Member: Kim V
Location:
Date: 9/17/00
Time: 11:21:04 PM
I would like to hear about letting go and let God..... I just got married, I;ve been sober 7 years and moved from Rochester NY to Houston and I'm hating every minute of it. I feel like I'm going to burst. I've been here 3 weeks and it is awful.
Member: Kathy
Location: Northeast
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 2:56:08 AM
Good subjecct, Kim. Just getting married and moving,too - that's alot of change all at once. Aren't we lucky we have AA no matter where we go. Once you start going to meetings, get a local sponsor,and meeting some other alkies, you'll feel better. God must have nee4ded you in Houstohn. I love the expression"bloom where you are planted".
I have given up trying to figure Hiom out. Letting go is acceptance. Letting od is turning our life and will over to His care - Step 3.
Member: Clint B.
Location: Germany
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 4:03:07 AM
I'm Clint and an alcholic. When I have problems figuring things, especially when it comes to letting go, I go to a meeting, talk to my sponsor and friends in AA. I can't do this alone... I did that for 26 years and ended up almost killing myself. It was at that point that I let go. Funny thing about moving...no matter where you go you are still there.
Member: JOE O>
Location: NEW BRUSWICK CANADA
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 6:52:40 AM
Hi I am Joe O. alcoholic. Learning to let go and trust in a higher power was something I found very hard to do. My up bring ing taught me through experience to distrust most people. After beating myself up for years with booze and ending by coming to the A.A. program I slowly gained trust again, trust that if I lived by tenets of our programme things usually morked out. My biggest help was in the serenity prayer and it still is. People places and things are not going togo away, and like the bumper sticker says shit happens. With the serenity prayer I can live with others and stay out of my own way.
Member: Harry K
Location: U.K
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 7:13:37 AM
Hi, Harry, an alcoholic here. I know where your at Kim, I left Florida and moved to England. What's more, I left an area where there were 350 meetings a week to a place where there were 5! And the same people saying the same shit no matter what the topic was. I thought I was in A.A Hell! Ater a couple of months I stopped fighting it. I learned that GOD put me where I could best do his work. I began to travel for my meetings, often 30 miles or more, It wasn't always fun driving on Enlish roads in lousey weather paying for expensive fuel, but I went. After 2 1/2 years here I'm alot more settled. It's not Fla. but its home. I've got new friends and a new place to live. I'm to American to ever become "English", but thats O.K. GOD has put some great people in my life here, and I've learned to keep my heart open and listen for the answers. I had to let go of my comparisons, expectations and judgements about this place before I could open myself up to the lessons GOD wants me to learn. I suspect when I'm done here, there will be a whole new lesson I am to learn. Enjoy the trip, GOD's the tour guide.
Member: Sheri F
Location: Warm beautiful Portland, OR
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 9:46:44 AM
Sheri here an alki that is learning all over again to let go and let God. Seems that as I advanced in age, I advanced incomplacency, and when I was pushed into a corner, I didn't drink but the "old me" with the NASTY mouth showed up. I was reminded to use the "short version" of the Serenity Prayer. " I can't, HE can, I guess I'll let HIM." This is keeping my big mouth shut and I'm not castrating my family. When I moved to Ore. I hated the AA here, but I went until I loved it and now I am unable togoto f2f meetings and my AA has expanded to the net. Another change.. But I am forced to grow or die and you people have no qualms aabout a loving kick in the butt when I need it. Thanks for caring. Must hush and get breakfast started as hubby will soon be home from work. Thanks!!!! Love and Prayers, Sheri F, dos4/1/78, slfrey@Yahoo.com or sherifrey4@excite.com
Member: Martin
Location: NY
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 9:49:37 AM
Hi, my name is Martin, and I'm an alcoholic.
If I'm hating a situation, I try to remind myself that things probably won't stay that way forever. I've also been told that, when we find ourselves strugling, we should try *less* not more. To help myslef do this I often concentrate a part of my time on something totally unrealed to what is bothering me. It's hard, but it can be done. Then, while I'm not looking, the sittuation will get a chance to take care of itself -- or God will get a chance to take care of it -- depending on how you like to phrase it.
On the other hand, if I keep focussed, and really give 110% to solving that problem, not only are results no better, but I get both a mean hankering for a drink and the feeling that I deserve one.
Member: gerry h
Location: tucson az
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 12:28:27 PM
hi im gerry, im an alcoholic. when i first got sober i found it necessary to repeat the serenity prayer to myself many times a day. it wasnt my nature to let go. with practice and with the help of many good friends in the program i now only have to repeat the "and the wisdom to know the difference" part. for me that is the main part i need to remember. today i just try to stay of the way and thats working pretty good.
thank you for letting me share.
Member: Robert
Location: Nova Scotia
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 1:08:04 PM
I just moved 4 months ago from one province to another,company I workedfor 20 years for went tits up,wasn't my fault but shit happens,and I didn't like it too much at first,but after a couple of months of getting used to it and getting into the AA scene here,I have changed my attitude completely.I still miss my home group,but I talk on the phone a lot,but this is truly wonderful country that Ive been exploring all summer on my motorcycle,the people are great,and I like my new job better than any I ever had.Sometimes it just takes some time,and then theres the chance that you may never like your new situation.In that case try to remember that if you hate it bad enough,you CAN do something about it,its a free country,and most of us are not stuck somewhere we hate indefinitly with no way out.I said most,there are some who are,and in a lot of cases good ol"alcohol had a whole lot to do with getting them there,so never forget we are the lucky ones who have found this better way,there are many who need it ane don't.And Ive found that people,in and outside of AA are much the same wherever you go,once you get to know them,and the differences are interesting. Like the previous writer said,"GOD is the tour guide"
Member: o.t.
Location:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 2:46:40 PM
i need a good tour guide, cause my life is crumbling apart,still jobless, and feeling hopeless at this point.
o.t.
Member: David F.
Location: Southeast
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 3:19:03 PM
Hi, I'm David, and I'm "probably" an alcoholic (ref. Chapter 4).
Hang in there, Kim. When I was first married, my wife's parents turned their backs on her. Now, four years later, we live 2 miles away from them instead of 102 miles. I would never have guessed that the relationship would have worked out to the point where my wife and I would actually want to spend time with our boys' grandparents.
Please bear in mind though, I wouldn't have guessed ANY of this - the good things in my life, the meaningful, purposeful, sense of belonging, that this AA fellowship and steps have provided.
Lastly, I don't know why everything I let go of is scarred with clawmarks, but that's the way it seems to work. Pain first, surrender last.
Member: Mallory S.
Location: Rome, GA
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 3:19:31 PM
Hi everybody. I,m Mallory and I'm definitely an alcoholic along with alot of other things. I still dislike troubles and hardship, but the truth is I have never once improved myself or changed for the better because things were going good. I am relly prone to coast when things go well. My best rewards and fullfillment of the promises have come by perserverence using the 12 steps and relying on God. I have to stay humble and and keep an open mind and heart and not feel too sorry for myself. An attitude of gartitude relly helps. Make a long list of all the "Big" and "little" things you have because you are not drinking. God bless
Member: Jamie T.
