Member: Perry H.
Location: Pocono Mts, PA
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 12:45:04 AM
Hello, My name is perry and I'm a grateful recovering alcoholic. As a topic this week I have chosen the following passage from our 12x12. I hope for some great feedback on this one, because most of the time, I am at a loss.
From our 12&12
It is a spiritual axiom , that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us. If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also. But are there no exceptions to this rule? What about "justifiable anger"? If somebody cheats us, aren't we entitled to be mad? Can't we be properly angry with self- righteous folk? For us of A.A. these are dangerous exceptions. We have found that justified anger ought to be left to those better qualified to handle it.
These emotional "dry benders" often led straight to the bottle. Other kinds of disturbances--jealousy, envy, self-pity, or hurt pride- did the same thing. (end of reading from 12 &12)
Well, well, well........... I guess the only thing I can offer is that when I am fortunate enough to catch myself on a jag of anger, I can call my sponsor and let it all out. I have found out that the anger will always come out... always.... and I must direct it properly or it will result in me drinking or hurting the ones I love.
I bet indeed old Bill and Bob would have loved to be on this cyber meeting... They are for sure watching out after us all. Love: Perry in Pennsylvania
Member: Charlie D.
Location: NY
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 2:09:37 AM
We alcholics can't afford the luxury of anger envy , etc. because it leeds us to that danger point we all can't go to. We have to realize that bad things happen to good peole and understand where the other person is comming from too! Maybe that guy that just cut you off just had an emergency call from home, or is late for work and on the verge of being fired. Whatever the reason we have to control how we react to these events if we are to stay sober. Live and let live comes into play here also. And let me tell you that the serenity prayer gets an awfull lot of use at these times with me . But a know what? It works if we work it!
Member: Lisa G.
Location: Little Rock, AR
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 6:02:15 AM
I was so relieved when I found others with the same affliction as I, In AA I have learned a new way of life, no longer is just about me, but as the first word of the first step says it is a we program. God has allowed me to become selfless, when I choose to, and this is what keeps me going, helping others. May I meet you on the Happy Road of Destiny!
Member: Karen J.
Location: Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 7:27:56 AM
Hi, my name is Karen and I too have been afflicted with the wonderful disease of alcoholism. Is there such a thing as justifiable anger? Everytime I try to justify anger, it always gets me in trouble. I learned when I first came to AA to stop and take thirty seconds out. Just this short time can really change an alcoholics thinking. What seemed to be so terrible in thirty seconds, wasn't so bad after all. Thanks for letting me share, Karen
Member: Bob C.
Location: Central AZ.
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 9:30:08 AM
If we take anger to the point where we intimadate someone we can get a high off that. That is not good! Anythung that nakes us feel good or high is taking us toward a drink not away from a drink. AA gives me that little pause that lets me see that anger is taking me in the wrong direction.
Member: Gary K.
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 10:22:37 AM
As an alcoholic, I have to be very,very careful about any "justifiable" emotions, whether they be anger, self pity or others. With my well-developed skill of rationalization, I can justify just about anything. When I have moments of a supposedly justifiable emotion, my best bet is to talk to my sponsor who usually is able to show me that there is no justification and steers me back to an appropriate reading in the Big Book.
Member: John G.
Location: Ft. Laderdale
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 2:27:01 PM
If we were to live, we had to be free of anger. The grouch and he sudden rage were not for s. Anger is the dubious luxury of normal men, but for us alcoholics it is poison. BIG BOOK page 66.
Member: Marilyn P
Location: Charleston SC
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 3:43:16 PM
Marilyn Charleston I know anger will getme drunkThat paragraph is hard to read as I really want to have justified anger and I don't want it to be my fault. this is a really good topic and I need to give it a lot of thought at this time. nk!
Member: JIM B.
Location: RENO,NV.
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 3:49:30 PM
HI IM JIM B. I AM AN ALCOHOLIC I FIND THAT ANGER IS A WARNING THAT I AM INTO SELF.I NEED TO ASK MYSELF WHATUNSELFISH ACT CAN I DO TO GET BACK ON TRACK.I PRAY FOR GODS TO SHOW ME WHERE I CAN BE EFECTIVE IN ANOTHERS LIFE AND THEN BE AVAILABLE .
Member: Jim H
Location: Leb. PA>
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 4:59:51 PM
Hi Every body,My name is Jim. I am an alcoholic.Great topic Perry. For me I justified all my life. Anger, greed, selfpity,hurt feelings. And all it has done for me was keep the "reason to drink drawer" full. Page 449 is where I go to keep in control of my emotions.Nothing absolutity nothing, happens in GOD's world by mistake.If some person, place, or situation is bothering me, chances are it's me that I'm having the problem with .I can not change what other people say or do, I can only change ME.For me to justify anger resentments ect, is the beginning of a realapse. I've seen it too often with this drunk. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: William C.
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 5:07:34 PM
Anger is a way of differentiating oneself from the rest in an immediate manner. Unfortunately, for the alcoholic, like myself, it is also a way of seperating oneself from the rest of the world, which brings on lonliness and self pitty. And lonliness + self pity = drunkeness = death
Member: William C.
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 5:07:54 PM
Anger is a way of differentiating oneself from the rest in an immediate manner. Unfortunately, for the alcoholic, like myself, it is also a way of seperating oneself from the rest of the world, which brings on lonliness and self pitty. And lonliness + self pity = drunkeness = death
Member: PatQ
Location: Daytona Beach, FL - visiting NC
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 5:34:39 PM
Hi - I'm Pat - I found for me that Anger is usually a wall to cover my fear which was the center of my emotions before my loving sponsor walked me through the 12 Steps and taught me the 12 Traditions, and I could see that I had the PAGGLES disease (Pride, Anger, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Envy, & Sloth. When I am angry, I have to look at me to see where the fear is coming from. Is my pride hurt, am I not getting what I want from some person, place, or thing (greed & gluttony, also sometimes lust), does someone have something I think I need, however is just something I want, and usually I do not want to take the time to work for it? I also learned that I have to look at me and see how my contact is with GOD at that time, I have not learned how to be SPIRITUALLY ANGRY yet. When I pray to GOD to remove the Anger, it goes. This is a much needed meeting for me - hope to be back here some time -
Member: KevinB
Location: SE Michigan
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 6:26:42 PM
Hi, I'm Kevin, an alcoholic. Whenever anger gets in the way...which seems to be all too often, I feel the best thing for me is to pray to my higher being. I ask that the emotion be taken out of the situation and I pray for the individual for whom I'm angered. I think somewhere the big book tells us to pray for that individual everyday for two weeks, and the anger will be removed. Remember, it's not that individual...it's us.
