Member: Geri W
Location: Virginia
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 05:55:34
Hello family. I'm Geri, a very grateful alcoholic. The twelve step is critical to my staying sober. Because I have had that spiritual awakening that madates that I practice the principles in all of my life. I have to remember that I am the only Big Book that some folks might see. When I am asked how I manage to remain serene during the chaos, kind to those who are hurtful and find the time to help others, I tell folks that I'm a friend of Bill W. - and the program that has allowed me to live. Hugs
Member: Ladd G
Location: Wetumpka Al
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 08:45:15
To practice these principles...I forget sometimes,this can be proof to the world that this program really works.To show the power God can have and with his help accomplish the imposiable,after all I havent had a drink all day.I often forget that the way I live carries a greater message than enything I could ever say.
Member: Diane D
Location: san diego
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 08:54:11
The most important part of the step, haveing had a spritual awakening as a result of these steps to all new comers i believe it mean no awakening till all steps completed. Our primary purpose in A.A. is to carry the message to the acholoic who still suffers and in my case I did not even begin to grow in humility, love & compassion until I started to give it away. helping others not only gives me a daily reprieve, it also allows me to 1.Help others with no strings attached and 2. Really put principals before personalities. I want to say thankyou to all the oldtimers who picked me up and by their example made me a very active member in aa. 17 yrs ago.
Member: Kevin H.
Location: Philadelphia,Pa.
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 10:35:13
Hi everyone! Kevin, alcoholic. Thank you to those who have already shared,GOOD STUFF!!!! My experience with Step 12 continues to be part of a marvelous journey! This step,to me,is when I can fully reap the fruits of both the Fellowship and the Program! As I continue to TRY to practice these principals and be the best example of AA as I can I can at last be a part of life,living in Peace with those around me! Living with little fear, something I NEVER thought I could do! I (on most days) can be a husband to my wife,a father to my children,a brother to my brothers, a son to my parents, a co-worker to my co-workers,an employee to my employer,---basicaly,a human being to human beings! THANK GOD for this WAY OF LIFE (12 Steps). The greatest part of this life is helping others. To work with someone and watch their lives change while learning more about myself in the process. I often felt worthless and useless through out my life, but God continues to give me the Power to be helpful to others which relieves me of these ill-feelings when I choose to stay out of myself and practice this Way of Life!!It's a BEAUTIFUL WAY OF LIFE!!!!!!Thank you everyone and God Bless.
Member: Kate T.
Location: Wisconsin
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 15:17:16
Thank God there is purpose! Today that purpose is in learning how to get out of myself by being available to others, no matter what my plans may be. Step 12 helps me stay awake and aware, lest I be caught up in self and not helpful to others. Working with others reinforces my growth by taking me back into the steps with those I sponsor. They then become my teachers, as I get yet another chance to learn more about myself, become more honest, more willing, more patient, more understanding. Yep, when the phone rings I have to put aside my drama and get into the trenches. For me, this is vital to continue to grow along spiritual lines, the message of aa flows like a stream, and I must flow with the current, or I will grow weary of treading water trying to stay in one place.
Member: Jack c Wanderers 3
Location: Friendship Wi
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 18:25:58
Hello everybody---jack c here an alcoholic.-----There are three parts to stwp 12.----Namely---Spiritual awakening----Carry Message----Practice Principals. The whole thing is a big order to chew on. It takes time, and effort and willingness. Somewhere along the line we learn that there is only one way to keep the program, not two ways, not three ways. What is it ? IT IS TO BE EVER BUSY GIVING THE PROGRAM AWAY.----There are no orders, there are no must do its, there is only our willingness to do it. Isn't that in itself, most wonderful ?
Member: Mark B.
Location: NH
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 20:07:08
Hello all. My name is Mark and I am an Alchoholic. I am relatively new to the program (4+ months) - and this is my first post on an A.A. related board. I would just like to say thank you all for being here. I am ill - and could not make it to my regular Monday meeting. Thank you for posting - I really enjoyed reading.....
Member: Ross S.
Location: So. Dak.
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 21:14:47
As it says in the 12 & 12, action is the key word in this step. To me that means prayer - going to meetings and not drinking. And then maybe I will have an opportunity to give away what I have. God bless.
