Member:
Tim V.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
12:03:38 AM

Comments

Hi everyone, I'm Tim V. and I'm an alcoholic.

When I came into AA 17 years ago on November
20th, it seemed like every meeting I went to had the
topic "Gratitude". I had no idea what gratitude meant
or how it felt, so I was somewhat confused and
bewildered about the subject. I remember someone
saying that November was "Gratitude Month". I must
have been sober a couple of years before I figured out
the connection between Gratitude and Thanksgiving.

I learned a little about gratitude in that first week of
sobriety, and a lot more in the seventeen years since.
In fact, "Gratitude" is my favorite AA topic, and it is
our topic this week.

I could go on with a great list but I'll leave that for
others. I 'll just start the list with a few favorites:

1. Sobriety, of course. 2. A cool Higher Power, who
turns me on in ways that booze and drugs can't come
close. 3. The ability to give and receive love, ( I could
do neither before sobriety) and a family to do it with.
4. I'm grateful for the feeling of gratitude... it fills me
with warmth and happiness.

Opps.... I'm getting carried away...

Many Blessings, Tim



Member:
Jessica G
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
12:42:01 AM

Comments

Hello everyone my name is Jessica and I'm an
alcoholic (from Atlanta, GA)

Tim-thank you so much for the topic. It may be the
one thing that I forget the most and mostly need. If I
think back, not very long either, it is extremely simple
for me to see all the incredible gifts HP has given me.
I also often forget how little I have done in order to
recieve such gifts. It amazes me when I am reminded
of where I come from, and then I am able to look
around and see such little reference to who I once
was. I used to worry so much about how to escape
from the world that I never saw the beauty laying at
my feet. Now that I am sober and married and holding
a normal job I see that I am actually participating in
life and not preferring to find a way to escape it. I
actually desire to walk through the conflicts in my life
so that I am able to see the lesson on the other side.
Today I am overwhelmed with gratitude for simply
being alive. Last year at this time I was sober, but
extremely depressed, and here I am telling you all that
life is worth living. One more thing and I will shut
up...Sobriety is beautiful. And it is not just about
being without a drink, it about insisting on enjoying
life. Because of Alcoholics Anonymous, today I
INSIST ON ENJOYING LIFE. Thank God for
AA!!!!!!!!!!!



Member:
Tracey M, Atlanta GA
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
2:20:44 AM

Comments

hello everybody! my name is tracey, also an alcholic
from atlanta.

without gratitude i wouldn't be happy, joyous and free
today. i am grateful that thus far i continue to
remember that if i pick up the first drink, i lose my life
as i know it today. i don't ever want to go back to the
hell i used to live. i have found in the couple 24hrs
i've been coming around that the relationships in my
life are the common cause of my confusion and
unhappiness. i'm really grateful i've learned how to
take some risks and i have some very wonderful
UNCONDITIONAL friendship/relationships in my
life. learning how to apply LIVE AND LET LIVE into
my life has also helped. i'm most grateful for AA, for
giving me the life i have today and a relationship w/ a
higer power.



Member:
Rick R.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
5:54:35 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Rick and I'm an alcoholic from CA.I
need to remember to thank my HP everyday or my ego
and self will takes over. My ego tries hard to convince
me that I did something when it was God all along.
God gave me my sobriety and I try to keep working
the steps to the best of my ability. I never thought I
would have the life I have today. Thank you God annd
thank you AA!!!!!!!!!!



Member:
Linda L
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
7:22:38 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Linda, I'm still fighting back and forth
with acceptance on me being a alcoholic. I guess I just
can't say it yet. But I am grateful that I am here asking
for help, for theres not alot I feel grateful for. My life
stinks. I have been in alanon for 9 years in the past.
The last two I have ran and hid from every problem in
my life. I know this is where I need to be cause I have
been told if you have a problem stopping, you have a
problem. So I am here to try to work on that problem.
When I was in alanon I worked on living with a
alcoholic, now I think I am one. I feel so helpless
cause I have no control over it in my life. It has been
ruining my marriage between both me and my
husband, cause he relapsed 2 years ago. I am grateful
that I have a computer to go online, cause we are at a
area where very little meetings are. I don't know what
direction to go right now. I do realize I have no
control over my life and I need to be. If I was to tell
you what two things I feel so out of control is not
escaping and doing the same things over and over and
expecting different results. Please show me where to
begin. I am here again one day sober. I pray I can get
threw the week and the main time the weekend and be
still sober. Thank you Linda



Member:
John H.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
7:26:12 PM

Comments

Hi i am john, i am fighting depression on the
weekends and wow, cannot seem to fight it.