Member: Georgia
Location: Lawton, Ok
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 6:41:19 PM
Hi, I'm Georgia, a recoverying alcoholic. Someone once told me that anger is only one letter away from danger. I tend to hold in anger, keep it deep inside and then finally is comes out in very DANGEROUS ways. The trick that works for me, is to recognize my feelings and deal with them through prayer and meditation, turn the feelings over to God and pray ,"Thy will be done" and let my Higher Power handle it.
Member: Jeff S.
Location: Cape Cod
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 6:59:47 PM
Hi I am Jeff a recovering alcoholic. As other people have stated anger is casued by fear and I need to work my my fears. I get angree when I don't feel that I am in total control of the situation. I like the idea to take 30 second time out, during the last few months I have been asking myself HOW IMPORTANT IS IT. This work for me. I also have started to get down on my knees morning and Night and ask my higher power for help to remove the fear and anger and the MOST IMPORTANT REQUEST IS TO HELP ME GET THROUGH THE DAY WITHOUT PICKING UP A DRINK, and thank him at night..
Member: Paul b
Location: ma
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 8:33:13 PM
Member: JASON S.
Location: BILOXI ,MS
Date: 1/11/98
Time: 10:02:41 PM
HI! I'M JASON, A GRATEFUL ALCOHOLIC. THE "BETTER QUALIFIED" PART REMINDS ,UPSETS AND ULTIMATLY, RELIEVES ME!
Member: shawn t.
Location: houston tx.
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 8:06:42 AM
my name is shawn t. & i'm an alcoholic. i know for me 9 times out of 10 anger for me is a very selfish thing. it's usually about me not getting my way somehow. if i take a spiritual approach and say gods will not mine it seems to put some percpective on my anger.
Member: ellie b.
Location: ft.lauderdale,fla.
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 8:12:56 AM
i'm a grateful recovering alcholic,my name is ellie.today i'm not willing to pay the price of "justifiable anger".it makes me physically ill.one of the clues,for me,is that i'm saying to me-how dare that person[or people;thing etc.]do whatever, to incur my wrath!it sure sounds like an ego problem for me !!
Member: paul b
Location: central Ma.
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 8:20:04 AM
how do I get into meetings this is my first time going on the net this wayI really enjoyed the meetings on aol bu I cant find ant on this menu please help you can reach at paul@pcplusol.net thank you for any help
Member: Bruce M
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 10:56:41 AM
Hi, I,m an alcoholic and my name is Bruce. Anger is never justified for me. I can't afford to justify anything that serves only me. Anger is an affliction of self. It is self-feeding and self-destructive. I find that whenever I start to feel anger, that it really is my fault I am feeling this way, because I have allowed my will to get in the way of God's will for me. I take a second to say the Serenity Prayer (twice if I have to!) and God really helps me get back on track. I usually wind up laughing at myself after that because, when I really look at what I thought was so maddening, I realize that in the grand scheme of things, it really wasn't that bad at all. We all can experience anger, it is how we deal with it that either saves us or kills us. May you all find a way to deal with it that saves you.
Member: PAT L
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 12:19:20 PM
Hi, Im Pat L, recovering alcoholic. Great topic. Especially for me (being an irish leprechaun)with a short temper. I got away from physically hurting people and started abusing inanimate objects like punching walls. I dont recommend this as the alternative. Through AA, I am learning to stop, think.. then call my sponsor or another alcoholic. Lately, I stop every thing Im doing, say the serenity prayer, usually within that short time, I have collected myself well enough to get some help. Im grateful for all who come here. Whether ya want to or not, you help me greatly. Thanks. "You are where you are because, you're doin what you're doin" Its all about "change" DIRTYFERTY@HOTMAIL.COM
Member: gail s
Location: PHILAPA
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 3:53:42 PM
HI. I'm Gail and I'm an alcoholic. Boy, did I need this topic. I'm sitting here at work angry and you all just helped put me back in the right space. I'm not angry at all just feeling fearful that I won't be able to handle a new job that I've been assigned. Talk about finding the things you need...thanks for being there today and Thanks for letting me share...
Member: Catherine C.
Location: NY
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 4:31:54 PM
Hi! My name is Catherine and I am a recovering alcoholic. Anger is often for me but I'm finding that I deal with it in a whole different manner since entering the program...I look at the situation and ask myself what was my part in it? Could I have changed it? Do I really need to take time and energy into evaluating it or should I just let it go? I prefer not to stew, although safe and comfortable it truly is, and move on to what I can learn from what I am feeling....thanks for letting me share.
Member: Missy G.
Location: Del Water Gap, Pa
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 6:50:39 PM
Good Topic although it confuses me, as one of my most painful defects is people-pleasing, and being a door-mat for people who don't have a program. In rehab I was told that a little bit of anger waas good for me because it motivates me to take action. My problem with anger today is that it terrifies me, my anger and others anger. So I tend to stuff my anger until I am physically ill. Last week I had 3 seizures outside an AA meeting, from stuffing crap, not confronting problems or people, aand not taking care of myself.I am so very grateful to have another recovering person in my life today who helps me daily. I am grateful to a higher power who keeps me sober and keepss me from self-destructing. I do have many fears in my life and am trying my best to deal with them. Have not been able to get to a meeting in a week so thank all of you for this meeting. God bless you in your recovery.
Member: Paul R.