Member: Dave J
Location: Anaheim Ca
Date: 08 Feb 1999
Time: 22:58:52
Dave, alcoholic. Helping others is the foundation stone of my recovery. I saw it in action at my first meeting and I've since read that passage in the BB. The principles I've gained as the result of my S.A. are that I may not know when I'm doing right, but there is never a doubt when I'm doing wrong. I am not a saint, but I am the best Dave that I have ever been. KCB.dj
Member: Mary L
Location: Washington
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 09:52:26
Hi Mary sober alkie here! For me step 12 maintains my spirtuial condition, for it is a fragile state that I have let slip away many times before in my life. I had a very rude spirtual awaking 24 years ago, when the power of the other side revealed itself to me, showing me the reality of it all. Even though I absolutly knew the truth of the other side I still turned my back on it. HP is very patient and it wasn't until my alcholic lifestyle led me to my bottom that I cried out to the God that I new was still there, for help. He didn't let me down. These days I try to do as he would have me do,and my life has never been fuller! I'm so grateful for what he has done I want to return that gratitude to him(her, it , whatever),by helping others. The others he has put in my life are mostly drunks or recovering drunks.I ask what I can do to help, as I have been helped. If I didn't do this it would be like slapping him in the face for all he has done for me. For sure, I,m no Saint but I try for progress for being complacent means death for this alkie. I am truly grateful for this program and all that are in it. Thanks for being here for me. AA Hugs Mary L.
Member: Pierre S.
Location: Grapevine, TX
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 12:32:33
I'm an Alcoholic and my name is Pierre .
This is a wonderful topic but I think it's interesting ( and maybe sad ) that at this writing there are only 10 posts on this topic since Feb. 7 .
If you look over at the Coffee Pot where there seems to be a lot of recent venom and controversy, there are at least that many posts in an HOUR !
Our literature tells us that the joy of living is the theme of the 12th Step. Here is the promise that as THE result of practicing the other 11 Steps we have had a Spiritual Awakening, which of course is the crux of Recovery. A personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism.
This is the message of hope that we need to carry as we continue to practice these spiritual principals in our daily lives. That's the message we carry when working with another alcoholic and unless we "give it away" we don't "keep it" .
Surely there are more folks out there with experience with Step 12 . . . .I hope !
Love and prayers to all.
Member: Jean J.
Location: Portland,OR
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 16:38:06
I agree that "action" is the key. Not only in the 12th step but in the entire program. I spent alot of time wishing things were different, but I had to take action to make it happen. The first few years of being in the program I immersed myself in AA. Everything I did, everyone I saw was in AA. I did service work whenever possible in several meetings and worked with quite a few people. In the last few years While my frequencey to meetings has tappered off, I still talk to people in the fellowship almost everyday and live my life with the daily guidance of HP. I try to be of service to my fellow man, alcoholic or not. This step will always mean so much to me and I feel that it binds the fellowship together. For when we join hands our fellowship and spirituality strengthens. God bless you all.
Member: Lynn C.
Location: Southern Illinois
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 17:54:39
Hello fellow trudgers,
Thank you Pierre, you have inspired me to share hear on a recent "Awakening" I have had. So much has happened in the last month, I will try to keep it short, haven't shared here in a long time.
I thought I was on the 9th step moving to the 10th, I was wrong. There was something I couldn't find all the willingness with- 8th step " ,and became willing to make amends to them all"
I was still holding some resentment, but coundn't understand why. Being willing to go to any lengths, I sought the soure of this dilemma. What I found was that something someone had done had re-awakened a very old would that had never been healed, even in almost 12 years of soberity, I guess I had just adapted and found new way to stuff feeling,, even using the serenity prayer to do this not knowing I was doing it, I was accepting things, but leaving feelings unresolved in the process.
So I decided to confront some of my original pain, so I would be able to let go of my current resentment. When I did this I had to go back 30 years to meet pain with Love, when I did this all my emotion were Awakened, it wa s as if they had been dead for thirty years, I feels so good to be able to cry and laugh, now when I laugh, it is hearty, I feel it with my whole body.