Member:
Doug A. U.K.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
7:26:42 PM

Comments

I am Doug and I am alcoholic

Thank you for the subject Tim. AA of course stands
for altered attitudes. When I came to the programme I
stopped drinking and changed little else. I stayed that
way for eight years before I drank. Pride it was that
kept me away from the first drink. I took a day off and
it took me two years to return to the fellowship.
Today I have an attitude of gratitude. And that
defenately keeps me happy. My life is filled with joy
and I am free from alcohol. Dr. Paul in his story
Doctor addict alcoholic, puts it so neatly in BB.When
my expectations of other people are not right, my
serenity is interfered with. What that means to me is if
I get ungrateful I will be resentful, and tyhat I surely
cannot afford today. For one thing I am grateful for
this meeting, it is a wonderful place to pass the
mesage of AA and to read the messages of others. The
programme really does work.Lots of love Doug



Member:
John H.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
7:26:52 PM

Comments

Hi i am john, i am fighting depression on the
weekends and wow, cannot seem to fight it.



Member:
Ronald T.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
9:26:03 PM

Comments

hi john ,dont fight anything remember we deal with
things sober ,alcohol,and the whole nine yards.

when we try to fight things in a sense where fighting
ourselves,we cant win that battle.

god will help you ,prey on it and it will pass.



Member:
Justin M.
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
10:32:14 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Justin M. and I am an alcoholic. I am
grateful for the miracle of why we are all here: Bill
W. and Dr.Bob. Without whom we would all surely
be deceased or committed. I am also thankful to my
higher power who has lead me to the path of sobriety.
And lastly, I am grateful for all of you people who are
my family and give me strenth through unity.



Member:
jack h
Date:
11/16/97
Time:
10:58:28 PM

Comments

Hi, My name is jack h. and i am an alcholic. I am
attending a on line meeting for the first time.



Member:
Bill K
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
12:03:53 AM

Comments

Hi, my name is Bill K, and am an alcoholic,from
Washington state.I'm new to the net,but not A.A.,I
havn't been to ameeting in a long time, and this sure is
cool.Thanks to all you folks for your comments,I look
forward to attending again. I to need to remember to
be grateful for the life I lead now,and the one I left
behind! thanks again!



Member:
Anna
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
1:50:49 AM

Comments

Hi, My name is Anna and I am an alcoholioc from
California. I wanted to make a couple of suggestions
to John and Linda. John, this is just my opinion, but if
your depression has persisted more than a couple of
weeks, perhaps it's time to look into professional help.
I've heard people say, if you are depressed, it's cuz you
are not working a program. that may be part of it but
not all of it. Sometimes depression is triggered by a
chemical imbalance in the brain, and other times it's
triggered by circumstances in life like a divorce, death
in the family, loss of a job, etc. I don't know what has
happened in your life prior to the onset of your
depression, but as I said nothing wrong with getting
help. Reach out to others inside and outside the
program. I had a therapist who was a recovering
alcoholic, and she helped me a lot. Linda, I would
suggest calling the central office closest to you so you
can find face to face meetings. I think the computer is
great as a supplement, but not a replacement for face 2
face meetings or working the steps with a sponsor. I
forgot where you live, but if you live in California, I
may be able to help you find meetings. It's cruicial to
have that contact. The topic is grattitude. I'm grateful
for the ability to see my character defects. Good night
all, and god bless.



Member:
Judy K GAFOFO Maine!
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
7:32:43 AM

Comments

Hi, everyone -- Linda L, check with this meeting's
secretary for my email address.

The usual great topic, Tim V. I was on the road to CT
this past Friday. Got as far as Freeport Maine when
the snow and ice closed in! Motel overnight. At 1 AM
I prayed for a sign because I was awake and ready to
drive! The woman in the lobby glared at me. DON'T
GO NOW! she almost shouted, so I went back to bed!
At 4 AM that same woman made coffee for me, told
me the salt had done its magic and sure enough,
gleaming ice-covered trees and clear roads! At the
other end, delightful family/grandchildren. My
daughter and her husband were renewing 10 year
wedding vows, and I gave the 5 members of the family
(3 kids) shirts embroidered with rainbows and the
word GAFOFO, which is the way 2 year old Sophie
used to say "grateful For." My daughter and her
husband ask their children at the dinner table "What
are you grateful for today?" I wish my parents had
known to do that! Positive focus right from the gitgo!