Location: Illinois
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 7:13:56 PM
Hi, my name is Paul, I'm alcoholic and addicted to anything that can give me a momentary "rush". Anger fits in there. I have been clean and sober for 4 1/2 years but only went to 2 meetings all last year. Recently a sober stranger gently offered that I look inward to check the condition of my recovery. I found it lacking and have been to 3 meetings this week. And I talked to my sponsor, he had me meet him for coffee right away. I am emensly grateful for his patience and understanding. In the last year I have had several bouts of intense anger and resentment, but I didn't think about drinking, I just acted like an a--h---. One person I work with who is also recovering told me I was getting very difficult to work around. I had thouhgt I had heard everyhting recovering AA's had to say, had read the Big Book through, have found out this is over-confidence, and will lead to relapse. So I was scared that a stranger could talk to me for a few minutes and see tha jepordy I was in by not taking any action in my recovery, and it has me getting back to meetings. And the things the people there are saying sounds new and different. I feel a power greater than myself has kept me away from a drink or drug for the past 2 years, and am grateful to get back into meetings. Thankyou for listening.
Member: Sherry T.
Location: Chicago
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 10:15:10 PM
Hi, I'm Sherry, an alcoholic and addict. Thanks for the great topic. I too suffer from a terrible temper and I am grateful to be reminded of all these simple suggestions that I forget about on a daily basis. Like, saying the serenity prayer, take a deep breath, and asking if it's really worth it. I've been couped up with my kids and their chicken pox for a few weeks now and really get to feeling sorry for myself hence I fly off the handle easily. Grateful for this recovery resource.
Member: Beth P.
Location: Montana
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 11:22:00 PM
Howdy, My name is Beth and I am an alcoholic. Anger was my life force prior to recovery and even through early recovery. Today anger is in balance as are my other primary emotions, sad & glad. Has anyone ever told you "don't be glad"? I've never heard it but, if I was to experience this emotion to excess it would likely cause trouble in my life. Just as anger to excess causes problems in my life. So, when my emotions are not in balance, as Bill W. specifically addresses in his pamphlet on humility, I must explore the causes and rectify my behavior. Today I am accountable and responsible for all of my thoughts and actions. For this, I seek the guidance of GOD today. agabeth@imine.net
Member: Randy M.
Location: Independence, MO
Date: 1/12/98
Time: 11:37:28 PM
Hi everybody, I'm Randy, an alcoholic. I have found through trial and error that I simply cannot afford the luxury of wallowing in unproductive emotions. It's inconsequential whose "fault" it was, whatever the circumstance may be. As soon as anger rears its head, I turn it over to my Higher Power. It's a matter of life and death; when put into that context, whatever the situation might be becomes insignificant. Great topic...I'm glad I stumbled in! As Arnold said..."I'll be back."
Member: Pam H.
Location: Three Rivers,Ca
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 2:42:55 AM
Hello my name is Pam and I'm qualified to go to every closed meeting in north america,I am so glad I found this sight! For many years I held a small handful of resentments,angery resentments,MY resentments.I didn't talk about them often,but I thought about them on a regular basis positive that any NORMAL person would hold a grudge.But you see I was not normal,I could only take facing myself sober in small doses.My anger on so many levels was stealing my serenity.Whether I was bent out of shape or not the world would still turn on it's axis.When I put together a fourth step and went over it with my sponser it was very,very upsetting but the world as I knew it did not end but it did change.In learning about alcoholism in A.A. and learning about my self by getting on my knees to ask god for strenght for each day I see my eyes open even wider when I se that even me ,ME,I CAN reach out to some one who is hurting and say when you forgive someone for a wrong against you or someone you love you set a prisoner free,you are the prisoner.sorry to be long winded This is a great country!!!!keep comming back,happy new year to all.
Member: Eric E
Location: SOUTH LOUISIANA USA
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 8:29:25 AM
Hello Everyone, Im Eric and I am a alcoholic, anger is a perfect topic for me, last week i got so angry at work i actually resigned my job. I was in a world of anger,fear, and rage. I had justified my anger so quickly that i went into instant rage, like one person said(how dare he do this to me). Boom I was off and running. Then I had to back track and try to keep my job. Everything worked out ok, I still have some feelings over this anger, this is the first time I shared this to any one. I have held on to this anger and licked my wounds since last week. Thank God I have taken the time to look at this site. I feel the relief already.
Member: Barbara S.
Location: NJ
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 8:55:48 AM
My name is Barbara, and I'm an alcoholic. And welcome back to the program, Paul R. - glad to see you coming "home."
Amazing how much we all have to share on this topic, eh? For me, anger was really about my "total inability to form a true partnership with another human being." Anger was a way to keep everyone away! Now, the serenity prayer is the key for me. I try to replace anger with "the courage to change the things I can." Or simply to achieve acceptance, when I can't.
Welcome to newcomers! And peace to all -
Member: Regina S.
Location: Spring Branch, Tx.
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 9:29:17 AM
can't afford any emotional temper tantrums. It's amazing that I don't find myself in a lot of situations that creates people, places or things that make me angry. I find that ; having had a spiritual awaking (l2th step) I don't get myself into situations that use to baffle me or create problems. i only have one problem ,that is my alcoholism, actually I suffer from "spiritual narcolepsy" when I fall asleep spiritually, I find myself caught in all the old ideas, emotions and the BIG EGO. That's the one that chooses how I am supposed to feel. My program teaches me other ways to live.
Member: Brenda M.
Location: California
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 9:40:22 AM
Hi my name is Brenda and i am an alcoholic. This is my first time in here and boy did this topic hit home. I did'nt realize how anger was holding me back in my recovering until just recently. I haven't been to a meeting since my sponsor disappeared on me and I did'nt realize how angry I have been until now. It sure does feel good to be back and working on my recovery. thanks for letting me share with you.
Member: David C
Location: Asheville, NC
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 10:13:35 AM
I'm David an alcoholic, and I hate that part of the 12/12....... it makes me look at me and I would rather focus on the outside and not on the inside. Some of the best dry drunks I have had have been from drinking of a good aged resentment. I mean aren't we supposed to stick these angers in bottles and cram the cork in tight, and put them on a shelf and let them cook for a while....the longer the better. Then open them up and take a big gulp. It has gotten me crazy drunk more times than I can remember.
<grin>
Hope the rest of you drunks are having as good a day as I am. Some financial wreckage is haunting me, but this too will pass. Keep staying cyber !!!!!!!