What happened to me really involved all the steps, I was on 8, got sent back to 1, and then back through 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, in the process I got this incredible gift, the gift of having my feeling back, and that is an Awakening that I am very greatful to this program, the fellowship, the steps and my HP which I choose to call "Love" today.
Sincerely,
Lynn C.
Member: George B
Location: Minnesota
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 18:12:49
The most challenging 12th step work for me is practicing these principles in ALL my affairs.
Treating people in the fellowship with love is relatively easy to remember to do.
Treating people outside the fellowship with love, honesty, and unselfishness and not reacting with fear/resentment/anger/etc is something I will likely be working on forever...
I recall that the people who wrong me are perhaps spritually sick, and ask how I can be helpful to them. (BB p.66-67) A rereading of pp 449-450 on "acceptance" never hurts, and continuing through 452 reminds me that the power of positive thinking really works as part of my program: the more I focus my mind on someone's defects, the more the defects grow and multiply. When I focus on what's good today, I have a good day, and when I focus on what's bad, I have a bad day (and the people around me probably know it. If I focus on a problem, the problem increases; if I focus on the answer, the answer increases.
Understanding is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right action is the key to good living; therfore the joy of good living is the theme of AA's 12th step (12x12 pg 125).
Thanks to all who share here to teach me about the joy of living!
Member: KERRY F.
Location: DELAWARE
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 18:36:18
HELLO MY NAME IS KERRY AND I AM A ALCOHOLIC.I OFTEN HAVE THE PLEASURE OF PRACTICING THE 12TH STEP AS THE HOME GROUP I BELONG TO IS GEARED TOWARD THE NEWCOMER IN THE PROGRAM.AND I GET A BIT OF A RUSH WHEN I AM ABLE TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE,STRENGHTH AND HOPE WITH THE ALREADY FRIGHTENED OUT OF THERE WITS NEWCOMER.AND CAN PROJECT TO THEM BY WAY OF MY WORDS AND ACTIONS THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER ALCOHOL.AND IF THEY SEE IN MYSELF AND OTHERS THAT ONE CAN BE HAPPY IN RECOVERY,PERHAPS THEY THEMSELVES WILL LATCH ON TO THIS WONDERFUL WAY OF LIVING.I ALSO NEVER FORGET TO MENTION THE MANY SMALL MIRICLES THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN MY LIFE UPON COMPLETION OF THE THIRD STEP.SOME OF WHICH WENT BEYOND COINCIDENCE.AND OF COURSE AS SAID IN THE BB,HELPING ANOTHER SICK ALCOHOLIC IS ONE OF THE WAYS I USE IN KEEPING MYSELF SOBER.THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE THIS EVENING.
Member: JeanieW
Location: So.Bend, Indiana
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 19:31:32
Hi-I'm Jeanie, an alcoholic. Just a thought to share.. This step, to me, is about walking the walk while talking the talk. I could never have done this without the tables. Even after all this time, I'm still amazed at what God has done for me through AA. See you across the table...
Member: Mike N.
Location: Lansing,Mi.
Date: 09 Feb 1999
Time: 22:57:06
I'm Mike and I'M AN ALCOHOLIC I WAS TOLD SERVE OR SUFFER,WHEN I WAS PRACTISING I SUFFERED ENOUGH.I have not been to a meeting in 3 months,not because they don't have them here,they have about 110 meetings a week around here.I had my last drink 11/23/80 still one drink away from a drunk.i get up every day and make the first three steps in to a prayer ,this has allowed me the gift of sobriety.God,Program and People thats how it works.i had my first awakening when the desire to drink went a way.
Member: Rick F.
Location: Mountains of NE PA.
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 09:05:03
I am writing to this groop, as I seem to have drifted away from the 2nd and 3rd. steps. I am not that comfortable within myself right now. Have long time soberity, + the fact that I do not want to go back to that old way of life. This has kept me from drinking. I think I will just hang around and read all these ( New to me shareings ) for a while.
Member: Liz G.
Location: Philadelphia
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 09:20:38
Hello family, I am new to this meeting and I am looking foward to sharing with everyone in this room soon since I am an alcoholic and need you all. Signed Liz G.