Location: Northwest Ohio
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 3:48:40 PM
Hi, my name is Jamie, and I have been dealing with the effects of alcohol all my life. You would think after all the things I have seen alcoholism to do my family members, I would have realized I would not be able to drink and not have any problems. I was sure wrong ! Alcohol nearly ruined my relationship with someone I care about very deeply. I know now I can only recover with help from people like you ! I have to remember to take things one step at a time , and when I feel down and want to take a drink ,I have to realize there are a lot of people out there that care about ME ! With the help of my family ,and God , I think I can make it someday where I won't think of going for a drink when times are rough ! Thank you for listening !
Member: Amber
Location: Portland
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 4:05:30 PM
Hello! I'm Amber and I'm an alcoholic.
Interesting topic for me because I just moved to Portland, Ore., a couple weeks ago and have just gotten into AA here. Sheri, I was interested in your comments. But, unlike you, I feel like the Rose City's AA is a huge improvement over where I was attending in Ohio. The building is beautiful, the people are laid back and humorous, and it's simply not as grim as many other meetings I've attended. Interesting, huh? I feel like it was meant for me to be here, because I was having a hard time "giving myself up" in my old town.
So, although moving is hard and a stresser, I'm very much into blooming where I've been planted, as some person mentioned earlier. Never before have I been so hopeful and non-stigmatized.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Member: Timber V.
Location: Toquerville, UT
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 4:33:42 PM
Hi. I'm Timber and I'm an alcoholic. I'm relatively new to this, but I would still like to have a little input.
After 106 days of sobriety, of course, I'm still learning to "Let go and let GOD (as we know Him)." I've had a dreadful experience these past couple of months which have lead to my sobriety and my CONTINUED sobriety.
I just went to court today for my DUI (the original reason I stopped drinking). It was my sentencing. I came out relatively furious because I have to spend 15 days in jail (work release), I have $1500 in fines to pay, plus I have to have an Interlock system placed on my car for the next 3 years.
After an hour or two of brooding, I remembered something that my roommate said to me. About 3 nights ago, we had a long conversation and he told me that when you're plugged in to the universe, our old coping skill is to look at everything that comes through and make a judgement on it. What he said was that it's important to NOT look at it and just allow it to happen. That way, we become new people and we start to have JOY in our sobriety. Rather than having lack, we have abundance.
As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I was no longer angry, because I had just let go and let GOD. It was a problem that I had created and needed to pay for. I couldn't ask why it was done. I only needed to remember that there was a reason and a learning experience in it for me. Someday I'll know what it is, but for now, I'm not to question. Again, reference back to the Serenity Prayer and even use it as a mantra. Every five minutes if you have to.
Member: Michael P.
Location: Yreka, CA
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 5:45:26 PM
Hi, I'm Mike and I'm an alcoholic. My first experience with letting go came during a meeting in my first couple weeks of sobriety. The topic was "Surrender", and at some point during the meeting I had an experience that has stayed with me to this day. All of a sudden the room became perfectly quiet, and I felt as if I was in 'a bubble'. A thought came to me (Not exactly a 'voice'; if it had been i wouldn't have admitted it, as I had just been released from a mental hospital); it was crystal clear, and this thought was in the form of a question,"You mean all I have to do is just give up?" It was that simple; I went home and didn't call my wife to discuss our failing marriage; I didn't stare at bills I couldn't pay; I didn't obsess on 'fixing' anything at all!! I slept that night, for the first time in quite a while, and when I awoke in the morning, the world seemed to be just fine- it had made it through the night without any help from me!!!! I can still get pretty enthusiastic when I decide a certain cause NEEDS me; but I usually find that I become uncomfortable in short order if I 'fix' things for too long.
Member: Mary K
Location: Boston (Raynham)
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 6:43:22 PM
Hi all! Mary, alcy
I'm one who leaves claw marks on more than I care to admit. I don't "Let Go and Let God" (for me also known as "ok, I've had enough - it's all yours now") with a whole lotta grace sometimes. I have made some progress but I am very confident saying that I'll never see this one through to perfection.
Kim - marriage and a big move? That takes courage girl. With 7 years under your belt you must have known it wasn't going to be easy but you must have also had the faith that you could make the adjustment. When I moved it was awful too. I made comparisons with everything! I felt so alone at meetings cuz these people didn't know me like my groups THERE did. I wanted significant relationships in 15 minutes and it wasn't going to happen of course cuz that is an unrealistic expectation. Hate to tell ya what you already know Kim but here goes, it takes T-I-M-E (that filthy four letter word - lol). As I am sure you also know any major changes take some getting used to, ask for help to stop putting unrealistic expectations upon yourself, upon others and upon God. Much love to you.
The word around the halls of AA is HOPE !!!
Much love to all - Mary
Member: Corinne G.
Location: Northern British Columbia
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 6:48:55 PM
My name is Corinne, and I'm an alcoholic.
Good topic. The theme for my sobriety in the last while has been to "ask for his protection and care with complete abandon." A large part of my sobriety in the last while has been letting go and letting God. An important lesson that I've learned is that even if the %@#$^%$ hits the fan, things always have a way of working out. Miracles happen all the time, that's why I'm sitting here today, in front of the computer, enjoying life (happy, joyous,and free), one day at a time, sharing Experience, Strength, and Hope, with others who understand. These are only some of the gifts that sobriety has given me. Quite a different story from where I was at 7 years ago. Thank you for my sobriety.
Member: ts
Location:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 6:50:59 PM
mary k., i wish my wife would leave some claw marks on me.i dont think she likes me anymore.
the saint
Member: JimB
Location: Roi Namu, RMI
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 8:07:40 PM
Hi all JimB here happy to know Im alcoholic and grateful to be here sober today! Great topic and also terrific sharing! I needed to see this subject in writing as I have been saying this is the answer to myself the last few days. But now seeing it on my computer reaffirms to me that this is the answer that the still small voice within is trying to guide me towards. I can relate to being powerless and needing to turn it over to a Higher Power. I was recently watching a documentary about Vietnam POWs and one of them remarked of his expierience being held captive that it was vital to believe in a Higher Power Greater than self in order to survive such an ordeal. And these words rang true for me just dealing with life on lifes terms. I live on a small tropical island with 200 men and very few women and ther are only two of us in the program. Needless to say I find myself up against the wall often and so I know I need to turn it over. One day at a time. Thanks for 12 stepping me.
Member: Michael B.
Location: AZ
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 8:50:53 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. Welcome to the newcomers! Thanks everyone for sharing!
"Letting go and letting God" has been a real challenge for me. I had little, if any, experience with this concept, until I entered AA. Western industrial society supports, as one of its major tenets, individualism, and perhaps especially for men, that includes making a place for yourself in the world through your own initiative and hard work.
These established societal values, then, taught me about an illusory kind of independence, which became a deeply ingrained concept in my thinking and which contributed to my alcoholism. Thus, I've had to resort for some time to simply staying sober and letting go and letting God provide the power necessary for me to "let go and let God."