Member: MIKE
Location: CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 10:32:48 AM
HI, I'M MIKE AND A GRATEFUL ALCOHOLIC FOR 12 YEARS. GREAT TOPIC, ANGER IS MY ENEMY. WITH THE GRACE OF GOD I CAN HANDLE THINGS TODAY. I USED TO STUFF EVERYTHING AND GET SICK FOR HOLDING ONTO THE CRAP INSIDE. AA IS GREAT. A FELLOW AA SAID TO ME THAT IF YOU CAN'T LET THINGS GO, GO OUT IN THE COUNTRY AND SCREAM YOUR LUNGS OUT AND GIVE YOURSELF A GOOD A-- CHEWING. KEEP COMING BACK IT WORKS. ODAAT.
Member: LOUIS
Location: GATINEAU,QUEBEC,CANADA
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 1:09:28 PM
LOUIS,ALCOHOLIC. GREAT TOPIC.MAKES ME REALIZE THAT IF EVERYONE COULD BE "PERFECT" LIKE I AM I WOUL'D GET ANGRY,HA! HA! HA! I GET ANGRY IN SPORTS AND USE THE EXCUSE "I DON'T MIND LOOSING AS LONG AS I PLAY GOOD WHEN I LOOSE" OR I GET ANGRY WHEN I DON'T GET THE RESPONSE I'M LOOKING FOR.I HAVE TO PUT THE SLOGANS IN PRACTICE "LIVE AND LET LIVE"-"EASY DOES IT" AND LEARN TO LET GO. THE DAYS THAT I PLAY "LOUIS" AND NOT "GOD" EVERY THING IS SUPER.I'M SURE WITH THE HELP OF MY HIGHER POWER AND ALL THE MEMBERS "ONE DAY AT A TIME" I'LL GET BETTER. 13MONTHS SOBER AND VERY GREATFULL. THANK YOU
Member: del F
Location: chicago
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 2:34:13 PM
Anger for me is usually caused by the fact that I feel cheated in some way by life and the people in my life. No one is cheating me. I have all I need to have. I find that when I remain humble, and greatful, I have no need to be angry. I don't feel threatened and I don't need to be so important. The things I encounter on a daily basis are indifferent. The snowstorm, traffic jam, busy signals, long lines, don't really care if I like them or not. They are going to exist. I am not the center of the universe and therefore need to remind myself that anger is a cry for attention. Life just is...and I don't need to try to manipulate it and if it doesn't go my way get angry. I can't change much about the world, only my reaction to the world. Anger is a stand that tells others "I'm right, you're wrong." I can't afford to be angry. I don't have privilege of such negative emotion.
Member: frank b
Location: portland oregon
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 2:48:28 PM
Hi I'm frank an alcoholic....I lack perception and I can't think straight...whenever anything around me leads me to "justifiable" I just have to remember that whatever is happening and going on around me is God's world not mine...if I lack perception how can I justify anything ?? my thinking was what got me drunk before why would my thinking do me any different now?? Only by the Grace of God am I sober today (and I've been sober for some time because of Him) "having had deep and spiritual experiences...." He makes all things happen for His reasons not mine.
Member: Diana C.
Location: New York City
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 4:05:22 PM
Wow, what a great topic. It was wonderful to read everyone's comments so far. Of course anger is a problem, my disease wants me to believe that I am the center of the universe. When the world shows me that's not true, I get mad.
But I have choices today. I don't have to live in resentment, anger, and fear (which underlies the other two). It's my Higher Power who gives me these choices by keeping me sober one day at a time.
Thanks for this meeting. It's very inspirational to read the reactions of people who have worked all the way through the steps. You have what I want, and I will stick around to do the work necessary to get that serenity.
Thanks for letting me share. Diana colbdij@sfitva.cc.fitsuny.edu
Member: Diane H.
Location: Michigan
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 6:42:44 PM
Hi, Diane here, grateful recovering alcoholic. I am counting my blessings as I read about this topic. Anger used to be my whole life. Anger about being an alcoholic and anger at anyone who tried to say that I was one! Anger at everyone all the time. My kids never knew what I was going to explode about and my husband never wanted to come home because I would be drunk and angry. I got extremely angry towards anything and anyone.
Today I feel different. Through working the steps, praying, going to meetings and reading my AA literature I have slowly evolved. I didn't even realize it until one day I 'remembered' what I had been like and the miracle of this program in my life. It works and I'm proof of God's great work-if we let him.
Diane
Member: Lynne F.
Location: Sumner, WA
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 7:55:39 PM
Great topic, Perry! Some others have express my feelings here --- I had never really experienced anger (or much or anything else) prior to coming to AA. For me I had to learn how to feel it, and than find that it was healthy for me to feel it (rather than keep stuffing it).
And then I had to learn how to express it properly, and where to direct it. i.e., never as an attack and usually direct it at myself for being a volunteer rather than a victem.
Thanks for helping to keep me sober -- Lynne
Member: Ann R.
Location: Crawfordville, FL
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 8:25:22 PM
I am an alcoholic and addict, my problem and my name is Ann. Even in cyberspace I can get what I need. I got home from work today and I was PISSED! Got on the internet trying to find some AA meetings that I could access. Guess What! Nothing! Got pissed even more, then I found my self here. Reading the topic, reading responses. First thing I did was laugh, second thing I did was say thanks to God. Third thing I realized was I just wanted control and everything to be my way. Thanks for being here. I can justify anything, it's the steps and 2x4's from God that keep me on my toes.
Member: don w.
Location: akeley mn.
Date: 1/13/98
Time: 8:27:42 PM
HI i am don a grateful recovering alcohlic.. great topic.. justifiable anger.. does that mean one is God like to posses this anger. Well i had a whole lot of this when i got into a,a, . this was a escape method for me, when angry,everybody ran...when angry i did not have to look at the REAL problem... me. the man in the mirror... i learned that soul searching at these times was what helped me.. i would go for walks in the woods and listen to my higher power.. afraid to drink.. afraid to look at self... these walks some times were for 1 hour. at work they said nothing to me .. i wasn't going to be productive any way. .. the quite of woods let my higher power take over and calm me.. anger is posion + death to me ...