Member: Stefen P.
Location: Stroudsburg Pa
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 09:23:12
Im an alcoholic, and my problems Steve! I have been to this meeting sevral times and decided to share. The 12th step to me is all about service. Giving a ride when one is needed, making coffee when noone is there to make, opening a meeting and waiting for poeple to show, shareing experience,strength, and hope with people, asking for help when I need it. chairing a meeting, speaking etc. I try to do at least one of these everyday. The list of service is not confined to just coffee, chair, speak, or be an officer theres alot more and sometimes I don't even realize that I did a service. BUt as long as I do the next right thing I have a good chance to stay sobeer another twenty-four hours. Thank you to all that help to make this meeting possible. I love you all.
Member: DouglasJ
Location: Hyattsville, MD
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 09:38:34
Hi I'm Douglas, I have the disease of alcoholism. This is the 2nd time I've skulked around this site. This is my first time sharing. I prefer step meetings. I prefer to stick with the winners. The 12&12 says attending meetings is also a form of 12th step work. I'll also attend 2-3 more meetings today (1 of which is non-AA), for a typical total of 4-5 F2F AA mtgs/wk. My spiritual advisor (my name for my 2nd sponsor) has been sober >35yr. and goes to 3mtgs/wk, how can I justify fewer with only 12yr. sober?
The 12th step is the icing on the cake. Gratitude in action. Sharing the gift I've been given has resulted in the *best* experiences of my sobriety. This is where some of the promises come true for me: "I shall neither regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it." *because* "No matter how far down the ladder I've gone I can see how my experience can now help others."
12th step mtgs make me think of the 12 *questions* (which of course are in the 12th chapter of the 12&12 on p.112), and .... I'll shutup I'm not leading this meeting.
Member: Lynn C.
Location: Southern Illinois
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 09:41:58
Hi again fellow trudgers, I just wanted to add something to what I shared yesterday.
The pain I had been experiencing because I couldn't surrender to the situation, brought me to a point that I actually wanted to be drunk, this was the first time I have had that urge in over 11 years, drinking is not an option that I allow to linger in my mind. I never allow myself to forget just how miserable it was when I was out there. Actually I was on my way to see my sponsor at the time and one of those stupid drinking songs on the radio had brought that thought to mind.
This it what left me no choose but to deal with my original pain, If I wanted to maintain my sobriety and regain my sanity.
So for me, when the emotional pain is overwelming, if I remain "willing to go to any lengths" and asks for help from my sponsor, my HP and all my fellow trudgers. I just might find that the pain is a gift that will lead me to a new freedom and happyness, to a new Awakening.
Lynn C.
Member: Bill T.
Location: Point Pleasant W. V.
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 14:52:43
Itis my experience with the 12th step it is a maintenance step and my sobriety is contengent on the maintenance of a spiritual condition and I am in no better spiritual condition than whin when I am trying to help another alcohol achieve sobriety in AA Bill T.
Member: Tom A.
Location: Carlisle, AR
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 16:45:06
Good Afternoon! My name is Tom A. a grateful sober alcoholic today. I am thankful for all who venture in on this Staying Cyber 12 & 12 meeting each week. My personal journey in AA has brought me this conclusion that in all encounters with others there are three of us. There is a God of our understanding, there is you, and there is me. As a result of this learning, I try to practice the principles of what I've learned in AA in all of my affairs (Step 12), to place principles before personalities (Tradition 12), and remembering daily that God could and would if He were sought (Pertinent Idea C). Thank you group! And please remember this is a SUGGESTED PROGRAM of RECOVERY. Happy Daily Sobriety to all who venture here.
God Bless - Tom A. ate@gte,net
Member: Joan W
Location: Upstate NY
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 17:27:51
Hi everyone;
Thank you for this topic, and for all the inspiring sharing I have had the privlege of reading today.
When I first got sober, my first home group was on Thursday night with a beginner's meeting at 7:00 and a step meeting at 8:30. A woman who had near 40 years in the program at that time, suggested I might want to make an evening of it. I had bought the Big Book, but was so foggy that I couldn't understand what I was reading. That was Mary D. And she 12th stepped me as did the others in that group, and numerous other groups. Some have been with me through so much in the past 15 years.