In a meeting, I like to watch the faces of people when
they speak -- keeps me connected. It's how I
discovered I'm part of the human race! I looked
around, discovered I could trust the Program if I stuck
with the winners. Twenty seven years later my trust
level in HP is pretty complete! And it's the Program
that did it for me.



Member:
Jean-Camille B
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
9:29:40 AM

Comments

Hello , this is my first online meeting. I have been
sober for about 2 1/2 mths now. I am currently
working on my step 4 and I can say that if AA wasnt
here for me I probably wouldnt be alive today and for
that I am grateful. Thank-you.



Member:
Barbara S.
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
9:33:15 AM

Comments

My name is Barbara, and I'm an alcoholic. Tim, thanks
for a wonderful topic, and I wish you a joyous
anniversary. As it happens, today is MY 14th AA
anniversary! So I know what you mean about gratitude
and Thanksgiving. I feel that very strongly this time of
year.

But actually, the best part is: I feel it strongly almost
every day of the year! I have come to find a deep joy in
simply being alive and in serving the God of my
understanding. So much to do on earth! Today, my car
broke down, and I ended up riding to work on my
bicycle. It was beautiful and clear, no rain is forecast
for a week. Even stopped for coffee to go on the way.

Life is truly good for me, now. All is possible, and all
because I was lucky enough to find the rooms of AA.

Thanks, and peace to all -



Member:
Lynn M.
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
12:04:07 PM

Comments

I'm Lynn and I'm an alcoholic. Thank you, Tim, for
that comforting message and for the topic. I'm grateful
for the people in this program. Many of them are close
personal friends. I can still run into them
anytime-anywhere and we have an immediate bond
and intimacy that is only known to those who are in
this program. They know where I've been and I know
where they've been and we're still sober. I'm thankful
for the Divine Providence which led me to this
program and has stayed with me through a divorce,
death, emotional pain, and illness. What truly saddens
me is that it is available to all and refused by so many.
How was I ever so fortunate? By His grace and by His
mercy and if anyone is reading this out of curiosity,
it's available to all. I no longer have to live my life in
shame and embarrassment and fear of what I might do
under the influence of something that is cunning,
baffling and powerful. All I have to do today, is turn it
over and thank him for another day of sobriety.
Thanks to all!



Member:
Lee P.
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
3:46:45 PM

Comments

Hello all..I'm a recovering alkie from Texas.I have
many things for which I am grateful.I show my
gratitude by living the steps daily,and by sharing
whenever I can with another alcoholic.I write to a
prisoner who is in recovery and this is very
gratifying.Saying that I am grateful is o.k.,but showing
it by passing the message means more to me.



Member:
Joseph M.
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
5:43:32 PM

Comments

My name is Joseph, alcholic, addict.

Gratitude is an important topic for me. When I was
first sober, I was grateful for those things that I didn't
have any more, jails, institutions and bad
relationships. Then I was grateful for the things I had,
a job, my life back and my health, physical and mental.
Now, my gratitude is focused on my Higher Power,
who, I choose to call God. I have more in my life
today then I could ever have planned. My gratitude
goes to my sobirety, family, children, members of AA
and meetings. Now that I am traveling more, I have
looked and thank God found meetings on the Internet.

Thanks

I am glad to be here clean and sober.



Member:
Joanie O portland Pa.
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
6:50:31 PM

Comments

Hi all Joanie O here: Inever thought that I would
understand bieng rocketed into the fourth dimention
until I began to use and recieve the grattitude tool.
When I first got sober it was all I could do to be
grateful today it is a stop I must make daily. My
grattitude starts with the founders of this program
coupled with a Higher Power and spread evenly over
the surface of unconditional love. When the poor mee
syndrom strikes I am ready with the grattitude broom
to sweep away the negitivity and gloom , out comes
the sunshine and happiness and contentment unfold.
How large my basket has become of all the good
things and people that God has put into my life. My
hero and friend Ed G says he who ceases to be grateful
ceases to be sober ,my love to all and especially the
new members ans sharers to this wonderful meeting



