotten into service in the form of doing a web page for our district here. i've yet to chair a meeting but i'm looking forward to putting my name up on the board as soon as a spot becomes available. We really do have some great meetings there is a good history here in the islands with AA and we get visitors from all over.. If you find your self in the area of the U.S. Virgin Islands and would like a meeting look us up at http://www.aausvi.com thanks for letting me share.
Member: Jim P.
Location: PA
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 12:12:27 AM
I'm Jim & I'm an alcoholic. This is so neat to have a week-long meeting w/other alcoholics from around the world on the www. With regards to the topic, practicing these principles in all my affairs can be tough. I know I do need to at least try when the going gets tough (or when the going is good) because this is what will keep me sober & keep me in emotional balance with myself, others, & the world around me. The tools which enable me to accomplish this are the 12 steps, prayer, the literature, & regular attendance at AA meetings. Being in service also helps. I realize I'm cheating myself if I only practice these principles in some of my affairs; yet knowing of spiritual progress & not perfection keeps my ego in check & is a great measuring stick for my sobriety. Keep comin' back everyone & if you're new to AA, please keep an open mind.
Member: steve L
Location: maine
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 6:29:09 AM
my name is steve l i am an alcoholic,this is my second day sober and tommorow will be my first time going to a meeting.i guess i am on step 1.Its been a long winter and the other night was the start of a long road,i am tired of being drunk at 3 pm and hammered by dinertime.I need help and want to get and stay sober.Thanks for listening
Member: Sarah
Location: NW USA
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 8:41:54 AM
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am an alcoholic. Thanks for the topic 'practicing these principles in all our affairs' My life was indeed unmanageable (in fact a mess of hopeless problems) and so my solution was take a drink (make the problems go away). A.A. said there is a solution. We have a program of twelve steps and twelve traditions, we will share our Experience, Strength and Hope with you and maybe you can find a suggestion of a solution that might work for you (listen and find similarities). Now there is a "Healing Power" giving Hope, Strength and Experience to live sober one day at a time. I have been around A.A. for about 20+years so I have heard, seen and felt a lot of Experience, Strength and Hope. TodayI have over 5 years of sober living, for me it has been progress rather than perfection. Thanks one and all for sharing your Experience, Strength and Hope. It has given a "Healing Power"
Member: Real Man
Location: nonayafukinbiz
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 9:27:49 AM
All alcoholics and drug-addicts are the worst scumbags in society. So-called "recovery" people go to meetings to drink coffee, eat doughnuts and lie. Then they make dope deals in the parking lot. All women in the program are fkn' whores and suck ppl off for money while telling the courts they are doing fine. Hey....let's smoke some crack on the way to the methadone clinic and pick up a 12 pack on te way to the meeting. You fags are worthless and weak.....the "human garbage" of society. I hope you all die violent horribale deaths. FKN' LOSER SCUM! Have a great day!
Member: Tyrone Pimp
Location: aa meeting
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 9:30:43 AM
YO.....way da white bitches be at? I'm lookin' fo some NEW HOES at da meetin'.
Member: Real M
Location: Here
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 9:37:13 AM
AA & NA SUX NGGRZ DIX
Member: marthab
Location: illinois
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 10:46:07 AM
hi i think its sad that we come here to stay sober and someone like that wastes our time and space
Member: Craig L (Dogmanor@yahoo.com)
Location: Aloha, Oregon
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 11:24:04 AM
Thanks for the great topic. When I was using, the only principle I practiced was “MORE”. Anything that would take me to the fantasies, I would have accomplished if only the world had cooperated and those I would achieve when I hit the lottery and rose above all the rest of you humans. My existence was a lie covering lies, covering more lies. The truth of all this deception was so hideous I needed to be high to avoid looking at it. At the end I was a mangy rat, cornered. I could no longer get enough alcohol into myself to keep any illusion that my life was manageable. I had to open my mind or die and at the time death didn’t seem too bad. Thanks to the 12 steps and lots of meetings, Faith is a real aspect of my life and I have an astonishingly great deal of serenity. “Be True to Thyself”, means my being honest in doing daily prayer and meditation and being available to other alcoholics. I may not use, if I don’t do this today, but I will surely suffer some self-imposed difficulties. My daily challenge is to remain open minded, willing and forgiving. This morning I don’t walk on water, so I guess I’ll do the next right thing instead. If you are new or struggling, please keep coming back, there is hope for you here. Thanks again, to all of you!
Member: alkie for sure PROU d
Location: cyberspace
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 12:57:22 PM
in response to the asshole who calls himself real man you are nothing but a GOD DAMN SCUMBAG mind your busines and drop DEAD ASSHOLE.
Member: alkie for sure PROU d
Location: cyberspace
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 12:59:18 PM
in response to the asshole who calls himself real man you are nothing but a GOD DAMN SCUMBAG mind your busines and drop DEAD ASSHOLE.
Member: Margie P
Location: L.I.
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 4:29:16 PM
Sorry haven't read all of the posts, read from the bottom up, would like to say to STEVE L. -Maine, wish you much luck and many prayers!!! Come back here to share on how you are doing!!! You are at the beginning of a great new life!! Will learn to live life to the fullest without any mind altering substance, one day at a time!! God Bless, Keep Comming Back!!
Member: Stew E
Location: FL
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 4:54:23 PM
"In all my affairs" means to me that these principles can and do apply to just about everything in everyday life. In short, the serenity prayers says if you can do something about it, do it. If you can't do something about it, accept it. Strive to learn the difference.
I pray for us all....especailly "Real Man".
Member: Jim M (Neighborghood)
Location: Philly
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 6:32:19 PM
Rarley have we seen a person fail who THOROUGHLY followed our Path..Those who do not recover are people who can not or will not Completley give themselves to this SIMPLE Program... I think the real Man has a Problem sticking and staying.. But If he is fortunate to return convinced .. I'll save him a seat...
P.S. Resentment is like Peeing in your pants.. Your the only one who feels it..
Member: Adam H.
Location: Nagano, JAPAN
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 7:29:23 PM
Adam, alcoholic.
Great topic, Jenn! Thanks. I like that line in the Big Book that says something about the spiritual life is not a theory and that we have to LIVE it. I think at the most basic level that means for me that it's not enough to just not drink, go to meetings and simply expand on the topic at a F2F meeting. I have to actually TRY TO DO the stuff that I hear people talking about at a meeting.