My Spiritual Awakening came as the result of those who helped me to work the step. The importance of "carrying the message" was taught by the gentle and God directed guidance of Mary D. and the others. Mary passed away six years ago and she still has such a tremendous effect on the way I live my life. Now that's 12th step work! I try (not always succeed) in following the path these wonderful people laid out for me.
I'm sorry to be so wordy. I catch so much enthusiasm at this meeting.
God bless us every one.
Love, Joan
Member: Eileen G.
Location: Connetout
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 19:50:01
Am thinking of my sponsor (died 5 yrs ago) who talked a lot about"principles above personalities" remembering always that I am apersonality Wonder what she meant-- 26 years (sober) later I think I know! Hey. any seniors out there I'm 70 WOW my intention was to hang out for a few months. PEACE eileen
Member: l h
Location: midwest
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 20:32:11
Hi I am an alcoholic and I need more meetings!! This site really helps me..just reading all that you all share...The twelvth step has a lot in it I think....mainly to practice these principles in all our affairs...to practice living right and good lives!!!!
Member: russ slavik
Location: lakewood ,ohio
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 20:48:31
hi russs when i start in aa i have anything about aa but being in for 4years i have help people all i have learn so much about aa and the 12step and i am still learn and i am happy to be in aa all of your friend our in room.
Member: russ slavik
Location: lakewood ,ohio
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 20:49:29
hi russs when i start in aa i have anything about aa but being in for 4years i have help people all i have learn so much about aa and the 12step and i am still learn and i am happy to be in aa all of your friend our in room.
Member: Jim R.
Location: Chgo, Il.
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 22:29:07
It would be unwise to recommend working these 12 suggested steps out of order, but then again, the key phrase in this step, to me, is... having had a Spiritual awakening as a result from these steps... means that; if we're affected spiritually... or spiritually moved by the principals of this wonderful program... then we should try to carry the message to other suffering alcoholics... I'm twelf-stepped everytime time I attend meetings... and when I read your posts here at the pot... Thanks for being here everyone!
Yours in the fellowship, Jim R.
Member: Sunny G
Location: NH
Date: 10 Feb 1999
Time: 23:37:35
Hi Liz G and everyone, I'm Sunny and this is also my first time writing. I too, am an alcoholic but have never been to a meeting. It's nice to know I'm not alone. Everyone sounds so comfortable with themselves and I hope I can find that peace in my life. God bless us.
Member: Jeannette
Location: Northern California
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 00:41:41
Hey everyone! I'm Jeannette, and am an alcoholic. My 1st time to this room...great thing you've got going here. Think I'll come back often!
I like the word "practice" in this step. Every day that I stay sober, I get a chance to practice living a good life. I don't have to PERFECT it, but can continue to practice the things AA has taught me, and is continuing to (if I let it!) And, by staying sober, I have choices in my life. I can continue to be in "living hell" by drinking and not following the guidelines of this program, or I can make it easier on myself, enjoy life, and be of service to others. The latter sounds better to me...how 'bout you?
Member: Terry G.
Location: Minneapolis Mn
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 01:25:44
In previous sobrieties i couldn't quite grasp the the concept of "carrying the message." I simply showed up, drank the coffee, ate the free cookies and was the first one out the door. I never put into the meetings. And yet I couldn't figure out why the promises weren't happening for me! When I came back into the program a little over three years ago my new sponsor shoved carrying the message down my throat. He didn't mean I had to start speaking or become a trusted servant or anything like that. But I was told to reach out to people with maybe even a day less sober than me. He told me to give rides to people who didn't have cars (I live in Minneapolis so warm cars are helpful in getting to meetings.) "Carrying the message" also meant making coffee, setting up chairs, breaking down chairs, cleaning up, etc. It was when I started taking these actions that my life changed. I continue to do these things today to keep the great life that this program has given me.
Member: Robert N. 12/10/98
Location: The Colony TX.
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 02:52:18
Bill W. told Searcy, Searcy told Randy, and Randy told me TRUST GOD, CLEAN HOUSE, HELP OTHERS. Makes sense to me.