Member: ashleigh n
Location: san diego
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 1:23:17 AM
HI, I'M ASHLEIGH, AN ALCOHOLIC. JUSTIFIABLE ANGER I DON'T BELIEVE TO BE WORTH ALL THE INSANITY IT GIVES ME. I'D RATHER TRY TO LET IT GO SINCE IT HONESTLY WILL NOT SOLVE ANYTHING. THE FEELINGS WE ENCOUNTER WHEN WE GET SOBER ARE OVERWHELMING BUT WE LEARN TO FEEL THEM AND FIND OUT WE WON'T DIE
Member: ashleigh n
Location: san diego
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 1:24:19 AM
HI, I'M ASHLEIGH, AN ALCOHOLIC. JUSTIFIABLE ANGER I DON'T BELIEVE TO BE WORTH ALL THE INSANITY IT GIVES ME. I'D RATHER TRY TO LET IT GO SINCE IT HONESTLY WILL NOT SOLVE ANYTHING. THE FEELINGS WE ENCOUNTER WHEN WE GET SOBER ARE OVERWHELMING BUT WE LEARN TO FEEL THEM AND FIND OUT WE WON'T DIE
Member: MIKE T.
Location: PIERRE, SD
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 10:13:51 AM
hi, mike an alcoholic, I found that while i was drinking and using drugs that the suppression of feelings was magnified. Anger or Justifed anger is my enemy. I need to reach down and turn it over to my higher power (GOD). Don W. has a good program, thank you. A fellow member said if you can't deal with it let (GOD) be your comforter. It has made a difference, been sober for 12 yrs. Everyone have a nice day and remember KEEP COMING BACK IT WORKS, ODAAT.
Member: Julie
Location: Hampton Roads, VA
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 12:59:56 PM
Hi. This is Jules, a greatful recovering alcoholic. When I got sober, I had to "learn" to get angry. I didn't understand all you other drunks who had trouble NOT getting angry and all talked about how to deal with anger. You see, I had to learn to "feel" anger. I pushed all of the powerful emotions of life deep inside me. I had to teach myself what I was actually feeling in each life situation I had to deal with. My sponsor would tell me that I had to "name" the feeling. Well, I finally realized anger and then, like the rest of you here in this room, I had to learn to deal with it constructively. I'm one who does not think that any emotion is bad for you. What's bad for you is unhealthy behavior...like acting out in response to anger. For me, anger is just a warning sign. I can heed to the warning...something is wrong here...I'd better take a look at my environment and a good strong look at myself....or I can ignore the warning sign and endanger myself and those around me. Thank God that today, I pray before I act more often than not when I feel the heat of my blood pressure coursing through my arms from an immediate physical reaction to anger. Thank God that today I can recognize anger and I know what to do with it. Give it to the Power of the Universe and ask for help in whatever I'm not accepting, whatever I'm projecting, whatever I'm fearing...whatever I'm really doing to cause my warning lights to go off. LOL.
Member: Marcia M
Location: Wisconsin
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 5:42:25 PM
Hello, Marcia, alcoholic - My anger and love of resentment was fueled by alcohol. It was my only source of energy, feeling alive. I, too, felt numb, was unaware of any true emotions. I knew the correct answer to all situations, as long as drunk. I need to be very aware of my anger, this morning I slipped, but it is an emotion and I need to recognize such, it may signal something I have been ignoring or suppressing. But can see how easy it would be to jump back into the "pool of anger" and drown. Thank you all for sharing.
Member: Christina K.
Location: Chandler, AZ
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 8:51:48 PM
Member: Christina K.
Location: Chandler, AZ
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 8:57:06 PM
Hello! I'm Christina and I'm an alcoholic/bulemic. I have a fear of getting angry because my type of anger is rage. I found this out because after I quit drinking, I still felt the same "red" come out of me in sobriety, the same physical actions came out, the same profanities, so I can only really see justifiable anger as a viable feeling that I react to the very same way without alcohol, therefore need to work with it in a spiritual manner and somehow, God always seems to calm me down.
Thanks for being here!
Member: Steve H.
Location: St. Louis
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 9:14:46 PM
I'm Steve and I'm an alcoholic. I've never been the kind of guy who likes to feel anger (or any other emotion). I told myself and everyone else that I was "fine." And I stuffed my anger and got depressed and drank and drank and drank so that I didn't feel anything. But it caught up with me. And now I'm here. Since I've been sober I've had to learn to face my anger and feel it and let it go. That doesn't mean that I have to storm around and break things. It just means that I have to let myself be aware of my anger. For me, sometimes anger is a good thing. It is a warning sign that something is wrong. When I'm angry I know that I've been stepped on or that my perceptions are wrong. I hate feeling anger, but there's no way in this world never to feel anger. With God's help I'm learning to deal with it positively: feel it, let go of it, talk to my sponsor about it, and not stuff it or wallow in it. I can't afford the luxury of ignoring anger or letting it rule my actions. I'm a drunk; I have to choose to live positively.
Member: aaron w.
Location: somerset, n.j.
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 9:56:12 PM
hi my name is aaron and i am definitely an alcoholic. thanks perry for a great topic. when i hear anybody talk about anger i listen. i often share that i beleive anger and fear played a big role in me becoming a alholic. i loved anger it gave me a perfect reason to drink whether it was justifible or not. due to the program of a.a. i have learn to ask my h.p.(God) to help me to live in the now, one day at a time. i must remember when i am anger i am living in the past and when i am fearful i am living in the future. knowing this, anger nor fear stay with me very long. i can't afford nither one. i wish you a great 24, and thanks for letting me share.
Member: Hoser/a.newcmr
Location: U.S.A.
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 10:10:04 PM
I've been clean 136 days now. My self righteous condemnation took me back 137 days. The only "things", that kept me from using were my great AA & NA friends! I met my 1st. aa nazi at a mtg. this past Sun. If I hadn't gotten up & walked out, I'd probably be tryin to relay this "comment" from a jail cell! I thank my H.P. for you all! I can't afford the luxury of "justifiable anger"! This incident has been eating me alive, (spiritually) since Mon., when I called this fellow AA (of the nazi variety). He wanted to make amends for what he had done. I called him,not for myself, but rather so that he could relieve his resentment. "BIG error", on my part! If I had waited until I was ready to accept his apology before contacting him, I would not be feeling the shame & guilt which I have brought upon myself. Relax, take it easy. 1st. things 1st. These are slogans which, (with Gods help) I pray that someday I will be able to live by! As 1 of my sponsors told me: "Time to "Dump", or get off the pot!" "GUILT", the emotion that keeps on giving! "Pity", the self imposed kind, seems to keep comin around also! Looks like "the hose" finally got his (my) necessary reality check ahe! I'll work thru it - with HIS help! Thanks for lettin me share. I realize, today, lifes' not gonna get Easier". However, it can get a whole lot better, if I, Let go & let god take the wheel! God Bless , I'll pass.