Most of us know first-hand that it's real easy to come into a meeting and talk the talk, but then go out in the world and act like a jerk, telling ourselves that it's okay as long as we are not drinking. That was how it was with me for a while in early sobriety and I discovered that I was still creating a lot of the same chaos that I caused before I quit drinking--lying, stealing, arguing constantly with anyone and everyone who stood still long enough and hurting others. Just another example of that old cliche: "If nothing changes, nothing changes." And for me, nothing changed UNTIL I tried a day at a time with the guidance of a lot of people in AA to actually DO the things I heard people talking about in meetings...practicing loving service in my job and with my family, rigorous honesty in all my affairs, taking five minutes in the morning to quietly reflect upon what that serenity prayer actually means to me, reaching out to another alcoholic when I am in self-pity, etc. Over time, they have become a part of who I am and what I do and I'm actually quite happy to see that I like what I have become as a result. I have become much more honest caring and patient.
Grateful to be sober.
Member: er
Location: California
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 8:29:25 PM
Comments:
I was disappointed that the foul language and evil, foul remarks were allowed to be posted to this website. I read that no foul language is allowed; why is it posted in these sharings?
Member: elaineb
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 8:40:39 PM
Hello everyone. The comments are helpful. To Steven from Maine - you and I are in the same boat. This is my first day of sober - of course quit many many many times before. Now I am NOT going to try to do this alone - I am going to join this group and work the steps. We can do this - if everyone else can so can we. Right now I cant imagine a sober life - but it must be worth working for. Even today it is amazing how much more I can get done - how much time i have it is almost scary. I find myself not exactly knowing what to do with the extra time. Anyway, thanks to everyone this site is helpful. Another good site is powerfullyrecovered.com. Check it out!
Member: Doug S.
Location: Houston, Texas
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 11:57:08 PM
I'm Doug and an alcoholic. Been sober since Aug.1, 1970..To me, Having had a spiritual awakening as THE RESULTS of these steps means that I have followed up on the decision made in step 3. My choice was to turn my will and life over to God or leave it in the hands of a crazy person! Me! If I have indeed done that, then what happens to me is really none of my business....P. S. The "real Men" above wouldn't recognize a real man.. If they are real men, I'm glad I'm not one Real men aren't Jerks..
Member: Doug S.
Location: Houston, Texas
Date: 4/1/2002
Time: 11:58:08 PM
I'm Doug and an alcoholic. Been sober since Aug.1, 1970..To me, Having had a spiritual awakening as THE RESULTS of these steps means that I have followed up on the decision made in step 3. My choice was to turn my will and life over to God or leave it in the hands of a crazy person! Me! If I have indeed done that, then what happens to me is really none of my business....P. S. The "real Men" above wouldn't recognize a real man.. If they are real men, I'm glad I'm not one Real men aren't Jerks..
Member: Dale
Location: Daytona U.S.A.
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 1:09:01 AM
Hi!Dale here. Definately an alcoholic! On most days I can "walk the walk'& even have a few things altogether rock my world. EXCEPT when money is involved.And it's then that there is know amount of prayer that is going to take away my steam.It takes time, but I slowly calm down. Now. Whan it comes to the boneheads that wrote that crap in this meeting I can definately lose my spirituality on his nose in person. For the real tough men & women are in A.A. & some of us have been some places & done some things that that boy would probably fill his underwear just thinking abut it. Yet today, I do the right thing inspite of myself. Because, one of the 1st things A.A. gave me was a contious. And though I hate to admit it, right from wrong made its appeareance in detox. Of course I didn't act that way.But it soon became apparent that living the Steps, Traditions, & the Principles, is "the easier, softer way". So to you fellows drunks I wish "goodnight" & to you buttheads I pray that you go to heaven right now. Thanks for letting me share!
Member: Donna
Location: CA
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 1:21:45 AM
Hi. My name is Donna and I am an alcoholic (I did a lot of drugs too). Elaine, time is also a challenge for me. I find that I get depressed when I have too much time on my hands. I pray, pray, pray. Today is my 6 month birthday. Since I've been in treatment, I've done everything they told me to do. 90 in 90, home group, sponsor(s), reading, praying, meditating, sharing, writing, crying, etc. And, I'm TRUSTING that my HP is taking care of me...I may not understand the plan, but I'm trusting that there is one. I've been in a lot of emotional pain lately. My boyfriend (the love of my life) and I broke up 7 weeks ago and I moved 900 miles away from him...talk about testing my faith. That I was able to drive away from him that day is evidence that I really do have a higher power working in my life. Since I moved, I've done steps 4-12 (all of which are ongoing), but I'm seeing that this pain has put me into action. Thanks to you all people for being here. I love you all.
Member:
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 1:22:50 AM
A sober alcoholic here with a bit of time.
er, I wondered the same thing. Prayer is always good for the soul, but constructive action, as follow-through means making a commitment to changing things for the better. The presenters of communication are accountable for their message.
Practing the principles in all of our affairs isn't easy at times, but is necessary, because as the book points out, resentments, real or imagined, are lethal to an alcoholic, so we must be free of such toxic emotional states.
Face to face meetings afford more accountability, and the web's no substitute.
Just passing by... Easy does it but do it, as they say.