Member: Bonnie C - 5/30/80
Location: Seattle
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 12:21:45
Hi extended family, bonnie/alcoholic here ((ROOM-HUG)) I couldnt get this thing until i studied the big book over and over, so friends and i studied and studied this book. i hurt for alot of yrs in this program before the pain and emptiness went away but i perservered only after the pages that read *I must* were adhered to by me. they are must abide-144 - must act113 - must admit-xxvii - must apologize-115 - must be accompanied by action-93 - must be careful-86 - must be convinced-135 - must be done99 - must be entirely honest73 - must be hard on ourselves74 - must be honest146 - must be no reservations14,33 - on a better basis99 - on guard115 - rid of selfishness62 - willing69 - must believexxiv - must carry the vision 85 - must carry117 -change143 - come from a higher power - come from within95 - confess74 - decide for himself95 - decided these things90 - decide144 - feelxxvii - find a way out153 - find a spiritual basis of life44 - get along152 - go further85 - gowithus85 - have deptxxvi - help others159 -helpxxvii - keep sober83 - keep spiritually active156 - lose fear78 - make amends69 - not expect118 - not miss89 - not postpone75 - not shrink at anything79 - not shrink80 - or it kills us62 - present to othersxxiii -take the lead83 - try to repair the damage99 - walk in the path of spriitual progress100 ----- these are all musts in the big book, you dont have to want this program if you are an alcoholic but if you want the promises on 83&84 here are the musts, what an order! i cant go thru with it! you can and will if you want a better life. one must at a time. i still struggle at times to practice these principles in all my affairs but all i can do is try. noone is perfect, i wanted a better life and you folks said this is how i could get it. it works when i practice it. I had to try, for my life sucked when i got here, now there is hope and peace where there was none. Claim your gifts. If i can do it anyone can. love and hugs, bon -- Dear God please bless all who venture here. -- bonzoc@webtv.net
Member: Pierre S.
Location: Grapevine Tx
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 15:02:48
Thanks Bonnie. For a long time I heard there were only suggestions and no "musts" in AA. Someone with experience studying the BB started pointing out to me all the MUSTS in the book & I started to highlight them.
I'm a big fan of the two guys who do the travelling Big Book Study, Joe & Charlie and they point out that Bill W. "snuck" these "musts" into the BB himself, against the wishes of the others.
I'm grateful he did because it leaves no doubt, pulls no punches , and leaves no loopholes for Alcoholics like me to jump through . The instructions for recovery are clear.
Love and Prayers to all .
Member: Melissa L
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Date: 11 Feb 1999
Time: 18:50:22
Hi, my name is Melissa, I am alcoholic, and so very greatful that all of you left your comments here. It means a lot to me. I got kind of stuck on step 2 and 3, didn't go any further for a long time. Then I moved from NY to Arizona, BIG changes there. I recently met another woman at school (am college student at 32!) who asked me questions, and I was really ashamed that I couldn't help her more. So I decided to really do the rest of the steps too. So many people helped me, I really want to give back now. So I am in the midst of step 4, which looks like it will be a pretty long process. By the way, I had an "anniversary" last week, 2 years sober. This is an amazing program.
Member: Rick F.
Location: Mountains of NE PA.
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 10:09:12
Hi, Melissa,
The Following is MY VIEUPOINT ONLY and many may disagree ?
I have seen too many people stagnate on this 4th step.
I was lucky in that I joined a step groop that did one step a week and then went on to the next. By doing this myself I did not have to live in the pain that I uncovered for more than one week. By going on to the 5th step I recieved the relief, + Then I had something that I could change about myself, In the 6th and 7th. The next cycle around when I redid my 4th step I had a different set of problems.
Member: Terri O
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 11:20:31
Terri, alcoholic
I'm mad at oldtimers who do not go to meetings - I am new to sobriety and need your help desperately.
All I can think of, is what if no oldtimers bothered to come to meetings? Who would have helped me through these last nine months, another newcomer with a 50% probability of getting drunk again, who had never or only worked a few steps?
Please oldtimers, help us. It's a great chance for your alcholic ego to get a workout, you really do know more than us, and you don't have to make coffee, we take care of that.