Member: Maureen L.
Location: Whitehall, PA
Date: 1/14/98
Time: 10:21:00 PM
Hi. I'm Maureen, an alcoholic from Whitehall, PA. Not only anger, but any strong emotion is dangerous for me. I didn't only drink when I got angry. As a matter of fact, I don't remember too many excuses to drink that I didn't use. When I get angry, I say the Serenity Prayer. Like Kevin, I ask God to remove the anger. Then I try to do something nice for the person (if possible) I'm angry at. If I can't do something for them, I do it for someone else. That's what really helps me - helping others.
Talk to you soon.
Member: Veronica M
Location: Columbus MS
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 1:39:21 AM
Hi my name is veronica M. Good topic. When i get disturb, It was suggests by my sponor and the book of AA to take an inventory written or spot-check. If the fault was elsewhere be willing to forgive. Sometime that is hard for me but it work
Member: Joe H.
Location: W.A.
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 3:02:34 AM
Joe alcoholic here Read alot of comments sharing about justifiable anger. So many I`m tired from reading [my eyes]. I`d like to thank all for the strength, hope, and experience you pass on to others. Tonite I`m one of the others who is receiving the gifts of your sharing. I usually find myself lonely after a bout of anger. Cut-off from others. In this condition I`m in big trouble. But I have a plan of action . One that has been effective for me not to mention countless others. The fellowship of AA and the 12 steps are working for me. A design for living. I was quite unwell, unhappy, and lowdown before AA. Things have changed in the last 3 years and I`ll continue to talk about it by the Grace of God. Thanks for your help today by taking the time to share. That in itself is ever an important reminder 4 me. Take the steps, the elevator`s broken. I like that one.
Member: Jean S.
Location: Washington state
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 9:29:42 AM
Good Morning and thank you God for waking up sober AGAIN. I'm Jean an Alcoholic! I deal with anger today in the same way as Jim H (many people back) from Leb. Pa. I quickly flip from anger to pg. 449 in the Big Book. I don't need to worry about what needs to be changed in the world but in my self and MY ATTITUDES. The only thing I can change is myself and my attitudes. When I really think about it, that is the easier softer way today for me. And I'm here to tell you that it works when I work it. Thank you for reading. I'm off to the 7:30 a.m. meeting.
Member: Pete M.
Location: Branford, CT.
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 9:31:45 AM
I'm Pete, yet another alcoholic. When the feeling of anger is raised, that's the time to put the serenity prayer to use for all it's worth. That's what the program teaches us. Live life on lifes terms. Part of that is dealing with emotions, that, in the past we would deal with by drinking afraid to face them head on. No one can live without anger in some way, it's a normal part of life. Now, we accept it because we have to. Now is the time to let the program work for us. We can do it!!!
Member: Jay
Location: Massachusetts
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 9:55:48 AM
Hi! My name is Jay, and I am an alcoholic. I've found that I have little control over the feelings (anger included) which come over me in the course of dealing with "life on life's terms". However, I have learned that I cannot afford to act these feelings, acting out on these feelings left me in all sorts of situations when I was actively drinking. I use many of the tools which have been discussed already i,e; the serenity prayer, praying for the individual, etc. In addition, I find that when I compare the "transgression" to some of the things I have done to others in the past, an amazing capacity to forgive shows itself. It seems that when I use the same yardstick that created the anger to measure my own actions I am instantly more understanding. I heard around hear that I don't always get what I want, but, thank God, I don't get what I deserve. With this perspective, it is difficult for me to stay angry at anyone very long. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Rich L
Location: N.E. Phila.
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 6:30:30 PM
Hi, my name is Rich and I am an alcoholic. Justafiable anger to me is just that, anger that is alowed. If I'm working my program this anger should last all but a few seconds, than I have to realize what I am, an alcoholic, step back and reflect on the situation. What feeling I get out of my action taken because of this anger is all on me. I can stay angry and be miserable or ask my Higher Power to relieve me of the anger and feel good about myself for seeking my HP and working my program. I try to keep a piece of AA liteture with me all the time, it helps in these situation. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Rich L
Location: N.E. Phila.
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 6:30:55 PM
Hi, my name is Rich and I am an alcoholic. Justafiable anger to me is just that, anger that is alowed. If I'm working my program this anger should last all but a few seconds, than I have to realize what I am, an alcoholic, step back and reflect on the situation. What feeling I get out of my action taken because of this anger is all on me. I can stay angry and be miserable or ask my Higher Power to relieve me of the anger and feel good about myself for seeking my HP and working my program. I try to keep a piece of AA liteture with me all the time, it helps in these situation. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: tom m
Location: albay ny
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 7:42:46 PM
i need some weed does anybody have some?
Member: Shirley P.
Location: Downey.Ca
Date: 1/15/98
Time: 9:44:04 PM
Hi, my name is Shirley. This is certainly a great topic on Anger. I am a recovering alcoholic and I have allowed anger in my life to make me miserable.I still have to stop, think. pray and slow down, even after 8 yyears of sobriety. When I lost my 20 year old daughter I hated everything and tried to justify that. Since I did allow anger to rule me I had to step back,and take a good look at myself. Pity,self, fear were a grear part of all these feelings. Now I understand, and have to ask my H.P. for help everyday. Thank you for letting me share. Shirley
Member: Ken H.
Location: OKC. Ok.
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 2:02:26 AM
Hi! My name is Ken and I am an alcoholic. The greatest gift this program has given me is a new freedom and a new happiness Befor this program I never dreamed I had a choice. Today I can choose how I deal with every aspect of my life. I cannot be angry and happy at the same time, so I say to myself "just how important is it anyway", then Let go and let GOD. As soon as I have done that I can return my thoughts to things I enjoy. The Big Book tells me over and over to work with others. That is the quickest way I now to get out of anger. My Higher Power is the greatest problem solver I know and I beleive he can handle the anger a lot better than I can. Thanks for letting me share Ken H.
Member: Lynne W.
Location: Yucaipa, Calif.