Member: Claudia M
Location: Vancouver
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 1:22:52 AM
Hi my name is and I am Claudia an alcoholic.. I'm seven years sober and I love AA.Great topic Jenn. I find living the principles the hardest thing I (try) to do on a daily basis. I mess up all the time..but i try.I guess that is the point.I have to say this... I just about fell off my chair laughing at Real Man's comments..I mean, we all know that AA is not really like that..but I wonder why the huge resentment? Maybe someone was not a really great example of what AA is in his life. When i think about how I drive or work or act out there in the real world sometimes I pretend I have a sign on my back that says "AA member" so that I will behave.We are the only copy of the big book many will ever see..I'm praying for him tonight and I'm going to try not to give any one oral sex in the parking lot of my home either..(JOKE)thanks C
Member: Claudia M
Location: Vancouver
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 1:23:03 AM
Hi my name is and I am Claudia an alcoholic.. I'm seven years sober and I love AA.Great topic Jenn. I find living the principles the hardest thing I (try) to do on a daily basis. I mess up all the time..but i try.I guess that is the point.I have to say this... I just about fell off my chair laughing at Real Man's comments..I mean, we all know that AA is not really like that..but I wonder why the huge resentment? Maybe someone was not a really great example of what AA is in his life. When i think about how I drive or work or act out there in the real world sometimes I pretend I have a sign on my back that says "AA member" so that I will behave.We are the only copy of the big book many will ever see..I'm praying for him tonight and I'm going to try not to give any one oral sex in the parking lot of my home group either..(JOKE)thanks C
Member: JERRY S
Location: LAGOS
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 2:36:46 AM
I'm alcoholic and my name is Jerry,
Been in and out for the past six years now. I haven't had a drink for three weeks this time. I guess I just had more research to do and a bigger bottom to hit. I always start out in earnest to do all that is suggested but when things smooth out for me I lose my focus. I understand the concept of living these priciples in all my affairs but find it hardest to do in my own home. I am grateful today, I have many blessings. I have another chance to get sober. Thanks for allowing me to share.
Member: Jack B
Location: Palo Alto, Pa
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 4:05:45 AM
Hi, I am Jack, a real alcoholic. Living these principles for me is simply Living my way into sober thinking as opposed to trying to think my way into sober living. Thanks for allowing me to share and God Bless.
Member: Cec H
Location: Cowtown
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 4:48:08 AM
Hi all, love the topic, but just got to stir the pot. What are the Principles we're talking about. And where are they in the book. Guess I just have to have things pointed out to me. Ah Real Man, there is a differents between being around the fellowship and being In the Program. You've done one side of the coin you could always try the other side. But then agian your way is easer. Another 24 to go please and have one for yourself.
Member: jon long fella
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:24:49 AM
jen why don,t WE get together and i guarntee i,ll bring you to come 20 times before i even show you my penis. you deserve to have multiple orgasms,and i can deliver .
Member: jon long fella
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:24:59 AM
jen why don,t WE get together and i guarntee i,ll bring you to come 20 times before i even show you my penis. you deserve to have multiple orgasms,and i can deliver .
Member: jon long fella
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:27:59 AM
jen why don,t WE get together and i guarntee i,ll bring you to come 20 times before i even show you my penis. you deserve to have multiple orgasms,and i can deliver .
Member: jon long fella
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:28:00 AM
jen why don,t WE get together and i guarntee i,ll bring you to come 20 times before i even show you my penis. you deserve to have multiple orgasms,and i can deliver .
Member: jon long fella
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:28:02 AM
jen why don,t WE get together and i guarntee i,ll bring you to come 20 times before i even show you my penis. you deserve to have multiple orgasms,and i can deliver .
Member: jon long fella
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:28:31 AM
jen why don,t WE get together and i guarntee i,ll bring you to come 20 times before i even show you my penis. you deserve to have multiple orgasms,and i can deliver .
Member: Dr.Frank N. Foutere
Location: G.W.S. Institutes
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 8:36:21 AM
After much testing over the past month at our research lab,it is without a doubt that MARGIE from LONG ISLAND is the poster of all the porno and profanity on this site.It all fits,her loneliness her constant pleas for approval.She is clearly "REAL MAN" among others. She does this as she is aware she posts way too many times as it is,but needs and craves MORE attention.We are in the process of bringing this all out in the open with proof that can not be denied.Her own words will stand her in the corner like the bad little girl she is. And NO SMOKING in the corner.
Member: Shirrey AM
Location: Austin,Texas
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 3:31:05 PM
Hello,My name is Shirrey and I'm an alcoholic,thank my higher power everyday for my sobriety.There is a lot of frustration going on today and one of them is for me to type a paragrah on this discussion .I'm 4 months sober,which is a very long time for me,all of my aa friends are very good for me at this time,and I love them all. I will end with that and surely keep coming back.
Member: Bruno K
Location: Royal Berkshire uk
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 4:29:15 PM
Dr Bob always said :"Dont try to be a Saint by Thursday".
Recovery and sobriety is all about change but TTT Things Take Time.
But thanx for the topic andd thanx to all who shared on it even the one who would like to be a sober recovering alcoholic
Member: 6pc 2 go
Location:
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 6:19:43 PM
Hey BRONU, did,nt they also say2 nipples 4 a dime?
Member: josh h
Location: dallas, tx
Date: 4/2/2002
Time: 11:30:31 PM
Josh... Alcoholic...This place is great I've never been here before. It would appear to me that I have not been practicing these principles in all my affairs(just a few here & there). LOL Maybe I'm on here tonight just to read this weeks postings & to realize it would probably not hurt me to throw myself at this program a little harder. I have noticed the longer I stick around the more I have gained. I guess you might say contempt prior to investigation. GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE & SOBER Thanks for reading...
Member: Frank K
Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 2:27:41 AM
My name is Frank and I'm an alcoholic, and this is my first on-line meeting.This was a particularly great find in that two weeks ago I suffered a minor stroke and have been homebound ever since, except for March 28th when I attended a meeting to mark my 14th AA anniversary.I'm also recently divorced, living alone, and financially insecure. I want to thank Jenn for the topic and Mike V. for alerting me that "fear" is gnawing at my serenity, and that consequently my faith in a Higher Power has been waning. But this wonderful forum is leading me back to practicing the principles that saved me and made life worth living the past 14 years. By the way, I believe real man is one of the great misnomers of the age. But I don't expect a profane moron like him to know what a misnomer is. jon long fella? Well, jon, you deserve yourself. As for my courageous and giving friends in AA, you're winners. Thanks for the being there.
Member: Trevor C
Location: China
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 3:01:01 AM
My name is Trevor and I am an alcoholic. Hi everyone.
Those comments by the Dr. and the 'Real Man' sure make things uncomfortable. Those people you mentioned, Real Man, that give oral sex and do drugs in the parking lot are not really in AA or NA, they just think they are. I know that responding to your unintelligent comments may fuel you further and 'enable' you but someone said it when they said he/she is responsible for comments made. Your hurting we can tell that and all you need is hope.