Love to all in AA for helping me stay sober another day.
Member: Larry M.
Location: Virginia Beach
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 12:23:53
Larry, alcoholic
Much has already been said on Step 12. Just 2 thoughts to share:
1. To me, "...as a result of these steps" includes the 12th Step also, not just steps 1 thru 11. The importance of helping other alcoholics by carrying the message and doing service work was instilled in me early in sobriety. In Brooklyn, where I got sober, AA's often begin carrying the message (usually short speaking commitments of 10-20 minutes) and doing service work after as little as 90 days sober. Many of these people (incl myself at the time) often havent even begun thinking about a 4th Step yet. Carrying the message serves to help get us out of ourselves. It is an important part of the entire spiritual awakening, broadening and deepening the gradual awakenings achieved through working the other steps.
2. To me "...in all our affairs" means I'm now able to venture forth into the "real" world as a healthy, whole, recovered human being. This is where the rubber meets the road. I can't forget from whence I came, can't start thinking I'm cured, can't forget that I'm a fallible human being that'll never be perfect. But I have a new way of life and now it's time to go out and live it.
(I don't feel I'm yet able to say I'm "recovered". I'm still "recovering" - still have some 9th Step work to do and some tightening up on Steps 10 and 11 - but I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. It'll probably take years worth of additional work, but I have come to truly believe that I can eventually be restored to sanity if I keep working my program.)
Peace & Serenity
Member: ROBERT B
Location: N.B. CANADA
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 14:59:13
HI Im ROBERT an alcoholic.I just got a call from an old drinking buddy whos getting worried about his drinking.He knowes the way I used to drink and he knowes Ive got a 1 year annaversey coming up soon.If I can say the right things to people like this and get them to read a BB then I guess this is good 12 step work. Its one more good reason to stay away from that first drink and makes me feel good to be thought of as a good example. I sure as hell wasnt when I was drinking.
Member: DESTINE' W.
Location: HOUSTON, TX
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 15:53:49
Hello Fellow Alcoholics-
I have had a spiritual awakening as a result of the steps -- I'm not the same person that walked through the doors of AA a few years ago. I'm so glad that Step 12 says "we tried..." and "to practice...". This lets me off the hook when my mind says I'm perfect (ego) but my actions say differently. I believe that more & more I will be on the plain of inspiration and come to rely on it! Faith without works is dead!
Member: Pierre S.
Location: Grapevine Tx
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 16:13:03
To Robert B. This is a program of attraction rather than promotion. Our BEHAVIOR / the way we live , says a lot more about our recovery than the things we say .
This is a lot more obvious to the people who see the way we acted and lived BEFORE we came to AA.
You're absolutely right about being an example . This is what attracted me to the people in AA when I first got there 14 years ago. They seemed to be at peace with themselves and were happy and they had this WITHOUT needing to drink. That's really all I ever wanted.
It's hard to get someone to read the BB if they don't want to but if ther're curious about the change in you, that's when you can tell them where you learned a different way of life and if they want to know more THEY can find it in the book Alcoholics Anonymous.
Congratulations on your 1 year !
Love and prayers to all .
Member: Linda P (Traveler)
Location: Fresno, CA
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 17:46:52
Hi, Linda P, an alcholic.
Step twelve brings me around to sharing this wonderful program with others like I had been shown. Very gratifying indeed. Not only does that activity keep me sober and grateful, but has me practicing those desired principles that aid me to leading a balanced life sober.
Thanks for allowing me to share.
Member: richard m
Location: sarasota.fl.
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 19:14:32
hello my name is richard, i am an alcoholic!!!!!no one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence.....haveing had the spiritual awakening..we" tried "...sometimes we are not succesful...let thy will be done!!!!!the important thing....do not drink over a failure!!!!!!
Member: Robin Mc
Location: California
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 21:26:16
Robin, alcoholic. I'm very grateful to the folks who were in these rooms (cyber or otherwise!) when I came in on Feb. 13, 1994. As it says on our literature, "anytime someone reaches out their hand for help, I want the hand of A.A. to be there". I hope that the message keeps being carried successfully, since I've got kids, and who knows, they may need the hand of A.A. someday, too. I am very grateful to all who have so freely given to me...