Member: dont drop the soap
Location:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 8:57:14 PM
be carefull jim, 200 men and no women....................
sheeeeessssss
Member: Mark T
Location: New Zealand
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 9:27:54 PM
Hi, I'm mark and an alcoholic, I've been clean for nearly a month this time, haven't done any meetings , need to. Thinking about going back for more treatment. Life is a nightmare and yet enigmatic, there are good things in my life, really good things . But I like to burn 'em when I drink. Letting go for me is about surrender, safe in the knowledge that someone who really loves me and cares for me is in the drivers seat and as long as I stay on board every thing will work in the end, I guess , it's about surrender and patience. Well, I hope you all are well and stuff, I guess I should drag my arse off to a meeting huh?, lol. Well BYE!
Member: Anonymous
Location:
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 10:44:45 PM
Would to God it was as easy as to in a moment to let go and let God; But is this not to say of it that it's in your hand? Is the Holy Spirit not a gift from I say from God? Yes it is and I say this not to be contrary as some do think, only that we must all agree that we are on the receiving end that we are the respondant! I've been wanting for some time to speak of this as the Lord allows: Respondant, yes that's the word, and in the day you are faced with that eternal decision to respond in obedience to the spirit or no then you are in that place to accept Christ or no.
So what then is in our hand to do? What then is it to let go and let God from our stand point? Firstly it is ours to believe yea to choose to believe and next to move forward in the word of God in such a fashion as to obey what is says that you might "prepare your heart to seek God"....If one goes to a wedding he must dress for the occasion and if one goes to God he must according to spiritual things dress with the word that you might as it were tug on God's sleeve yes, you must dress those inward parts for the occasion. It's in God's hand to respond to your responce to his word, and he is faithful to do his part. Here then is a fun question: we are to be born of the water and the spirit, which part do you think is your part? Lastly, we are preposing to meet the maker of heaven and earth, think of it, what appointment and preperation is in order for such a grand thing as this when one must go through such red tape to see the president who is small in comparison.
Member: Tony L.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 10:52:08 PM
Hello to all - another good day to be sober. Made one meeting today just to remind me who I'am. Letting go and Letting GOD, I have proven time after time that I'M not in control over my drinking. I fool myself for a short time (maybe a week) if I'M lucky but I always come short. I just have to say I'M sick and tired of being just plain sick. I'm very fortunate that there is a fellowship such as ours and we are able to discuss these type of problems - have a wonderful SOBER DAY!!!
Member: Rick
Location: Texas
Date: 9/18/00
Time: 11:38:58 PM
Hello everyone, my name is Rick and I'm an alcoholic.
I keep seeing myself repeat the same old cycle. I will stay completely abstinent for about a month, and then delude myself into thinking I am O.K. and can handle a "little" alcohol again.
For several weeks, I drink moderately without becoming drunk. However, I slowly increase the amount and frequency of my drinking until I am getting drunk almost every night.
Then, I wake up to the shameful reality of what I have become, and abstain again.
In essence, I let God and others help me back on my feet again. Then, when I feel like I am stronger and better, I take that control back into my own hands.
So, how do I keep from deceiving myself into thinking I don't need God's help and can do it on my own? How do I remain faithful to the commitment I have made to myself and others?
Member: Melissa W
Location: Texas
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 12:16:41 AM
Hi, I'm Melissa, an alcoholic & addict. I've been struggling with this let go stuff too. My sponsor told me to just suit up, show up, shut up & do the next right thing. There's a learning experience in everything. Although I didn't want to hear that, it's helped me get through the things that I really hate doing.
Member: Corinne B., Alcoholic here, there & happily joyous &
free!
Location: Camino, CA - It ain't Paris or Greece, but it'll sure do in a
pinch!
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 12:31:40 AM
((Kim)) not only are moving and getting married stressful, but the culture shock you must be experiencing having gone from NY to TX, I can't imagine! I used to live in Houston in the early '70s and didn't much like it, either, so can empathize a bit with that part of what you're going through. I moved at about 2 yrs sober (my first time in AA) from Fla to Nashville, TN and never did feel like I fit in. Of course, I didn't go out of my way too much to do anything to fit myself in, either, so it should've been no surprise to me that I would drink again at 6 yrs dry. Hope you don't repeat my mistake.
When I returned to AA after 6 1/2 years back out there drinking almost daily, I realized that part of what messed me up was that I had done virtually no service work. I am very active in now (living in a whole new area from where I left off in '92), and doing service work in my homegroup, as well as teleservice, sponsoring others, and arranging speakers for another group, has really helped me become a part of the life-blood of AA and has expanded my world of sobriety, bringing continuity and purpose into my life.
To anyone new, newly moved, or struggling for any variety of reasons, the answer is inside you, and the Steps are the vehicle to get you to those answers. Get a sponsor, work those steps in the Big Book, and get on with the business of living a sober life. It worked for me and it will work for you, too!
Member: Kat
Location: Boone
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 12:46:28 AM
I'm Kat and I'm an alcoholic. I don't think there is anything harder for me to do than to give it up to god and of course nothing works as well as giving it up. When I first got sober I was so totally beaten by the bottle that I had no trouble letting go, I had nothing left to hold on with, and god took very good care of things. As I started to get my feet back under me I also started to take things back and than I would find myself miserable again. This cycle has continued through my soberity, thou the grabby part gets shorter and shorter as I've come to realize that when I get that stressed, sick feeling it means that I'm trying to run things and its time to let god do his will. I just ask myself if I want the pain of my way or the serenity of god's way. I always in the end pick god because I want to stay sober with joy and peace. Thanks for letting me share, have a great 24 hours at a time.
Member: Adam H.
Location: Nagano, JAPAN
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 4:03:21 AM
Adam, alcoholic.
I'm right in there with everyone who has talked about moving and the stress related therein. I just moved from Chicago to JAPAN...and you wanna talk about culture shock! A lot has beenhappening just in the realm of communicating with people that has caused me tons of frustration and even some heartache. LET GO AND LET GOD has been a real important thing for me to remember particularly because I'm one of those people who forgets that I can't change anything but myself and I'll try to change everythng in Japan that doesn't suit me....and when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING! It can't be done, but if I persist in this illusion, it's right back to those gates of insanity and death...starting usually with that insane thought that it'll be different this time. I've been taught better in AA. There is no problem so bad that a drink won't totally f--k up, and there is no problem so great that God cannot help me stay sober through it. However, if I am going to stay sober through whatever comes my way, I hafta be willing to stoptrying to fix, manage and control Japan and everything around it taht doesn't suit me. That's a job thath belongs in the hands of a power greater than myself. So LET GO AND LET GOD is a real important slogan for me to remember...helps me stay right-sized.
Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Bobo
Location: Hanalei, Kauai, Hi.