Practicing these prinicples is a good topic...jut had a friend who seemed to be doing well and then went out. Looking back you could tell that he started to get away from the program...he went to meetings but the reality is unless you do practice the "entire" program your chances of making it are less. I have learnt from this that one does not work without the other. I'll stay sober today I pray all here today will as well!
P&DD T
Member: Tom
Location: NYC
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 9:57:02 AM
Tom, alcoholic. For me, the most basic aspect of practising these principles is staying in today, and only worrying about doing what is the next right thing. It's all about those first 3 steps. I'll carry them around with me always . . .
Member: FrankD
Location: NJ
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 10:22:36 AM
After 66days sober I am still doing steps 1,2,and 3. I know it is time to move forward, but I have some fear of taking too close a look at myself. I now know that that's necessary to my progress in recovery. Oh well, at least I won't drink over it.
Frank
PS, to the idiot picking on Margie, Buzz Off, You are not now and will never be one-half the person she is. Most of us enjoy reading HER posts.
Member: Mary Allen
Location: Austin,MN
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 10:56:50 AM
Practice these Principles in all our affairs. The principles are being honest, truthful and fair. Dealing with life without letting fear control your actions or reactions. being able to walk without shame or fear of being found out.
I liked what Claudia shared about having a sign on my back that says "A.A. Member". Would I still do the same thing if the sign was really there? I maybe the only Big Book someone may experience. Please H.P. let be be the best example I can be today.
A situation started this weekend that had me looking at how I actually do things in the "real" world. I am an animal lover and my dog was let loose to run while I was asleep. He was struck by a vehicle. The person who let him loose will not take resposiblity for it.(Anger) I have been taking him to the vet to find out what can be done to help him.(Finances) He is in surgery right now with a vet I don't know well.(Correct Choice?) I don't know if he will survive.(loss of love) At one point when I was trying to find a surgeon the cost was too much for my finances, so my "solution" was to find a vet who I could give a false name to, have the surgery done and skip out on the bill(MAJOR OLD WAY OF THINKING) Yet the more I thought about it the more I realized that I would never be able to look at the dog with any comfort again.
I did inform my 5 year old daughter of what is going on also. This way ,hopefully, if he doesn't survive the surgery it won't be a completely unexpected shock for her.
Thankfully I have people who set examples for me to follow and are willing to share their experience, stregth and hopes with me so I am able to learn and grow.
Member: Cheryl
Location: Ca
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 1:17:33 PM
Hi Cheryl alcoholic I'm back again. Day 1. It's gotten to the point of hiding booze, replacing booze and driving while drinking. It's true what you say when you go back out it never gets better, just worse. I'm sick and tired of this merry go round. I'm gonna try again, one day at a time. This site is great, I'll check in every day. Thanks for being here.
Member: Deborah P.
Location: Georgia
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 1:18:26 PM
How interesting! I don't need to say how long I've been around but it has been a little while. First of all, one way of practicing the principles is a code of love and tolerance for all - p. 19&20 in BB. Another principle is acceptance & faith P.47 & 449 on BB. p.52 love and faith. P. 58 - 60, the steps. p. 84 (love & tolerance code) and faith. That's just a few to look up re: these principles. Because of these principles, we do not attack poor, sick souls such as the the person behind Real Man. We pray for these individuals. I personally pray for their souls and that they will one day let God and His Son Jesus into their lives. This is how I make it day to day, not only sober but happy! Good luck to all of you. Remember, we are human beings as well as recovering alcoholics and we shouldnt get morbid about our shortcomings because that will diminish our usefulness to others - p.86 in BB
Member: Jerri K
Location: Texas
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 1:54:26 PM
Jerri here. I am an alcoholic. This is my first day sober. I have been in and out of AA many times over the years. I was sober for 5 years, I got cocky and decided that I was "cured". Of course if I had really been listening and doing my steps and really working the program I would have realized how retared that thought process was. It has been very much harder to get sober this time. I'm having a hard time just committing to the program. This group is a god send for me. This is the first thing in a long time that I have really heard when god was talking to me. I have been dreading going back to the face to face AA meetings for many reasons. I was sitting here thinking, god I wish there was some way I could share and be part of a meeting when I really need it. (I'm not usually where I can make a meeting when I really need it)Something made me search AA and this group popped up. It really helped to push me into realizeing that my HP is still out there and watching me. Even when I thought I was hiding so well from him in that bottle. I only had to ask for help and he brought me here. As far as living the program? I didnt do it before and I fell big time. This time the main thing I have to remember is step one. And remember that it doesn't only apply to alcohol but many times to my way of thinking as well. Thank you god for directing me here. Thank all of you for being here. And thank me for coming. It was the smartest thing I have done for a very long time. Pray for me today. I need all the help I can get right now. Thanks
Member: Janice P.
Location: Illinois
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 9:46:02 PM
Janice here, grateful to be sober. Boy, this is one area that I have soooo much trouble in!! It is so easy to talk about the 12 steps and its principals in meetings, but actually applying it to daily life is hard. A simple program, but hard to practice. Even though I am only on Step 6, I guess "practicing these principals in all my affairs" means doing the next right thing. Each day, in every situation that I deal with, I have 2 choices: do it my way and do it the way my Higher Power wants me to do it. Deep down in my heart I instinctively know what the RIGHT thing to do is. Hopefully I make that choice. But some days, I choose to do it my way because I am human and make mistakes. In the evening when I review the events of the day, I am aware of what situations could have been handled differently. But I know its OK because tomorrow is another day, and I have a chance to start all over again and learn from my mistakes. Thanks for the great topic.
Member: Michael B.
Location: AZ
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 11:05:29 PM
Hi! My name is Michael, and I am a recovering alcoholic and addict, sober today only by the Grace of God and the Fellowship. Thanks for the sincere shares. Welcome newcomers!
Excellent topics, Jenn! Step 10 has been a real challenge for me too, because I had relatively little, if any, practice in taking personal inventory prior to entering the AA program. Fortunately, the situation has slowly improved for me.
Regarding the practice of these principles in all our affairs, this, for me, is extremely challenging. Unlike in the AA halls, where we share our experience, strength, and hope and rely on each other to help maintain our sobriety, the outside world is far more complex.