Member:
JIM F
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
8:41:22 PM

Comments

my name is jim alcoholic very grateful for the
program. The awareness i have received in regard to
my actions or sometimes lack of them is truly a gift.
Im staying with my sons in New Jersey this week and
would like to thank my friends for the meeting
address. THANK YOU GOD THANK YOU AA



Member:
Cindy A.
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
11:12:53 PM

Comments

Hi everybody, I'm Cindy, and I'm an alcoholic. My
sponsor always told me that gratitude is an action. I
show my gratitude for my sobriety by passing it on,
working with others, going to meetings, and not
picking up a drink one day at a time. Grateful
alcoholics don't get drunk. Even when times are hard,
I remember that I am learning another lesson; another
way of doing things. I don't go through any of this
alone now that I have a Higher Power whom I call
God. So I thank God and AA everyday for this gift of
sobriety and my new chance at life.



Member:
Ray P
Date:
11/17/97
Time:
11:33:40 PM

Comments

Hi everyone, I'm Ray, alcoholic

Gratitude is always a great topic because it reminds
me of all the wonderful gifts that HP and AA have
delivered. Gratitude helps me to think in terms of
What can i give? as opposed to What can I get?

I have set many goals and enjoy the challenges and
stimulation that they bring but my biggest goal is to
contribute to the good of the whole on a daily basis.
Thanks to HP and AA I have an oppourtunity to do
just that.



Member:
Don P
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
12:09:35 AM

Comments

Hi! My name is Don and I'm an alcoholic.

At the risk of being reptitious, I wish to share the
reasons for my gratitude. The source of the word is
grace and that truly what God has given me through
the program of Alcoholics Annonymous and the
blessings of Sobriety. In my drinking days (15 years
ago) I was an unrelenting athe ist. There was no higher
power than Don. It was a continuous contest with
God to prove that this was true. I was slam dunked so
many times as a reslut of this. However, in his love,
he kept after me, sending people, places and things
into my life to bring me closer to final and total
surrender. He has taught me in this total surrender,
that I can do very few things with- out His help. He
has delivered mountains of blessings in the past years
to include a wife and two kids, riches beyond my
imagination, a job that allows me to travel and help
others in many different ways, and most importantly
His love and total acceptance. I now have something
that could only have been given by Him, and this Hope
is all that keeps me going-one day at a
time-sometimes. (To learn more about this Hope
please write to me). May God bless you all.



Member:
PerryH in Poconos of PA
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
2:19:39 AM

Comments

As I receive another daily repreive, may I "Pass It On"
so that the circle of loving soriety may remain
unbroken.

Cease to be Grateful, Cease to be Sober... as
mentioned above, has indeed been true in my life.
Love: Perry H



Member:
Pat L
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
11:53:04 AM

Comments

Pat L from Kansas City and Im an alchohlic and drug
addict. Today, I feel good and its because I use this
site, and my higher power. Im enroute to a meeting
now. It is very shakey for me now. 13 days sober. The
voice in my head says "one drink, who the hell would
know" it would calm my nerves.BULL! So I eat
candy,choclate (cant spell). I say please help me not to
drink today and at night I say thank you, I made it
another 24hrs. Im so far down, I have to look up just
to see down. But, with your help and the help of my
higher power (God) I feel I have a chance. You say 1
day at a time, sometimes its 30 seconds at a time.
When I cant get to a meeting, I come here. Im not
afraid to give my email adx, Im a tech and ex-Hacker.
Anyone wanting to talk with me will be
welcome.Thats what AA is about.Maybe I can say
something you can use to arm yourself against
drinkin. Or you may say something that will help arm
me. Im grateful for this site and all of you. Im sick and
tired of being sick and tired. Today,with your help and
Gods, Im sober thanks, Pat, Dirtyferty@hotmail.com



Member:
Joe D.
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
12:10:41 PM

Comments

Thanks, Tim! Gratitude for me is not only being
grateful to a Higher Power but a useful tool for
getting out of the dumps. I've been sober several years
now, and I have often told sponsorees and others I'm
working with to sit down and write out a gratitude
list. Good advice for them, but something I wasn't
doing for myself! I'm learning now to follow my own
advice. When depression, fear, self-centeredness,
anger, gloom, etc. set in, I try to run through a list of
good things in my life given to me through Grace. It
does work!