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 5:04:34 AM
Hi my name is Bobo and I'm an alcoholic, I've been trying very hard to let go and let God. My grandson just ran away from home four days ago. I've been raising him for eight years now, since his Mom died. Oh, he's around here somewhere and if I wanted to find him I could. It's kind of confusing because we didn't have a fight or disagree or anything. He just stopped coming home. He's sixteen and a half. We live in this really small town on this little island. I guess he's just out there trying out what being an adults like. I just have to let go and let God. I also have to quit thinking there's something wrong or I did something wrong. This is all in God's plan. Guess I'm just nosey! Wonder what he's doing? No phone call, nothing! The coconut wireless tells me he's around here though. He stopped going to school and hasn't showed up at work. Maybe he found a hot babe he's shacked up with. Jeez, I hope he's O.K. God, take good care of my grandson please. His lack of courtesy and consideration for not communicating with me hurts my feelings. My alcoholic brain says I should drink at him. I'll show him! My fourteen years sober brain tells me to let go and let God and go to lots of meetings and call my sponsor. Sixteen is kind of a confusing time of life. Oh well, the surfs supposed to be good tomorrow. Guess I'll just have to go catch some clean and sober waves. Aloha
Member: John
Location: Saskatchewan
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 5:08:11 AM
I've been struggling to remain sober for the last year since leaving a treatment center. I have always rejected the existence of God my whole life so letting go and letting god has been a difficult thing for me. I have to admit that i suffer from the fox-hole syndrome, which is every time trouble comes i reach out to God..but when things are good I reject him. So i am now praying everyday, asking God's forgiveness for doubting his existence and his ways. I can see in my heavy drinking days that I escaped many problems that It seems I shouldn't have, so I ask myself..was this God's help? I turn my desire to drink over to him each night. I believe though that the key is to put these prayers to practice in your life. I must act on my prayers and promises and do what is right and God will help me. Instead of just talking the talk, I have to walk the walk before I can feel God's love....Oh, sorry I am John and I'm an alcoholic..thanks everyone..
Member: tony g
Location: ma
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 11:05:27 AM
it's nice to just let the day unfold around me,to see a situation and give it no in-put.then to find out that everything worked out just fine,without me.or let something not work out without me.i like what someone said earlier.."to try less" .letting go and letting God ,really clears a path for me to observe and learn.my life is alot more joyfull and less complicated since i started going to aa.i enjoy the company of others,and there plight for happiness....i seem to become stronger when i let go and let God....great posts ! thanks,i'm tony an alcoholic.
Member: John F.
Location: Cornfield country, Illinois
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 1:42:05 PM
My name is John, alcoholic. Six years into sobriety I experienced my emotional bottom. I can remember getting down on my knees , screaming to God to help me let go. I was fighting like a caged lion trying to let go and it wasn't working. That's when I got on the phone to a friend. She reminded me that a person can't fight and let go at the same time. She told me that a drowning man would only drown faster by fighting, but if he floated on his back with his face toward the sky, looking UP instead of DOWN, he may have a chance. Iv'e never forgotten those words. Another friend told me recently that it's important to look at life in terms of abundance instead of scarcity.No matter where we are it's exactly where we are suppose to be today. I also try to be happy with what I have today not ungrateful for what I don't have. All easier said than done, I realize, but when we live for only today it all seems to work.
Member: Wouter
Location: Netherlands,Europa
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 2:39:17 PM
hello, wouter from the netherlands here again, alki.
let go and let God sounds scary to me but this is exactly what I need to do. I just can't let go definitively my ex-girlfriend, a relation I ended after a lot of turmoil. She was the first to put an end to it, I moved on my own, then I quit drinking finally, after that I wanted all her love again, we tried but she couldn't give it anymore because somehow it was gone, but I felt I had a right to it because I was already sober for a few months...
Stupid me !
So in a flash of clearity I ended this rtelation but the very next moment I was sso scared. She helped me to do the right thing, so I left.
But I still love her so mutch, and now she starts looking so good, thanks to her new boyfriend. Hell, no. She has also finally grown up and therefor she is blooming.
So let go, let go these crazy thoughts, let her be, she is making her life and I am making mine. HP is helping everyone of us. STOP HATING HER !
Let go let go let go let go let go.
We didn't manage, she is a holy person and I should be grateful she stayed as long as she did.
I was a f.... bastard a lot of times.
Thanks sharing, let God etc.
Member: Anonymous
Location:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 5:36:43 PM
Many are the benifits of turning all over to God, and all that press into it are mindful of these, the peace the joy the love, the freedom that the religious life embraces. These all overflow unto us by the garce of God that works through faith in us. But all is not taken into account with only these before us; We can expect to be comforted, but this comfort requires us to depart from the favor or expectations of the world we have now neglected, and they find us to have moved to a new location and in so doing have become an inconvenience toward them. We can not then expect to be esteemed as was before and we are even told not to marvel if the world hates us. It's been thus with me as I with these words, and I think of Jesus sometimes, and this verse: "And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay: but he deceiveth the people.
Member: eric w
Location:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 8:19:55 PM
Hi my name is Eric. I am a alcoholic.
Member: eric w
Location:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 8:32:53 PM
I did not think I had a problem untill got my second under age. It made me start thinking do I want to problems with alcohol for the rest of my life. There is so many things out in the world to see. That if I would keep driking then I would not be able do what I want to do.
Member: Edie H
Location: Ont. Canada
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 8:56:14 PM
Edie, a grateful alky. Made a lot of geographic cure locations when I first got sober. Found that if I made 90 in 90 wherever that I felt at home quickly. Lived in Fla. for years but when I retired, had to move back here for health insur. Had resentments coming out the yahoo until I accepted my situation and got busy doing service work etc. The meetings here are so different that I will never like them as well as where I got sober. My H.P. started out as AA and now is eclectic and my spiritual life is "mine" with practicing the principles in all my affairs to the best of my ability. Have no money but a heart full of gratitude, love and happiness. God Bless y'all and a great 24.
Member: Edie H
Location: Ont. Canada
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 8:59:44 PM
EEdie, a grateful alky. Made a lot of geographic cure locations when I first got sober. Found that if I made 90 in 90 wherever that I felt at home quickly. Lived in Fla. for years but when I retired, had to move back here for health insur. Had resentments coming out the yahoo until I accepted my situation and got busy doing service work etc. The meetings here are so different that I will never like them as well as where I got sober. My H.P. started out as AA and now is eclectic and my spiritual life is "mine" with practicing the principles in all my affairs to the best of my ability. Have no money but a heart full of gratitude, love and happiness. God Bless y'all and a great 24.Edie
Member: PAULINE N.
Location: QUEENS, NY
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 9:33:18 PM
Letting go to me is realize that God is in charge of my life instead of me. I needed to believe that He would not only get me through any situation but He would not have allowed me to come this far (back 2 yrs after a devasting relapse) to drop me now. Sometimes this thought is the only thing that keeps me sane in a world where everything seems insane. I need only to believe in God's grace for me and sometimes that's not easy. When I do, though, my day or situation is lots better and calmer.