For example, there are genuinely evil people amongst us, who have no idea of the common struggle we AAs have experienced. So for me, I have to be able, with the help of God and others, to distinguish between those who genuinely want to do malicious acts and deserve little, if any, of the honesty, open-mindedness, and tolerance that the AA program emphasizes and those who are relatively harmless curmudgeons or grouches.
Like I said, it's a real challenge for me sometimes, but as long as don't pick up that first drink and try to practice the principles of the program to the best of my ability, that's enough to relieve me of the guilt, shame, and remorse that I carried around when I was drinking.
Member: Joe P.
Location: Chicago
Date: 4/3/2002
Time: 11:55:50 PM
I'm new to the online meeting thing. I'm Joe, alcoholic and grateful to be sober tonight, that only by the grace of God and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.
For me, "to practice these principles in all of our affairs" has me immediately thinking and reading the twelfth step. I consider "these principles" to be the twelve steps of AA (this is also how my sponsor presented it to me). This part of the 12th stpe reminds me that I have never completed any of the steps, but must work all 12 on an ongoing basis in order to grow spiritually and remain sober one day at a time. And I get help with the practice of all the steps by continuing to do the basics I was told to do by my sponsor from the very beginning. 1. Hit my knees every morning and ask God to not let me drink that day.2. Have a quiet time every morning. 4. Read the Big Book daily. 5. Call my sponsor daily. 6. Regular attendance at regular AA meetings.7. Thank God eachnight for that day sober. Regular attendance at Men's step meetings is also helpful for me (Not recommended for women - but women might find women's meetings similarly helpful). I am reminded regularly at my home group that these steps are not just for talking about at meetings, but for living our lives. For this alcoholic, I want contended sobriety, not just "not drinking". I want to be "happy, joyous, and free" on a regular basis, and the only way I have found so far has been practicing all the steps in all areas of my life. I am also reminded of one more prescirption I hear at meetings - Don't drink, go to meetings and pray your butt off! And finially, I am grateful for the word "practice" - rather than perfection. We don't suddenly live the program perfectly - we just keep practicing one day at a time. Thanks for all the great comments.
Member: Erma G.
Location: Utica, N.Y.
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 6:24:58 AM
I have learned some things over the past few years in AA.One thing I've learned is that I like my life as uncomplicated as possible.(serenity)So I don't spend a lot of time worrying and wondering who I should practice these principles on or in which situations the principles need to be applied.It makes my life a lot easier to just practice them in all my affairs with everyone I meet.The steps and framework of this program are my guidelines to a simple sane way of living and thinking.If I truly believe in this way of life it is for ME,numero uno,for my return to sanity and keeping some managability in my life.And in the long run it benefits those around me. The second half of the first step is the motivating factor for my learning to keep it simple enough to just DO IT ALL THE TIME.The 11th step keeps me in check when I think I might be justified in straying from this way of life.I know for myself that I need to regularly sit down with other people and admit my shortcomings and pass on my experience,strength and hope.I've found this meeting helpful while I'm stuck at home sick and in the middle of the night when regular meeting attendance is impossible.The principles are the same whether written or spoken...and practicing them in all my affairs means with all people,at all times,in all situations.I love the simplicity of this program.My life may become chaotic or get turned upside down but I intuitively know how to handle it by sticking with the principles of AA.And if intuition doesn't come as fast as I'd like I can always go to a meeting,bring up a topic and let you tell me what the next right thing is to do.It's been working for me for over 17 years. I don't plan to change the formula now.Keep it simple.And keep coming back.Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Rich R
Location: Detroit
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 6:54:53 AM
Jenn, thanks for the topic.
When I first started hearing this part of step #12 in late 1990, it dawned on me that I have 'other addictions' that I need to practice these steps on.
So, on 3/15/91 I joined Gamblers Anonymous and quitting betting the horses and the stock market.
Sometime in June 1991 I went to my first Adult Children of Alcoholics meeting (both my parents were alcoholics).
On 8/11/91 I quit smoking and started going to Nicotine Anonymous meetings.
Then I was gaining more weight, so on 10/26/91 I joined OA.
Pretty compulsive of me to join 5 12-steps fellowships in 10 short months, but today I have 11 yrs of sobreity, 11 years of almost perfect abstinence from gambling, 10+ years without even a puff from a cigarette and 10 years of abstinece from overeating (it took me about 3 years to lose the excess weight, but it has STAYED off!)
Today I go to meetings to work the steps because I still have difficulty with my thinking on occassion :-) Thanks.
Member: Sharon Frey
Location: sunny Beautiful Portland Oregon
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 10:41:59 AM
Practice these principals in all our affairs.. What a challenge to change the stnking thinking and clean up the wreckage of our past. I can't tell anyone how to.. I just know that by working ALL the steps, I am finding myself living these principles.. BUT this could never have been done, had I not worked the steps.. all of them daily. Best hush and get busy. Love and prayers, Sharon Frey, SUNNY Portland Oregon
Member: Sam L.
Location: Southwest
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 10:43:52 AM
Sam, Alcoholic. It would be very nice if visiting practicing alkies and addicts like (Real Man)??? would conduct themselves in a more acceptable manner.
Member: Paul M.
Location: San Diego
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 11:33:33 AM
Paul, alcoholic. Practicing these principles in all of our affairs is quite an order, but one that I must pay attention to if I am to remain sober for another twenty four hours. I would like to thank "Real Man?" for his? illustrative comments. He is where I used to be. Angry, manipulatived, and scared. Thank God that my house of cards collapsed and I finally asked the most important question. What am I doing to create the conflict in my life? Real Man also gives a great opportunity to practice a most important principle of the program; tolerance.The Big book tells me that I can't afford the luxury of a justified resentment. So how do I deal with the abusive comments? I remember that nothing happens by accident. So why did this individual choose an AA web site to disrupt. Could it be that they are really looking for something more than their daily ritual of self abuse, isolation, and despair. How do I know they are isolated? I know that I certainly would not want to associate myself with someone as fearful and angry as they most obviously are. I am also reminde of the words of George Bernard Shaw: " It is far better to be thought a fool, than to open my mouth and remove the doubt." Thanks to those who maintain this web site.
Member: Beto L
Location: Tampico, MX
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 12:41:51 PM
The principles are the steps. It says so in the book. "The principles we have set down are guides to progress." BB, p60, richt after the steps are "set down."