Member: greg h.
Location: millwaukee, wiisconsin
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 21:55:20
hi everyone, this step is a hard one for me to work today. i have been in progam for a while. i have found out that God lets me screw up and hits me with a 4x4. and says GREG WAKE UP. i need to continue to relly onHim for the strength, wisdom and hope to get through each day. when i get on my knees annd say to Him that i can't do this anymore and llet Him take charge, life gets easier. i still need to work with some one to carry the message. that usually gets me out of my self pity and woes me syndrome. the last part of this step allows me to apply this program to the many other afflictions/defects i am still working on to change. this program has allowed me to look deeper than my alcoholism: being gay, sex and the proper use of sex, relationships and family issues that i haven't let go of yet and many other deeper conflicts. i agree that alcohol was just a symbol of the underlining issues and conflicts in my life. i need to work this program even harder now because i need to. i am praying for my life to get better and stronger. thanks and love in the program. greg h.
Member: Steve Q
Location: Western Hemisphere
Date: 12 Feb 1999
Time: 23:22:01
Late, tired, lonely....but sober.My first time surfing thru and it took reading only a few comments to feel my spirit bouyed, my self pity draining away, and a little silly for letting all the negative stuff encroach.I used to have the occassional drinking dream. Last night I had, beleive it or not, a step dream. The message was change. I had to change. I could not stay the same and get better. I became like the rough edged rock placed in the current of AA & recovery and ever so slowly the edges begin to smooth.Thank you all for being my river.
Member: Kristen H.
Location: Houston, TX
Date: 13 Feb 1999
Time: 00:21:30
Hi, My name is Kristen and I am an alcoholic. I only have 25 days sober, so I am just a baby in sobriety, but the 12th step means alot to me because it is what all the old-timers in my group are living by and therefore helping me, the newcomer. I love this program and could not have made it this far without the help of the people who came before me. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Kristen H.
Location: Houston, TX
Date: 13 Feb 1999
Time: 00:22:09
Hi, My name is Kristen and I am an alcoholic. I only have 25 days sober, so I am just a baby in sobriety, but the 12th step means alot to me because it is what all the old-timers in my group are living by and therefore helping me, the newcomer. I love this program and could not have made it this far without the help of the people who came before me. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Chris P.
Location: Willingboro, NJ
Date: 13 Feb 1999
Time: 13:17:18
Hi, My name is Chris and I am an alcoholic and addict. I would to thank everyone who has shared. This is the first time I have been to an AA meeting on line, its pretty neat. I love the 12th step, not becuase I am there yet (I just celebrated 1 year on the 3rd.) but becuase of everyone before me working the step and helping me in my recovery. If it wasn't for this program I don't know where I'd be.
I just was diagnosed with MS and am having a hard time dealing with it, but if I use the program for that issue as well, I will be okay.
Thanks for letting me share
Member: ROBERT B
Location: NB CANADA
Date: 13 Feb 1999
Time: 15:17:58
Robert B Alcoholic Would just like to say that I just discovered this meeting this week and already it has become a part of my program.I have to do all I can to live this new life and hold on to my sobriety.Half measures availed me nothing.Its good to hear from a guy with 14 years sobriety like Pierre S from Grapevine TX that Im doing something right.
Till next time
Member: Ana A.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Date: 13 Feb 1999
Time: 18:16:22
My name is Ana and I'm an alcoholic and it's my first time to be "in a meeting" on line. It's a funny feeling to share like this. The Steps for me are the orientation I needed to have a good and useful life and for that I'm very grateful."Having had a spiritual awakening..." - for me it was to begin to look at the world in a different way - nothing changed and yet everything changed because I began to change...Thank you for this oportunity of sharing and more 24 hours
Member: BRANDIE A.
Location: HOPE, ARK.
Date: 13 Feb 1999
Time: 23:44:22
Hi I am Brandie, an alcohalic! I just got out of treatment yesturday. I had been sober for two and a half years before. I ust wanted to say to the newcomers ALWAYS KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUR HP AND DONT STOP GOING TO MEETINGS. LOVE YA BRANDIE A.