Member: Cheryl
Location: California, KY
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 9:56:53 PM
Hey Rick, Oh, I'm Cheryl addict/alcoholic, You know, if you keep going back, you must be missing something. I'm not sure I can tell you exactly what it is but maybe if you answer these questions honestly and with an open mind it might help you understand or find you missing link. Getting to know RICK is the key to the program. Half measures avail us nothing. Living in the problem (our disease) will only bring more pain and misery. Haven't we had enough? Living in the answer (God as we understand Him) will bring joy happiness blissfulness and INNER PEACE. It's really very simple some just keep trying the hard way (self will run riot). That don't work, it's been proven many times. But you can do it Rick! Do you go to live meetings? Do you have a sponsor? Have you read the first 164 pages of the Big Book? Have you read page 449? (Doctor Alcoholic Addict, now that's a funny story) Do you invite God into your life EVERY morning? Do you ask Him for strength to stay sober each day? (That's really all you have to do) Do you thank Him each night for helping you stay sober? Do you count your blessings every day? These are the simple things I do EVERY (key word) day along with working the steps (which these things are the guide for) that keep me sober ONE DAY AT A TIME!! All I know is IT works and the rewards are great!! I can't tell you all how good it feels to be rid of that damned sick soul disease. I'm still an addict and alcoholic and haven't forgotten my past and don't want to--I'm still learning from it. I also haven't forgotten where I came from. The Big Guy made me and He loves me and He loves you too! I HAVE found inner peace and it is a wonderful thing. I want for all of you to have it. I'm possitive that most of you do and for that I am greatful. For those who haven't found it yet,please--SLOW DOWN--take it one day at a time. We don't just say that -- we mean it! Find your God as you know Him and GET what you deserve--that inner peace--SERENITY IN YOUR SOBRIETY!! I can be sober today as long as I want to let God into my life each day and you can too! I appologize for being so winded. My prayers go out to all! Cheryl
Member: Cheryl
Location: California, KY
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 10:01:38 PM
One more question. Have you read the "Footprints" poem lately?
Member: Cheryl
Location: California, KY
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 10:08:15 PM
Corrinne B., Will you be my Cyber Sponsor?
Member: pat m.
Location:
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 10:19:03 PM
cheryl, i read that poem every morning and every night.
he always carries me through the tough times and for me right now,thats everyday.
peace
Member: RHONDA K>
Location: DERRY,N.H.
Date: 9/19/00
Time: 10:45:09 PM
Hello I'm Rhonda and I'm an alcoholic. o.t. are you o.k.? Your posting sounded like you're in pain. Letting go and letting God is a great way to live. I'm learning that slowly but surely. I always thought I could fix anything and then suddenly I couldn't fix me. Lke many women I'm a people pleaser. At 10 1/2 mos. sober and working the steps I'm finally saying "no" when I mean no and "yes" when I mean yes. Such a simple program! I guess letting go is what step 3 is about. Thanks for being here and if you're suffering remember we all got a tool box when we came in.
Member: Mark B
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 7:12:39 AM
Hi, I'm Mark and I'm an alcoholic. Really great topic for me at the moment as a lot is going on in my life and I am feeling really stressed. I am only 6 months sober (had my birthday yesterday) and I am changing jobs, selling my old flat, skint, and decorating a new place to live. Sometimes I just feel that it is all too much. Have never felt that I need a drink though, which is a miracle because this time last year I was close to death through a mixture of alcohol and drug addiction. When I think about this and realise that God has taken away from me the compulsion to drink and brought into my life more joy and happiness than I have ever experienced, then I realise that all I have to do is to put it all in Gods' hands and "let Him". When I do this and feel it, it comes close to the Spiritual Experience I had when the compulsion to drink was taken away and waves of calm and serenity sweep over me. I am trying to get my head around Step 3 at the moment so perhaps all that is happening at the moment is merely God teaching me to let go. I only learn things by experiencing them and I become stronger as a result of this. Having said all this I realise that I need to develop more friendships in AA and get to know my new sponsor a a little better so that I can ask them for advice about what I am going through. I need to do this because I did things my own way all my life pre-AA and it nearly killed me. Love and peace to all. Thankyou for letting me share.
Member: Anonymous
Location:
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 4:55:50 PM
"We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others"; As for this Anonymous fellow, he has turned his will and his life over to the care of God as he understands him, and shall I forgive him for this, never; Why the man has let go absolutly! and has become altogether worthless to us; he abondoned completely, so much so that he has left us and the world behind. He doesn't submit to our rules, though we've told him time and again don't say Jesus over here. He never has a topic or problem of his own but is ever working on ours though it's we who have everything and he has nothing. He thinks he has what we want, and are willing to go to any length to get it, ha, how foolish, who would want to be such a one as he? It's we who should be having everything he wants and he should be at least trying to recover. He doesn't talk about staying sober on a daily basis but is ever thumping on the bible and he probably doesn't even own a big book. And why does he talk like that on the internet? Surly he knows what we say and do here and can follow our lingo. He has put principles before personalities to the extent that it's our own toes he stepeth on. And what about his name, what is it and where does he live, does he have an E mail or is he still back in the dark ages. We don't like him, he's not like us, he's different and has gone places no man has gone before, his conduct is way out in left field, and why doesn't he respond to us when we tell him something. I think he's a spy, he's come to check out AA and to rain on our parade. Everybody scroles past his comments doesn't he get the hint, he's an outcast and can't even figure that much out. Everybody else in town is trying to restore their lives and he tells us to tear down rather than build, he's not on the same page I tell ya.
Member: tc
Location:
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 5:26:05 PM
uh,...oh, i think he has truly lost it this time!
help.....beam me up scottie,there is no more intellegent life form left on this planet. the captain
Member: Joseph O
Location: Israel
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 6:08:38 PM
In Bill's Story we read:
"The inviting maelstrom of Wall Street had me in its grip. Business and financial leaders were my heroes. Out of this ally of drink and speculation, I commenced to forge the weapon that one day would turn in its flight like a boomerang and all but cut me to ribbons."
I wonder what high-flying Bill would have thought about this:
A USA Today news article on 9-5-00 on Bill Gates said he owned 787 million shares of common stock, which is about 15% of the total stock offered. If 787 million shares is 15%, then the total stock offered is about 5.247 billion shares. MSFT was at about $120.00 a share on 1-1-00, and is now at $64.25. My math seems to tell me that about $292 billion dollars has been lost in MSFT stocks this year alone! (5.247 X $64.25= $337.1 billion, while 5.247 X $120= $629 billion. $629 - $337= $292 billion). Furthermore, MSFT's turn to pornography has not brought them out of it either! And now his arch-enemy Bill Clinton has been found guiltless in the "Whitewater" scheme. Don't look too good for MS, wouldn't you say? Please correct me if I am mistaken about any of this!
Member: Sandy
Location: cool colorful Colorado
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 6:22:43 PM
Hi, Sandy, alcoholic here. "Let Go and Let God" is a great topic -- thanks to all who have posted. I remember being told to think of it like something I have in my hand -- if I just "turn it over" I'll still have it because I am holding onto it (haven't "let go"), and if I just let go, I'll still have it in my hand because I haven't turned it over.
That image helps me sometimes, as does getting outside & walking. I notice all the order & beauty in the real world (compared to the small chaos between my ears), and it helps me trust that God really does have a plan and somehow all of this is part of it.
I probably "could" or "should" turn things over & let go sooner -- like before I get such a grip on them or become so fascinated/frustrated by all their possibilities -- but that doesn't seem to be the way my magic magnifying mind works! Glad God does not expect me to do any more/better than I can today.
In fact -- I'm off for my daily 2 miles right now! I will take all your good words with me & here's to another sober (not somber) 24 in Houston, on that island, and every other beautiful place we all are!
As this guy Roosevelt in my Chicago home group used to say, "I didn't get sober to be miserable!" Thanks for letting me share & I'll keep coming back.
Member: e.m.