Member: Candace P.
Location: Southern Cali.
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 4:17:58 PM
DITTO, DITTO, DITTO!, to Cheryl:CA and Jerri K!! I'm VERY New Again! Since 1983, I've never gotten past 60 days and the total wouldn't even come close to six months, but I'm here. It's hell! That constant thought to go to the liquor, grocery, 7/ll, etc,etc. It's like walking around behind a 2 year old all day saying, "NO", "NO, "NO"!
Member: Patti M.
Location: Southeastern, Massachusetts
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 10:30:15 PM
Hi all. I'm Patti and I'm an alcoholic. This is my first visit to this site and have found it helpful to read all the comments. I'm three weeks shy of my 2nd anniversary and found myself caught up in resentments today. I got my butt to a meeting tonight but that still didn't make it better. Tried calling my sponsor and got no answer. So I turned to the Higher Power I've come to believe in and I thought of looking online. If there is one thing I've picked up from coming around it is not to give up. I have to believe in Step 3 and turn it over, but need to do some footwork too. Patience and tolerance play a big part in my recovery too, today. My sister is newly sober and is already planning on how to "graduate". She got some book that is like Cliff Notes of the Big Book. I just smile and tell her follow it the way it is laid out. Millions of people have lived doing it that way, some have died trying another. Practicing the principles in all my affairs is sometimes like a juggling act for me. But today I try to stop and think before speaking, acting or re-acting. It gets easier every day. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Dave S.
Location: MI
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 10:47:06 PM
HI Candice. I know from experience that it is HELL. It took me 4 treatment centers to finally get it through my head that drinking solves nothing. It doesn't solve money, family, relationship, job or any other problems that you might have. When you come down off your drunk, you can rest assure that those problems will still be there. There is a saying, Stay away from wet faces and wet places. I have been sober for 14 years and to be honest, the obsession for drink is gone from my life. Now, I'm not saying that it won't come back because it could. This disease is cunning, baffling and powerful. It could sneak up on me at any time without me knowing it. But I do practice the principles of the program and I do my best not to have that happen. I know that you can do it Candice. Just take it one day at a time, go to meetings and get a sponser. You are the most important person in your life. Do it for yourself!!!!!! Not because someone else told you to. And you have to WANT IT!!! My prayers are with you!!
Member: Janet L.
Location: Orlando, FL
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 11:36:41 PM
Stay away from wet places and faces. That is pretty good. I never heard that one before. Although I do practice it. That even includes family. Recently I declined on a dinner engagement and spent time with them in the afternoon before the drinking. The Higher Power takes care of me. Sobriety is the number one priority. I may be planning a trip to Germany this summer. I will probably need some help. I plan to ride dressage horses in Germany.
Member: Roger P.
Location: Braintree, MA
Date: 4/4/2002
Time: 11:58:09 PM
Hi brothers and sisters in recovery. I'm new to the net but not to AA. Let's forgive those who abuse this site, are they not also our sick brothers and sisters? I'm looking to hook up with AA internationals and any others who enjoy the freedom to be open and honest about spirituality and recovery issues. Glad to find this site, love to all.
Member: Bernie S.
Location: Nova Scotia
Date: 4/5/2002
Time: 10:02:27 AM
My name is Bernie, alcoholic. Good topic. Great shares. "to practice these principles in all our affairs." means to practice these principles in all our affairs. The principles, as Beto says, are the 12 Steps. The book 12 Steps and 12 Traditions(pg.15) clearly states that "AA's 12 steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole." When I first came here, expelling the obsession to drink was my only concern. I wasn't even sure what "happily and usefully whole" meant. I figured it must mean "normal". I came to find out that normal is just a setting on the dryer. Being normal was not promised to me. What was promised to me was that I would have a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps. Not as the result of doing one or two or three of them, but as a result of doing all of them. That is the message my sponsor tried to carry to me and that is the message I try to carry to others...that if we do the 12 Steps as they are laid out in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, our spirit will awaken and we will want to share this with others. "Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all our activities." Not just the pleasant ones.
Member: Virginia
Location: Oklahoma
Date: 4/5/2002
Time: 11:18:54 AM
A big AMEN! to Bernie S's post. Well said my friend.
Thanks!
Member: Phil S.
Location: Pennsville, NJ
Date: 4/5/2002
Time: 12:51:32 PM
Hi, I'm Phil and I'm an alcoholic. Putting down the drink only creates an opportunity to become sober. It's practicing these principles in all our affairs that gets us sober. Following these principals is what has lead me to be the adult, father, friend I am today. These "guides to progress" have saved my life as well as many others. It is very important for us to relate these guides in our everyday lives and to do them over as many times as needed to maintain our sobriety. Never once, do we even think that we are cured. Honesty and humility are the key. I want to thank my friends who "Trudge the trail of happy destiny with me." Peace to all!
Member: Like It Is!!