Member:
NICK C.
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
2:14:25 PM

Comments

HI MY NAME IS NICK AND I AM AN ALCHOLIC:
THIS IS MY 1ST ON LINE MEETING.I AM
GRATEFUL I FOUND THIS SITE AND
GRATEFUL THAT FOR TODAY I AM SOBER.



Member:
gunner & joe k.
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
4:15:46 PM

Comments

hi our names our gunner & joe k......... we were just
pass'n by and though the topic was right on the money.
graditude is always a good topic, gunner of 9 yrs and
joe of 3.5 yrs say "outstanding". someone has to feel
this way so why not use. by the grace of god and aa
meetings this has become a reality. cyber meetings,
this will only make me that much more greatfull.
signed.... gunner and joe k.



Member:
John R.
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
5:05:27 PM

Comments

I was just contemplating....if light travels at 186,000
mi.per sec. How fast is dark? and how can you tell
when your out of invisible ink? These are the kinds of
tings that used to drive me to drink. Thank God I
stopped contemplating. love, John



Member:
Diane H.
Date:
11/18/97
Time:
8:00:49 PM

Comments

Gratitude for my life given back to me by God. This
sobriety I enjoy was in no way earned or worked for
by me, it was a gift. My best efforts couldn't keep me
sober for a week! I say thank you with deep gratitude
each day to God who has so freely given me this great
gift. With that gift he also gave me the best year+ of
my entire life, my family back, a job I enjoy, self
confidence and self respect. My whole life has
changed because of God's gift.

For those who have written here suffering from
depression, take heart. Seek medical help, it works!!! I
am on a medication called Paxil that has really
brought me out of the dark. Depression is like
diabeties, our body does not produce something our
body needs to keep our moods 'level'.
Anti-depressants are not 'mood altering', they just
supply what we weren't born with and most everyone
else has. Believe me with my God granted sobriety
and the Dr. God directed me to to aleveate my
depression, this is the best year+ of my life, and I'm
42!!

Love to all ((((AA)))))



Member:
Anna T.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
12:42:49 AM

Comments

Hi again, I'm Anna, and I am an alcoholic. Diane H.
thank you for your message. Years ago, I had a
sponsor who said I wasn't sober if I took anti
depressants. To that, I say BULL. From experience, I
know which pills are addictive and cause me to take
them without stop. Anti depressants don't have that
effect, or I should say didn't. I would also suggest
therapy in conjunction with anti depressants. Hang in
there, newcomers. This program works.
{{{meeting}}} -Anna



Member:
Anna T.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
12:48:54 AM

Comments

Hi Anna here again. I meant to say I took anti
depressants but don't now. Nothing wrong with taking
them. I think it's a good idea to be in therapy as well.
thanks. Anna,recovering alcoholic from California.



Member:
Pete396
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
12:53:27 AM

Comments

Pete - GRATEFUL alcoholic here. A list would be to
long.

I am GRATEFUL for my life.

Safe and sober to all.



Member:
Rich G.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
2:33:57 AM

Comments

I'm a real alkie and my problem is called Rich G.,
temporally situated in WA state.

Tim, dude! Great topic!!! I never would have guessed I
would have any kind of thankfulness of any kind,
much less real gratitude, had you asked me a few years
ago. But I do now. Why? Well, I am here in
Washington state to be of service to my Mother in her
closing days ( she is dying of cancer ) and I can't think
of being anywhere else. Moreover, I wouldn't WANT
to be! I only hope and pray on a daily basis, that this is
where God would have me be, that I am doing His
will & in His service.

Also, doing a 9th step is very fine indeed, but now I
have this oppurtunity to actually LIVE a 9th step and
not just DO one. Can i amend all the damage that I
have caused? I think not, but God can, if I let Him.

But had I not dried out, my Mom probably wouldn't
have asked me here in the first place. So I thank God
for my 'limited' continuous sobriety, and the
oppurtunity to serve Him!

God bless all of you and keep you all well, in good
health, and even better spirits, as we trudge this road
of happy destiny, together.