Location: frankenbooger
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 9:13:57 PM
joe o.,
i wouldnt sweat the small stuff,funny thing is were all going to die sooner or later....and there aint no one going to be able to take all that cash with them!!!!!thats the best part of this test on earth.i laugh at all the rich fools,in fact i laugh at all the poor fools too. fact is i look in the mirror and laugh at all the moneys i have wasted myself in a life time, but what the heck,you only live once down here,or on the other hand up here depending on how you look at it.yesterday is history,tommorow may never come.enjoy life by the seconds,sometimes thats all we got. egorestien m.
Member: Anonymous
Location:
Date: 9/20/00
Time: 9:53:05 PM
Letting go and letting God. Tis my favorite topic, all other topics must give place, for there is nothing higher or more important or more expedient than the subject of God. All else is vanity and chasing after the wind, it falls short, what ever it is that is not God. God is eternal and so is all that pertains to heaven. Whatsoever is not God is temperal and fadeing and shortlived. He that seeks after God finds that that is everlasting and forever. He that seeks anything less than God finds that that is worldly and vanishing. Here we do not have a lasting city, we must needs let go and let God. He that neglects this throughout life is like one who is left at the train station; but he that studies to show himself approved of God insures himself a sure foundation against that day. For that day will come, and at what hour we know not, that we will want not to have missed that train. For he that reaches that turning point often has that inward sense of seasons, and when the ice thaws may we not miss the boat, if the boat be missing now, let us watch and pray, till our ship comes in, that we be not left behind having hugged that bottle till the end, and that we not be found unprepared and drunken in that time of visitation.
Member: Mike B
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 1:29:56 AM
I'm new here, as well as new to AA. I have less than 30 days sobriety, but the idea of Letting go, and letting God makes a lot of sense. I had to let go of the concept that I had my drinkng under control, and now I have to let Him take over my life. I am just starting on the long road to recovery, and while I know that I can only live one day at a time, the only way to do that is to "Let go & let God!" Great topic guys. especailly for a newbie!
Member: Michele
Location: ca
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 1:53:43 AM
Hi everyone, Michele here trying to pull my life together after a bad relapse. I got about 36 hours now. I just moved back to my old house and my now husband hates it. I know it's either to choose him or to pick up a drink. Do you guys know that moving is second as far as stress is involved. First of course is divorce. Bobo, you break my heart. This is in my opinion the best topic I've read yet because of the duality that exists between giving up what you think you have in order to get what you really want. thanks for the share. good luck to all of us.
Member: Jan S
Location: Australia
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 3:52:18 AM
Keep going, Michele - 36 hrs is wonderful. Be true to yourself - pray or meditate and listen to your heart and HP.
Member: Rick K.
Location: Mesa, Az
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 11:06:20 AM
I'm Rick K. and I am an alcholic. Letting go of kaos and unmanagability, this was a welcome relief in my life. Like many others in this program I had to try to work the program a few times before I was ready to let go. It was like I had to prove it to myself that getting drunk only caused major problems in my life. The proof was right in front of me each time I began to drink again. I pray that each and everyone in this program finally decide to let go because until you do it doesn't work.
Member: Mike K.
Location: Canada
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 3:39:57 PM
Hi mike here, an alcoholic. First time to this site, and I like what I hear. i have been traveling around the globe for awhile, 4 months now, and have learned so much from AA's wherever I journeyed. I read a post from a cyber café while in Canada and it really got me thinking, thinking about how, in the end it is only me and a God of my understanding that I must reckon with each 24. Sometimes truth seems so simple and pure when I'm not filtering the message.
I get a clear focused message too, when I'm in mountains experiencing nature... the peace i find when I'm there... it brings me closer to my Higher Power, ...it brings me back to focus on what I am really about, my purpose for being.
Surrender to experience and accept life as it truly is, ...let go and let God direct my path and I shall not falter.
Member: Lynn S.
Location: Port O'Connor,Tx
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 5:59:25 PM
Hello I am Lynn A Greatfull Alcoholic. I am so glad to find this site! This is great! So many different voices to hear from! I love this topic! Let Go & Let God! Change is hard for many and moving and getting married.. wow.. but you do have some time under your belt to help. I just moved from houston about 5 years ago and I and just now feeling where God is leading me. You are lucky being there because there are so many meetings and things going on there to be involved in. In fact there is a wonderful conference coming up in October called Heart To Heart at Camp Cullen on Lake Livingston. It is all women and it is AA & Al-Anon. Come on!! We are the winners in this deal and have a mission. I fought mine for a long time and then gave in to start a meeting here in our Little Community. Really loosing my anonymity here. That was hard, but it has proved to be the right thing to do. I went from all the meeting I could go to, to having in my general area of two meetings a week? Now we have three. I can drive further and go to more ( which I would of done if I wanted a drink) but I do whatever it takes and put my sobriety first! I would not have anything without it! To let go for me, I have to do it on a more tangeable basis; I made a God Can and then I write it down on paer and ask God to take it by placing it in the box. If I still hold on to it, I take it out of the can and burn it! I then can let it go! Kim, I do hope you can get involved there in Houston and come to the conference in October. Hang in there, it will get better. Rick, you must know that there is something to this or you wouldn't keep coming back. We all think we can handle it at first, but we cant! Take it One Day At A Time! I fought it 10 min. at a time for a long time. Meeting markers make it! Keep going to meetings and go to different ones until you find one you like and then stay with it. If I cant control it, and it controls me, then I dont want it! Life is good! I have not found it necessary to take a drink since August 27th, 1987, and for that I am truly grateful. This si wonderful, so glad to be a part of it! Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Tony L.
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 9:54:04 PM
Hello to all - Letting go and Letting me happens when I become to complacent in the program. I try to keep reminding myself who I'am and hang out with the winners in the program so I can stay on a positive frame of thinking. I'm very grateful just for today that I didn't have to pick up a drink (even though the temp was 102). I say the 3rd step prayer each morning and night on my knees to thank my higher power keeping me sober another day. So for those who get caught up in how much time others have - please don't - we only have today! Have a beautiful SOBER DAY!!!
Member: ????????
Location: hopefull
Date: 9/21/00
Time: 10:02:54 PM
i sure wish god would come into my head and heart,it would make life eaiser,maybe i got no faith.
Member: Sheri F
Location: Cold windy Portland,OR
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 12:52:15 AM
Aloha Bobo, I'm Sheri and alki, hoale who had to return to the mainland to care for my Mom until her death and one thing I liked about the Big Island, only 400 miles of road and you can go only so far.. Locals know who you are, what you are and Where you are.. Just remember drinking won't help your grandson or you. I had to put my children in my God's hands and TRUST that HE would care for them for me It was my job not to drink, trust my HP, and walk thru this life. I'll be thinking of you and my prayers are with you and all others that are hurting. Love and prayers, Sheri F. slfrey@Yahoo.com
Member: Tom H.
Location: Paso Robles, Ca.
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 1:46:01 AM
Letting go & letting God fulfills the point of the program,ie;that we continue to grow along spiritual lines.A good sponsor & new friends are yours for the asking,Sacramento has a lot of good A.A.Good luck!
Member: Shraga
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 3:37:25 AM
I live in NY and I am supposed to go for a job interview in West Chester, PA. I am a little nervous about it. I did not work for over 1 and a third years. (Except for the Census Bureau as an enumerator for a month, if you consider that work.) I have to go by public transportation as I do not own a car and never had a license. I have 4 and a half months not drinking.