Location: Awake-At-The-Switch, USA
Date: 4/5/2002
Time: 2:01:24 PM
1) After these things I saw another messenger descending out of heaven,__ having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. 2) And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying,__ Fallen! Fallen! is Babylon the great, and is made a habitation of demons and a prison of every filthy spirit and a prison of every filthy and hated bird; 3) because by reason of the wine of the wrath of her whoredom have all the nations fallen, for the rulers of the earth with her did commit harlotry, and the merchants of the earth by reason of the power of her lusts waxed rich. 4) And I heard another voice out of heaven, saying__ go ye forth my people out of her,__ that ye may have no fellowship with her sins, and of her plagues that ye may not receive; 5) because her sins were joined together as far as heaven, and God hath remembered her unrighteous deeds. 6) Render ye unto her as she also rendered, and double ye! Yea double! According to her works! In the cup wherein she mixed__ mix unto her twice as much! Rev 18:1-6
“With ministers, and the world's religions, I parted right there. When they talked of a God personal to me, who was love, superhuman strength and direction, I became irritated and my mind snapped shut against such a theory. To Christ I conceded the certainty of a great man, not too closely followed by those who claimed Him. His moral teaching most excellent. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded. The wars which had been fought, the burnings and chicanery that religious dispute had facilitated, made me sick. I honestly doubted whether, on balance, the religions of mankind had done any good. Judging from what I had seen in Europe and since, the power of God in human affairs was negligible, the Brotherhood of Man a grim jest. If there was a Devil, he seemed the Boss Universal, and he certainly had me.” Bill’s Story – AA Big Book
News article:
Lawsuit Says Church Hid Sex Crimes Fri Apr 5,12:09 PM ET By JAY LINDSAY, Associated Press Writer BOSTON (AP) - His nickname was "Father B," he drove a flashy black convertible, and he seemed to know how to relate to children, including the boys in the Roman Catholic parishes where he was assigned. The late Rev. Joseph Birmingham is also accused of sexual abuse by a growing list of those boys, including 13 who on Thursday joined in a lawsuit against the Boston archdiocese and church officials, including Cardinal Bernard Law. The suit charges the church with covering up Birmingham's sex crimes, shuffling him between six parishes and ignoring parents who told church officials about the abuse. Birmingham, who died in 1989, started in Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sudbury, Mass., in 1961 before moving to Salem, Lowell and then Boston. He was promoted to pastor of St. Ann's Parish in Gloucester in 1986, then worked at St. Brigid's Parish in Lexington just before his death. The suit said Law tried to silence one victim who told him about Birmingham by laying hands on him and invoking the power of confession never to speak of the matter. The archdiocese issued a statement saying it "is committed to investigating all allegations of abuse in accordance with our policy and providing outreach and counseling support to victims of abuse." At a news conference Thursday, some of Birmingham's alleged victims said he was an engaging priest who joked with them, treating them to ice cream and taking them for rides in his convertible. Eventually, they said, Birmingham would molest them after getting them alone in various ways — such as taking them to the rectory, scheduling just one altar boy for mass, or dropping them off last in the car. "Each one of us would be thinking, 'Which one of us is he going to grab?'" said John Morris of Shelton, Conn., a former altar boy in Salem. The charges of a cover-up are similar to those the church faces in the case of defrocked priest John Geoghan, and attorney Robert Sherman said the numbers of abuse allegations could come close to the 130 boys who said Geoghan molested them. Michael Hogan, 47, made the first accusations against Birmingham last week. He sued the archdiocese, saying Birmingham molested him hundreds of times during the 1960s. The amended suit filed Friday also claims Monsignor John Jennings, who dealt with personnel issues at the archdiocese, rebuffed a group of parents who traveled to Boston in 1970 to tell him that Birmingham was abusing their children. Mary McGee, who led the group, said Jennings told them to be careful not to slander Birmingham. He also refused to warn the pastor at Birmingham's next assignment in Lowell. A call to Jennings, who lives at an assisted living home, was not immediately returned. Thomas Blanchette, who said he was abused by Birmingham when the priest was in Sudbury, said he spoke to Cardinal Law about Birmingham at Birmingham's funeral in 1989. He said Law expressed sympathy, but tried to silence him by invoking the power of confession. Since January, dozens of priests out of more than 47,000 nationwide have been suspended or forced to resign. In Los Angeles, in e-mail messages reported by a radio station and a newspaper, Cardinal Roger Mahony told one of his lawyers that the Los Angeles Archdiocese made a "huge mistake" by failing to turn over three sexual abuse cases involving priests to police. In an e-mail dated March 27, Mahony told his attorney, Sister Judith Ann Murphy, that the diocese should have talked with police detectives about three of the sexual abuse cases. "If we don't, today, 'consult' with the detective about those 3 names, I can guarantee you that I will get hauled into a grand jury proceeding and I will be forced to give all the names, etc." The content of the e-mails was first broadcast Thursday on KFI Radio and later published in the Los Angeles Times. It was not clear how the messages were obtained; church officials reported the incident to the FBI, which was investigating whether Mahony's e-mail had been tampered with. The church's lawyers had sought to prevent the publication of the e-mails, but a judge denied their petition. The Times reported last month that Mahony had removed six to 12 priests accused of wrongdoing dating back as far as 10 years. Archdiocese officials have refused to disclose how many priests were accused. The e-mails suggest there are eight. "If I recall, of the eight priests involved, five have already been reported to local law enforcement agencies," Mahony wrote. "That leaves three." In Ohio, the Diocese of Cleveland said a priest newly accused of molesting a girl in 1980 was found dead Thursday of an apparent suicide. The Rev. Don A. Rooney, 48, was found in his car in a pharmacy parking lot with an apparent head wound. Elsewhere: _ A lawyer for the Archdiocese of Atlanta said the archdiocese has responded to six claims in the past 13 years accusing priests of sexually abusing boys. Court records show payments to settle the cases have exceeded $500,000. _ The Archdiocese of New York said it will appoint a committee to investigate sexual abuse allegations against priests. Under the new policy, claims that are deemed to be well-grounded will be reported to authorities even if the victim does not consent.
Member: Ron K.
Location: Cape Breton, N.S.
Date: 4/5/2002
Time: 8:12:20 PM
My name is Ron, and I am an alcoholic. Great topic. So easy to say- so hard to do. I find it easy to practice these principles while in the rooms, or with other sober alcoholics, but much harder to do out in the "real world". Got that control issue thing in different areas of my life. Much better than it used to be, with alot of help from the serenity prayer. First time on an aa site. Just another way to practice the program with other alcoholics in sobriety. Hello to Bernie S.- I think we know each other. Hello to the newcomers, you are the most important people on this site, keep coming back. Hello to Roger P. I have relatives in Braintree Ma. who could use this wonderful program. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Saer Z
Location: Westchester, NY
Date: 4/5/2002
Time: 9:37:25 PM
Practicing the principles...well, there is alot of AA in JUST this phrase...it hints of an atmosphere of tolerance within the fellowship...and this is what AA IS bt definition in the preamble...a FELLOWSHIP. I guess it means I am trying to learn how to "play nice with the other kids" I guess it measn I am learning to SHARE, be less SELFISH, have less SELF-CENTERED FEAR...I guess this means that when I start to experience my own little peculiar brand of "craziness", the spiritual principle that always helps is the one that says to pause, breathe in and out and from the diaphragm, look around and see if there isn't something I can "help" with...ANYTHING at all. In the very beginning, helping clean up. In the very end, helping clean up. And if the cleaning doesn't help. I truly believe that each and every time it means that I have something MORE I can "bring to the party". And to do this thing, whatever it IS, and it changes alot according to the event, will ALWAYS make me grow spiritually, it is ALWAYS the practicing of a principle, it will ALWAYS, as the Big Book says create a spiritual experience for me, which is what I need to stay sober. And I need to continually have these, these spiritual experiecnes.