If any Kirkridge members wish to write or e.mail me,
Miss Joanie has both addresses, feel free to drop me a
note or two, I miss you all : )

Please see my note to you in the coffepot section



Member:
Dee E.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
3:14:51 AM

Comments

His I'm Dee and we recently moved to Oregon. I had
problems accepting the move and my first meeting
here with a topic of gratitude, I got emotional and had
to leave. I lived in Washin- gton State where there
were many meetings and I established a network of
friends in AA. I can relate to Linda L. who says she
lives in a small town. It is quite a change for me.
When I was ready to open myself up I found that the
people here in AA are a little different, but they will
reach out if you ask for help. I also was an Alanon
who was trying to fix anothers problems. Today I am a
grateful alcoholic who has a whole new life and
wonderful husband and new extended family..all of
which I received through the promises of AA. I am
glad to find todays topic is gratitude. Go I by the grace
of God.



Member:
Dee E.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
3:15:00 AM

Comments

His I'm Dee and we recently moved to Oregon. I had
problems accepting the move and my first meeting
here with a topic of gratitude, I got emotional and had
to leave. I lived in Washin- gton State where there
were many meetings and I established a network of
friends in AA. I can relate to Linda L. who says she
lives in a small town. It is quite a change for me.
When I was ready to open myself up I found that the
people here in AA are a little different, but they will
reach out if you ask for help. I also was an Alanon
who was trying to fix anothers problems. Today I am a
grateful alcoholic who has a whole new life and
wonderful husband and new extended family..all of
which I received through the promises of AA. I am
glad to find todays topic is gratitude. Go I by the grace
of God.



Member:
Dee E.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
3:16:42 AM

Comments

His I'm Dee and we recently moved to Oregon. I had
problems accepting the move and my first meeting
here with a topic of gratitude, I got emotional and had
to leave. I lived in Washin- gton State where there
were many meetings and I established a network of
friends in AA. I can relate to Linda L. who says she
lives in a small town. It is quite a change for me.
When I was ready to open myself up I found that the
people here in AA are a little different, but they will
reach out if you ask for help. I also was an Alanon
who was trying to fix anothers problems. Today I am a
grateful alcoholic who has a whole new life and
wonderful husband and new extended family..all of
which I received through the promises of AA. I am
glad to find todays topic is gratitude. Go I by the grace
of God.



Member:
Ric D
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
9:13:46 AM

Comments

Hi, I am an alcoholic and my problem is Ric

When I was drinking, I was grateful that I wasn't going
to jail, my wife hadn't divorced me and my kids still
talked to me. My world evolved around drinking and
anything still in my life was amazing. Today I am
grateful for the things that are in my life. a
relationship with my Higher Power, The fellowship of
AA, The twelve steps & traditions, sobriety, a loving
wife and four beautiful kids. I show my gratitude by
going to meetings, talking to other alcoholics and
being there when a suffering alcoholics reachs out for
help. Each day I wake up sober is a miracle

I love you all the best I can



Member:
Tim V. in PA
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
10:35:19 AM

Comments

Thanks for the reminder Joe D. about the versitility of
the gratitude list. I too use it when I'm feeling down or
when I can't sleep. A friend suggested that a good
tonic for sleeplessness was to start with the letter "A"
and go through the alphabet thinking of all the things I
have to be grateful for beginning with that letter.
Sometime after hours of tossing and turning, usually
worrying or mulling over a resentment, I start my
gratitude list and go right to sleep. I've never made it
past "H".

I'm not suggesting that those who need medicine try
this instead, but I do suggest a gratitude list as a great
tool for adjusting my mood to a more favorable
disposition.



Member:
Sharon M.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
11:51:45 AM

Comments

Hi everyone. My name is Sharon and I am an
alcoholic. This is only my 11th day sober. I don't have
cravings thank God...but I am watching out for
triggers...so far...so good. I attend meetings everyday,
and have a temp sponsor. I am also still in O P group
at the hospital where I checked myself in the morning
after I drank a 3 liter box of White Zin...at home...by
myself...alone. Just wanted to say that I am very
grateful for all of the supportive people I have met in
AA meetings, and online at various recovery sites.
Thank you for being here for us...the babies. You
make me feel such hope. Peace to all of you.