Member: Joe O.
Location: EASTERN CANADA
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 5:48:06 AM
HI I am Joe an alcoholic, to Skarga remember when you are a member of A.A. you have over two million people who support you with their prayers your hopes and dreams of a new life. Go forward with our strength we are with you even if we have never meet.
Member: Kelly F.
Location: Brussels
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 6:04:42 AM
Hi all Kelly F./alcoholic.
I saw Shraga's post and ???????? and wanted to say hello and welcome to the meeting.
Shraga - congratulations on your 4 1/2 mos!! That's terrific. Thanks to AA (my f2f AND this site) I'm 9 1/2 mos sober. Also, good wishes and prayers for a safe trip to your job interview. Boy do I know about nerves, but this topic of letting go is appropriate. I ask my higher power (whom I call God), to help me keep my mind clear and to help me find the right words at times when I feel nervous. I also ask for guidance that I listen to his answers on how or what I should be doing -- His will, not mine, so even if things don't always work out I know that it will be ok. You're showing a lot of courage and action to get your life back. Know that your higher power will be there for you. Good luck!
???????? in hopefull - you may have questions, but at least you're in "hopefull". That's a good sign. Letting go can help God/Your Higher Power come in to your heart and head. The program will help you nurture your hope back into faith.
Letting go is a perfect topic for me and the basis of the discussion is appropo -- I moved overseas 5 years ago (first to Greece), for my husband's career, with a month-old baby. Left a job, school, family, friends (and Must-see t.v...lol..does NBC still advertise like that?)It was a disaster waiting to happen as I could not accept life on life's terms. It didn't happen overnight, but my disease slowly took over. Four years later, and another move to Beligum, I was drinking every day and taking pills. For nearly 9 mos I lived in this hellish nightmare until one day I knew that I would die, but I don't think I wanted to.. I really don't know. All I do know is at that moment, I knew my daughter and husband deserved better. I got treatment and through AA I've discovered that maybe I, too, deserved better. I struggle daily accepting the differences in living in a foreign country, but today I don't have to drink or take pills. I pray for guidance and sobriety and try to accept that I am not in charge and to get out of the way.
Thanks for letting me share.
Member: joanie o
Location: portland pa.
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 7:48:29 AM
Dear Kim V. sighn up for the nearest coffee commitment and get to know some fellow AA members with love missjoanie
Member: he is
Location:
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 3:38:58 PM
~*~~*~*~~*~~*~*~~~~*~~*~~*~*~**~~*~~*
he is the spinkster at the coffee pot
Member: Toni R
Location: Swansea, Wales
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 4:58:32 PM
Kim
Hi I'm Toni and have only recently admitted that I am an alcoholic. I too have had a similar experience. I moved 160 miles away from my home town to be with a man and recently I married him too. I feel very isolated where I am and as I do not mix very easily I am constantly wondering if I have done the right thing. If it wasnt for the support of my husband I would have given up and moved back to where all my problems were and would probably end up drinking again to block them all out. Change is for the better and GOD moves in mysterious ways. I know there was a reason for me leaving my home town ... that was so that I could go through treatment without the worry of being talked out of it. 23 weeks later I am starting Step 1 and feel wonderful. Try attending an AA meeting close to home and discussing how you feel there. You may surprise yourself. Take care!!!
Member: Pass it on!!
Location: Everywhere
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 5:19:34 PM
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! 7) As much as she glorified herself and waxed wanton so much give unto her torment and grief:__ because in her heart she saith__ I sit a queen and widow am I not and grief in nowise shall I see; 8) therefore in one day shall advance her plagues,__ death and grief and famine! And with fire shall she be burned up__ because mighty is the Lord God who hath judged her! Rev 18:1-8
Member: Amen and Amen!!
Location: Hither, thither and yon!
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 5:25:36 PM
That is indeed a good example!
Yea! "LET GO AND LET GOD!!"
Member: amen amen
Location: hither dither an don
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 5:35:30 PM
amen amen i say to demonic spirits cast thouest awayest fromest all,and free us from whoredom oh yaest
Member: hk
Location:
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 5:39:15 PM
toni r., were drugs also a part of the problems?
h.k.
Member: AT SEA
Location: IN A STORM
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 8:05:10 PM
wheres gilligan?,the skipper too,a milionaire, and his wife,a moviestar,the professer,and maryann.....are they still on gilligans island?
Member: Bill F
Location: N E OHIO
Date: 9/22/00
Time: 9:41:34 PM
My name is Bill Im Alkie. WE live one day at a time and Let Go and Let GOD one day at a time wherever we are. that includes even if we move.
Member: Rick
Location: Texas
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 12:08:43 AM
Hello, My name is Rick, and I am an alcoholic. I have been reading the entries this week, and trying to hold to the one entry per week rule. I have a grand total of six days of abstinence! I appreciate those of you who addressed me earlier this week – especially Cheryl. You asked some good questions, which I have been carefully considering the answers to.
I have been under a tremendous amount of pressure at work, and without my nightly drink, I have been having great difficulty going to sleep. Too much to do, not enough time, dire consequences if anything goes wrong. I think I may have been using the alcohol to cope with the stress and anxiety. Negative coping to be sure.
During these times, some of the slogans I have heard help me to stay true to my new sobriety. I have certainly been praying and trying to “let go and let God”. Someone had written earlier this week (and I paraphrase), “There is no problem so bad that alcohol can’t make it worse!” I can’t tell you how many times I have repeated that one to myself on the way home after a hard day.
Thanks again to all of you.
Member: Clark E.
Location: Oakland (from Durham, NC)
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 12:30:27 AM
Clark, alcoholic. Thank you all for being there. I'm on the road in Oakland and am really doing the "poor me's." This topic helps me, I've been on this trip since 9/10 and won't be home to NC for another week. I miss my wife but there is nothing that I can do about changing the trip. I like what some of you have said about being where God wants you to be. This must be where I'm supposed to be, so I may as well accept it and do the job I'm here to do. Thanks again, Peace
Member: th
Location:
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 12:52:42 AM
clark, have you seen giligan there in oakland? we cant find him anywhere on the island.
thurston howell 111
Member: connie p
Location:
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 3:38:32 AM
Hi I'm Connie, This is a great topic, it really makes you think To let go and let god, to hand over to a power greater than yourself. To finally admit you need help and to become will ing.
Member: Guy L.
Location: Payson, Arizona
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 3:48:24 AM
Hi all, Guy, Alcoholic, I have learned that i fit the statement on page 52 that talks about my human problems. Then each morning I make a choice. The same choice that is on page 53. I also talk to my sponsor a lot and other AA's about whats going on in my life. My thinking got me drunk and so I do not trust my thinking anymore. I believe that God shows me the way I am to go each day and I try to do the next right thing as it is made known to me. I read the book daily and like what Doctor Paul had to say in Doctor, Alcoholic Addict. Acceptance is the key to my peace of mind everyday.
By the grace of a loveing God throught AA, I have been sober 3890 days. And I pass.