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 1:00:15 PM
Hi Lynne here alcoholic in Calif. What a great topic, unfortunately I let anger consume the last 6 mos. of 1997 (But I still didn't have a drink!) but as the new year got here I have been turning things over to my higher power,everyday! Thank God for this program and all of you out there,I haven't been sober for 7 1/2 years on my own. Anger can consume a person and make them miserable but I refuse it to rule my life, letting go is one of the hardest things for me to do but I also know that if I don't I will drink. Thanks to my HP I have someone to turn it all over too.His will not mine ,thanks everyone have a blessed new year.
Member: Ken T
Location: Spring Branch, Tx.
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 2:00:06 PM
Hi,my name is Ken,I'm an alcoholic. I really liked the subject since my greatest defect was self-rightousness. That is a real trip to get angry on. You can find so many things to be angry about if they don't fit your idea of how things should be. Had to really work on that one with the grace of God. One of the things my wife (who is also a member) do when we start to get up tight'before the anger', we say " breathe, then when we exahale, we say "I love God, lighten up" . Works for us.
Member: Claire L
Location: Cape Cod
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 3:58:27 PM
My name is Claire and I am an alcoholic. Great topic - anger. And a lot of good sharing. Anger is a feeling, like any other feeling. As was said before, I need to feel and own each and everyone of my feelings. There are no bad feelings and no bad people with feelings. However, I don't like anger in me because it I'm not careful it can turn my attitude to negativity instead of gratitude. So today I own anger when it comes to me and then I decide what is the most positive and loving thing to do with it. Anger has something to tell me and gives me choices of what to do.. Sometimes I have to hold on to my anger until I can figure out what I need to do to make something constructive out of it. One thing I am sure of - if I unleash raw anger I will most likely hurt another person, but most importantly, I will hurt myself.
Anger is not bad, but bad behaviors can come from it if "restraint of tongue and pen" is not exercised.
Member: Jacqueline A
Location: Prince Rupert, BC Canada
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 6:36:32 PM
My names Jacquie, I'm an alcoholic. I find when my skin's on too tight, there is usually a person, place or thing I am not accepting. If I can't i.d. it on my own, I talk to another drunk and get to the next meeting. God usually has the answers there for me in one form or another. It's having complete faith that in God's hands, I will be okay. As long as I turn it over. When anger, jealousy, envy, resentment, etc. rears it's ugly head I know I'm at step one. Powerlessness. Step 2, reconnect with God. Step 3, turn it over. Four--inventory, what brought me to this point. Five--share with another drunk. Usually be this point, the dilemma has passed. As the old timers say--this too shall pass. One Day at a Time my Friends, this meeting is cool. Never been here before. Those who have walked before us must be awfully proud to see us all wander around in cyberspace, like "normal" people. Keep it simple.
Member: Jacqueline A
Location: Prince Rupert, BC Canada
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 6:39:09 PM
My names Jacquie, I'm an alcoholic. I find when my skin's on too tight, there is usually a person, place or thing I am not accepting. If I can't i.d. it on my own, I talk to another drunk and get to the next meeting. God usually has the answers there for me in one form or another. It's having complete faith that in God's hands, I will be okay. As long as I turn it over. When anger, jealousy, envy, resentment, etc. rears it's ugly head I know I'm at step one. Powerlessness. Step 2, reconnect with God. Step 3, turn it over. Four--inventory, what brought me to this point. Five--share with another drunk. Usually be this point, the dilemma has passed. As the old timers say--this too shall pass. One Day at a Time my Friends, this meeting is cool. Never been here before. Those who have walked before us must be awfully proud to see us all wander around in cyberspace, like "normal" people. Keep it simple.
Member: dan
Location: wash
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 7:38:19 PM
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Member: Raymond W.
Location: Brisbane Australia
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 8:24:50 PM
anger is the killer.two yrs sober I was locked up for assault. first time I had ever known anger. ever since I spend a lot of time on martial arts like tai chi or aikido trying to relax.using the exercise and meditative aspects of those disciplines to fix my anger.thirteen years sober I am still alive.GREAT TOPIC.
Member: Jody R.
Location: Ocean Beach, California
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 10:18:22 PM
Hi, I'm Jody, and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I too have had many run-ins with my anger. I am told I have a bad temper and it can flare up at a moment's notice. I have learned from AA that I am powerless over my anger just as I am powerless over my alcoholism. For me, the answer is to get humble and realize I am not the center of the universe. Step 6 showed me that my anger is a defect that can run amok and in Step 7 we learned that we needed humility if we were going to give our power over to something or some "One" else. My higher power is the answer for me. Through the steps, I have found a higher power that I "can do business with." And it is a miracle today that when I am angry I have solutions. One of them is to pray. Also I can realize I don't always have to be right and win arguments. Peace and Serenity are more important today. I can choose to have "restraint of pen and tongue." Before I did not always have that choice. Today I have the power of Choice. I love Alcoholics Anonymous!!!
Member: Andrea B.
Location: PA.
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 10:51:19 PM
Hi I'm Andrea and I'm an alcoholic. I used to drink so much that I never really learned how to cope with anger, it scared me when I first got sober. Now I know it's ok to get angry actually it's human. A. A. has taught me so much and now I'm just starting to see that the longer I'm sober the less I find to get angry about. THANKS A. A.
Member: Juaniita F
Location: Pahrump NV
Date: 1/16/98
Time: 10:55:07 PM
Hi Juanita alcoholic here, what a great topic My eyes hurt from reading all of your shares small price to pay to learn I have found that when Iam angry I am trying to play God. It always leaves me tired and with an emotional hangover If Iam truly applying the third step to mt life I should not have to go there I don't have to beatup myself or anyone else today.Besides I dont like makeing amends Thanks for letting me share
Member: Anna T.