Member: JK
Location: Oregon
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 12:02:19 AM
Step 12... I don't even think I am worthy to work it. But that's just my low self esteem. I have come to believe that ego and self esteem are direct reciprocals. That is, when my ego is up, my self esteem is low. Vice versa, when I feel good about myself, my sobriety, and my life, my ego is nowhere to be seen. The program encourages us to adopt an attitude of "humility and service," and tells us that after completing the steps our job is to "fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and our fellows." Thank God for this program. By the way, here are the principles: 1. Honesty 2. Hope 3. Faith 4. Courage 5. Integrity 6. Willingness 7. Humility 8. Love Someone help me out with Responsibility, Spirituality, Perseverance... I'm feeling bad because I have been exercising some old behavior, and I know that we don't "think our way into right acting" so much as we "act our way into right thinking." I moved away from my sponsor a few months ago and I am feeling isolated and a little f*cked up in the head. I think it's time for another inventory. I have been so busy that I don't want to stop for the inventory, but I forget that my #1 priority is sobriety and I HAVE TO practice these principles or I will get drunk.
Member: Ross
Location: Maine
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 4:41:34 AM
Hi, my name is Ross and im a grateful alcoholic. And I say that because if i never drank i would never have known the blessings of sobriety. This program is a paradox. Powerlessness is empowering, one day at a time works for a lifetime and serenity can only be gotten by going through hell first. It took me over 20 years of trying and failing to get this sobriety because i couldn't, wouldn't, didn't...... give up. It took every single miserable day to get me here and i thank God not one day was spared. I drank and drugged for over 30 yrs, lived in the streets,jails and institutions, homeless jobless and friendless. Believe me when i tell you i would not trade one day..........and now, i dont have to. I will be three years sober next month!!!!!!!! Here are my principles: 1.I dont try to control everything, all the time,everywhere! 2.I left my mind and body alone and let them heal! 3.God does exist but Im not it! 4.I look in the mirror if I want to see the problem! 5.I'll share until I die! 6.God knows how to deal with my ego!It gets deflated regularly! 7.Growing up isnt that hard! 8.everyone was affected by my drinking, 9.are they glad to know im sober today!(and I am proud to let em know too!) 10.Ive got feeling(s)now, theyre fun to watch. 11.I spend a lot of time with myself(and God) just doing nothing. 12.Practice is the key word! A nurse told me once when I was trying unsuccessfully to quit smoking. She said"Its like anything else in life, in order to get good at it, you have to practice,practice,practice! Thats it for me, thanks for being here.I would not be sober without you all.
Member: AnilG
Location: Mt Vernon
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 10:26:25 AM
I am Anil an alcoholic and to practice these principles in all our affairs"(step 12). Many of us exclaimed "what an order!! I can't go through with it." For me, I have been in AA for 8 years. I have found that for me to succeed, I have to do step 4 ("Made a seaching and fearless moral inventory of ouselves.") many times over. I take a piece of paper and write down what I fear the most, whom I fear the most and above all, why I fear what and why. This step requires complete honesty on my part. What really helps me do step 4 is the serenity prayer as well. Thank you Jenn P. for opening the topic.
Member: John
Location: Hoosier Land, USA
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 11:23:51 AM
"Real Man" is really REAL MAD. Please come back, but respect the earnestness of the overwhelming majority that are trying to work the steps, a day at a time. They are working to be weller. We pray that you'll do the same. Come back; it works for those who perservere!
Member: Serene Corinne
Location: Langley, BC, Canada
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 12:02:55 PM
Glad to be clean and sober today. It's been quite awhile since I've posted here(maybe a year) Anyway I was at a convention here in Vancouver a week ago and one of the speakers made a statement something like this "My mind would have killed my body long ago except it needed it for transportation". Can you all relate? My mind as an alky is defective and when I listen to it, most of the time it will lead me to trouble. I will become complacent, it will tell me that I don't need AA or you guys because I am so much smarter and better than etc. etc. The longer I stay here and the more I practice working those 12 steps the easier it becomes to listen to that tiny voice that comes from my heart, intuition, HP, which ever you choose to call it. Latley I have felt so peaceful, loving, and caring that I almost feel insane. It is definatly not where I came from so therefore it is not really a comfort zone YET. It does feel good though, better than I have ever felt before. Strange how this program works heh. I'm on step 7 right now coming up on 4 years in June. What a miracle. Thank-you all for my life today. PS Thankyou "Realman" too for helping us practice tolerance and such, we need people like you. Everyone is put into our lives for a reason. Man oh Man, a couple of years ago I would have cursed and swore him/her out too. Oh well life goes on and just gets better. Thanks
Member: Biil F.
Location: Lost Angeles, CA
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 7:54:49 PM
What a great topic. I'm glad I stopped by here as part of my 18th anniversary. JK from Oregon provided the list of the principles in one word each. They also happen to appear in the letters section of this month's Grapevine. IF, a very big IF, I am practicing the principles in all my affairs, my daily inventory consists of counting my blessings. I may not feel that huge warm glow of intense spiritual connection with my HP, but I am not restless, irritable and discontented. I have not lied, cheated nor harmed another human being - incuding myself. Generally I am happy - not ecstatic - but contented with the way I lived today. In the Nov 2001 issue of the Grapevine is a reprint from 1968 of "The 24 Hour Plan". Not a bad way of doing it either. 6,574 days - one at a time.
Member: billbob
Location:
Date: 4/6/2002
Time: 11:40:40 PM
real man wears girls panties and a bra.i think he is a transexual.
Member: mary
Location: georgia
Date: 4/7/2002
Time: 8:37:48 AM
hi mary here just wanted to say thanks ross for sharing and so identify with your way of thinking and just good to have read it.certainly is an easier way to let things flow and let it go just for today.putting the right foot in front of the other and the thinking of the next right thing that needs to be done.and to say drinking or drugging is not fully feeling or living and hope and pray we all can stay with that thought.thanks for sharing.