Member: Cheryl
Location: California, KY
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 9:48:06 AM
Cheryl Addict/alcoholic, Sorry for posting again. I just have to say that part where you let God do for you is really cool! He puts things (action) infront of you and sorta makes you get off your ass and do it! Yesterday, I made the decision to make the "circle of Miracles" at The Promises Club my home group. So I went to the Group Conscience meeting. Well I guess I should tell you that when I was using, I was horrible with money. I would spend every penny on dope and alcohol. Well, check this out! The group accepted me and at the same time asked me to be the treasurer. Now, that was surely a God thing. It's so ironic but whatever it takes. He will just pop up in your life and let you know---Hey I'm here, now get off your ass and do this thing! I am now the treasurer for the group. Not a big job or anything I just take the collection to the safe after each meeting. No big deal! He's just helping me work on some of the things He knows I need help with. Thanks GOD!!!!!!!!! And thanks to all of you who read and Listen!
Member: Christine W
Location: Westchester, NY
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 10:06:12 AM
I want to thank Cheryl for sharing that because I just did my 3rd step last night and I felt a sense of total peace! This isn't the first third that I've taken. I was "trying to be sober" for almost 1 year and took it then, but now oh, my it blew me away. I don't ever have to be alone anymore if I have my Higher Poer which today I choose to call GOD!
Member: Mike A.
Location:
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 3:10:03 PM
Hi I'm Mike and I'm an alcoholic. First of all thank you Kim for the topic and welcome to all the newcomers. This is my first time sharing in any on-line meeting of any sort, and to be quite honest I really have no experince to share on the topic of major goegraphical moves.other than hearsay, and my initial shock of stepping into AA.
Not to long ago I was in a meeting with a visitor from out of town. He was sharing about how going to meetings away from home reminded him of being a newcomer. He had to get the courage up to walk into room full of people he did't know and share his experience, strength, and hope with them.
After hearing your situation my only questions would be what did you do as a newcomer? And how did you meet people in New York?
Member: Kerri J.
Location: Crescent city CA
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 7:36:36 PM
Heloo my name is Kerri and i am an alocoholic. I have felt the same way several times in my recovery. I think any major decision is uncomfortable for an aolcoholic of my type. C ause we only changed if it hurts bad enough or we get tired of doing it. The program says keep it simple do what is right in front of you and become part of the solution not more of the problem.
Member: Kerri J.
Location: Crescent city CA
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 8:40:02 PM
Heloo my name is Kerri and i am an alocoholic. I have felt the same way several times in my recovery. I think any major decision is uncomfortable for an aolcoholic of my type. C ause we only changed if it hurts bad enough or we get tired of doing it. The program says keep it simple do what is right in front of you and become part of the solution not more of the problem.
Member: Kate H.
Location: Norristown, PA
Date: 9/23/00
Time: 10:24:08 PM
Hi Everyone! My name is Kate H. and I'm an alcoholic. My home group is the Fifth Chapter Group in Norristown, PA.
I find my negative thoughts paint everything I see. For those of you having a hard time moving to another area, I can suggest what I did when meetings were starting to get to me, too. I prayed before I entered the meeting, "Dear God, I ask you for an open mind." then I would go in and try to find someone who is hurting. It always helps to get out of our heads and to offer sympathetic understanding. To all of us who hate change, remember to pray for an open mind.
Member: Angela P.
Location: Payson, Arizona
Date: 9/24/00
Time: 2:31:48 AM
Hi,Angela alcoholic. Change was hard in the beginning, it took practice. Things like reading pgs. 86,87,88, keep it simple, get back to the basics. One of the important things for me to remember is my attitude, the 3rd step prayer reminds me God's in charge I'm not. He has us carry the message where ever we are, so focus on God's will and seeing on what can be packed into the stream of life today. "When I stopped living in the problem & began living in the answer, the problem went away." pg 449 Thanx for letting me share. Angela
Member: Chris H.
Location: Fla.
Date: 9/24/00
Time: 2:39:18 PM
Hi all---I'm Chris .Iam an alcoholic and an addict and a Bulimic---Good topic. I am learning...Esp. with my Kids...Today was a miracle..MY 21 yr. old son who has just moved out of the house to be on his own...Called me last night to ask me if I wanted to go to church wiÝh he and his roommates!!!...Who would have ever thought that on one of their first weekend out of the house---they would have wanted to go to Church!!!I guess God does a better jop than I can..I am truley greatful for this miracle!!! I am learning right now to "Let go and Let GOd"---DOn't know if I'm doing a very great job, but I'm learning--Progress not perfection!!! I find my self house bound again with a chronic health problem and I HATE it. However, I am trying to accept it and see what I can learn from it...even though I am clawing all the way!!! It's pretty easy to get depressed , but I am tr ying. SOme times I feel a like I am fighting my HP all the way,and sometimes i'm o.k at letting go. Right now I feel like I am fighting, so I am glad that this sight is here and that this is the topic. I am trying to live in the present and not worry about the future or feel bad about the past. IT is hard though!! Thanks for letting me share and thanks form being here!!
Member: alan g
Location: england
Date: 9/24/00
Time: 4:12:07 PM
hi i'm alan an alcoholic i wish that i had never taken that first drink,for all the hassle that it's caused me over the last 14 years.the grief that it's caused everyone around me.one day at a ttime they say ,i'll have to get myself along to some meetings because i lost the plot somewhere along the line without aa's help.
Member: Ben H
Location: S E Tx
Date: 9/24/00
Time: 7:29:19 PM
For me letting go is the trick. I often don't know what to let go of. I know for sure that God does for me what I can not do for myself, but I also know for sure that He will not do for me what I CAN do for myself, ie, my part, the work, that stuff I don't WANT to do. One of the things that I least like to do is trudge through the inventory and sponsor work that is necessary to identify just what I need to let go of. So, I often start by saying something like, "Well, Father, here I am again. Can't tell what's happening, but I feel the old me coming back. Please point me in the right direction and give me what You know I need to do what You want me to do." Usually, pretty soon the pencil and paper show me what it is that is blocking me from the Sunlight. It is almost always some FEAR, which is really only a lack of faith. But I have to see for myself just what it is that I am afraid of to "let it go". And I have to share it with someone who knows me well enough to call me on my BS. And I have to make amends because I set the train in motion myself. In short, I do the 10th step. Bless you.
Member: Dennis B.
Location: Los Angeles
Date: 9/24/00
Time: 8:37:34 PM
My name is Dennis and I'm an alcoholic. I can relate to your situation. I just relocated from Memphis to Los Angeles two months ago. The first call I made was to AA and went to a meeting. I found that AA in California was not the same. I went to different meetings everyday with no luck. I found them to be "BB,CC or DD" meetings. I don't know what they were, but they sure as hell weren't AA meetings. My sponsor told me to keep trying and keep sticking my hand out. I complained and complained till he told me "why don't you quit being so selfish, and go to help someone else". That hurt. But as soon as I started to carry the message, I was blessed with a new man (he left at the break and drank a pint). Every since then, I've found numerous meetings with good sobriety and my "irritable, restless and discontent" attitude has been replaced with serenity and peace. I find that when I go about my father's business, he always takes care of mine. "We'll be with you in the fellowship of the spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as we trudge (walk with a purpose) the road OF happy destiny. May God bless you and keep you till then"