Location: California
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 12:21:44 AM
Hi! My name is Anna and I am an alcoholic from California. I noticed someone else here is from California. I am not Irish, but I do have a short temper. I tend feel my anger is justified when someone I love is hurt by someone's thoughtlessness. My daughter's dad came back into her life last christmas, 96, and then split again after she got attached to him because it didn't work out between him and me, and I know she misses him. This is when I feel justified anger. I never said he couldn't see her. I didn't want to cut off the relationship between them. However, I realize the anger just eats me up and doesn't affect him, and if I am not careful, it will affect the way I portray him to our daughter. I struggle with this issue during the holidays and when her birthday rolls around. Last year I didn't struggle because he was in her life. I find myself thinking, He calls himself sober? If he doesn't want to be a parent why doesn't he stay out of her life and my life because going in and out is damaging to her. I realize I am angry at myself for getting conned into thinking he was trying to change because he made his 1st child support payment; he did this a few weeks before contacting me December 96. This is one big anger issue for me. I have done inventories on it which is why I can see my part, but I guess I need to forgive myself and then eventually him. that's the toughiue. thanks for letting me share. Its easier for me to share like this in cyberspace than in a face 2 face meeting. I need to pray foir willingness to pray for him. It could be worse. He could be trying to get custody of her, but he's not. My daughter has a good life with people who love her dearly. Like I said this issue periodically bugs me, makes me angry. Over the years, I have learned to recognize self pity and how it can lead to dangerous thinking, and it doesn't surface as much as it did before I got sober and when I first got sober. I can see when I am headed that direction. I got the awareness in this program. It's good to be back here again. The browser is working now so I can access the web again. Yay!!!thanks again.
Member: Charlotte
Location: South Bay area of L.a.
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 12:35:19 AM
Hi my name is Charlotte B.I have been sober six and 1/2 years. Anger was always justified because they were alwas doing it to me. Boy was I wrong. Making my amends list sure opened my eyes about that. For so long anger was my security blanket and at times I miss it still. Thanks to A.A and my H.P. and the women in A.A. I don't miss quite as muchnor often as I did even a few years ago. Infind being of sevice and working with other alcoholics gets me out of me. Believe me sometimes it's still a struggle but I have a choise today. I have learned to live most of the time without resentment. The important thing and I read here in this meeting online that page 449 is a great source to go to when you get that feeling. I keep it by my computeer at work and it does help if I read it in the morning before I have to deal with patients. Enough from me . I am housesitting for a friend and she showed me how to get on line so I thought I would try to find a meeting and bless you here you are. Trust in your H.P. and Keep Coming Back, It Works! Love all You sobers, Charlotte B.
Member: Jeff S
Location: Washinton
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 3:21:14 AM
Hello, my name is Jeff and I'm an alcoholic. What a great meeting! All of your stories hit close to home. My preferred method for dealing with anger is a fearless moral inventory, and constant repetitions of the serenity prayer. I've noticed that the speed of my anger cycle (i.e anger to stress to serenity) has increased in direct proportion to my participation in AA. I am down to about 30 seconds for the small stuff--getting cut off in traffic, working at something I would pefer not to do, etc.. Once again, thanks for the great site/meeting. The topic is excellent, and 99.9% of the responses just floored me--what a bunch of wise, well-spoken people! I hope we all continue to stay sober--it's sooo great! Keep coming back--it works.
Member: Peter J
Location: Alaska
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 3:26:00 AM
Greetings from the far North! Anger is an emotion! it is a feeling! Anger is not good,bad,right,or wrong, it IS! Control is not the answer,its part of the problem! Anger is a result of a real, or percieved injustice. The best thing to do with anger is FEEL IT! It is a tool like all emotions that help to make life worth living. Anger which is really pain, is a reminder that I need to change something. Another word comes to mind with regards to anger, and that is forgivness, which has to start with the self. It is good to be sober,free, and alive!
Member: Peter J
Location: Alaska
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 3:26:26 AM
Greetings from the far North! Anger is an emotion! it is a feeling! Anger is not good,bad,right,or wrong, it IS! Control is not the answer,its part of the problem! Anger is a result of a real, or percieved injustice. The best thing to do with anger is FEEL IT! It is a tool like all emotions that help to make life worth living. Anger which is really pain, is a reminder that I need to change something. Another word comes to mind with regards to anger, and that is forgivness, which has to start with the self. It is good to be sober,free, and alive!
Member: Mary K
Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 5:37:36 PM
Hi, I'm Mary an alcoholic---nearly 10 years sober and still capable of getting very angry. Anger is toxic---have had 2 "anger" blackouts in sobriety. Scary stuff! I have learned (albeit slowly) that the longer I stay sober the more simple my program must become. If I don't drink, go to a meeting, pray, talk to other alcoholics, and help others my life is great. The problem is convincing myself that is really that simple. My "restless, irritable, and discontent" self rears it ugly itself until I again work the program. The most bitter pill I had to swallow in this program was that most of my problems really are of my own making. But today I find some comfort in that because I am the only one who can change me through the help of my higher power. I am grateful to be sober, glad y'all are here, and thanks for letting me share.
Member: Dave Z.
Location: Maine U.S.A.
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 6:41:33 PM
Hi all! My name is Dave and I'm an alcoholic. I've enjoyed this meeting and the comments even the provocative ones. I was fired from 2 jobs and dumped by my girlfriend in the past year or so and this is year 10 of my sobriety. So, I would say to myself "you would think after all this time you would have a better handle on all of this!" But you know, if I was walking around like a loose cannon blowing my top all the time and shooting my mouth off and like Perry said, hurting my loved ones etc., then I would have to conclude that somehow or other I'm not working my program. But such is not the case I'm happy to say because of this beautiful program -a lot of which is self-discovery- I've been able to circumvent many of the pitfalls of the alcoholic. I love the comment about one letter away from danger! If you read the BB and 12& 12 you won't miss in finding and identifying your "personality type" and being able to see a little more lucidly thru the passing years the types of things that can happen that used to get us drunk. Remember not to pick up the first one! If you can't do it for you do it for me!
Member: Liz B.
Location: Lawton, OK, USA
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 10:13:17 PM
Hello I'm Liz and I'm an alcoholic. When I am challenged with a situation, I look at myself first and see what role I played in it. I have to accept that not everyone thinks on my same level, nor have my beliefs. I have learned to become forgivining and let bygones be bygones. But I do face it and think about it, then I throw it away. But I also know that I am in control of my life and I make my own choices of any given situations. I learn a lesson from every situation, some of my most negative situations, I choose to use as a learning resouces. I noticed I've become a stronger person.
Member: Tech
Location: in front of my computer
Date: 1/17/98
Time: 10:22:49 PM
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