Member:
Jan J.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
12:19:41 PM

Comments

Hello everyone, Jan J. alcoholic. Been sober for a
number of years; also been having problems lately.
The itty bitty sh-tty committee has reconvened in my
head for the last 6 months. Ah, Gratitude....it was my
normie husband who brought me back to this just 2
nights ago. I "gave up" again, fell on my knees and
said, "God, I'm powerless over the committee in my
head, and my life is unmanageable." Well, I felt instant
peace, which only comes from God. And I have
gratitude today. Gratitude for the fellowship of
Alcoholics Anonymous for giving me the steps to
follow, even when it's not alcohol that has taken over
my life. In my case, it was just my alcoholic brain that
had taken over, and I knew, and I know, that unless I
did something, I would eventually drink again. Thank
you AA, I am one truly grateful member.



Member:
Frank K. - Florence, NJ
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
1:41:14 PM

Comments

I am greatful that I have a Higher Power today in my
life and that I have life. Greatful that I can look at
myself with a sense of humor today. Greatful that I
can answer the phone without fear. Greatful for the
Fellowship of A.A. Greatful for today!



Member:
Jenna L.Poconos
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
3:04:44 PM

Comments

Hi I'am Jenna and I'am an alclholic and addict, This is
a great topic for me,today I'am able to say I'am gratful
for the biggest thing of all I'am sober and clean for
today, if it was not for the people in the rooms to keep
these doors open, or for them to keep their hands
extanded,or for warm welcomes,this puts the
graditdude in me But most of all I'am very gratful for
my HIGHER POWER, giving me ONE DAY AT A
TIME. Thank You ALL for this Program



Member:
Joe D.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
3:15:13 PM

Comments

Hi--it's me Joe again! Please don't let anyone tell you
to go home and flush medications down the toilet.
Suicides have resulted! Our book tells us we are to
avail ourselves of professional help, so if a doctor
prescribes anti-depressants and if you are taking them
according to instructions, then consider it a gift from
God. I have been on anti-depressant medication for
years, and this along with working my AA program
has saved my life. Believe me, I am truly grateful!!



Member:
Richard B.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
5:04:18 PM

Comments

Hi there! My name is Richard & I AM a drug addict &
alcoholic & so far today I haven't picked up & that is
STILL a BFD.

I'm grateful to be clean & sober, to be married to a
woman in the program, to have a good relationship
with my grown children, to be alive & not as
brain-damaged as by all rights I should be.

Most of all I'm grateful to the people in all the rooms
who shared & continue to share their experience,
strength & hope. I am self-centered,
over-intellectualizing, negative, pessimistic, &
arrogant/self-deprecating. The only way I get this
program is to go to meetings & listen & let people
know whom I am.

Regarding treatment for depression. You know, it's
not a sin to be ignorant or even stupid. What is a sin is
to presume you know what you don't know. I'm
grateful to many of the elders in AA, but I have to say
I loath the rigid oldtimers who presume that they
know all about recovery. To tell someone who is by
nature biochemically depressed or who was
conditioned to depression by his early upbringing (I
qualify on both counts) that they should throw away
the pills & just read the BB, is heinous & dangerous.

My point of view is that whatever keeps me sober &
helps me to grow in sobriety is what I'm gonna do.
That includes any or all of prayer, meditation, going to
meetings, hanging with other AAs, psychotherapy,
antidepression Rxes, diet, exercise, getting enough
sleep, being as positive & productive as I can be at
home, on the road, & in the office.

As usual, I *do* go on. Thanks for letting me share &
keep coming back: it works if you work it.



Member:
Diane H.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
6:02:41 PM

Comments

Thanks Anna, 3 years of therapy too, best thing I have
ever done-actually God lead me there. He takes such
wonderful care of us when we let Him.

Wishing everyone a wonderful sober week!!



Member:
Carrie P.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
8:01:08 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Carrie, and I am a alcoholic. This is my
first meeting (on the internet or in person) where I
have actually spoken up, so please bear with me.
Actually I do not know if I am an alcoholic or not. I
think that could be a little confusing to some people,
but I have not had a drink since I was about the age of
4. It was a sip of my father's beer. However my father
says that I have the attitude of a dry drunk, and I think
that he is right. Today my dad has been sober for
aroud 15 years (I think). I would just like to say that I
am grateful to him for everything that he has done for
me. However I have begun to realize that the world is
just as hard as he said it was. I am in college right
now, away from home, and I am grateful to everyone
here! I am lost without my father's guidance, but I see
a little bit of his standards in everyone here. Thank
you for showing me that there is still a familiar "face"
around so far away from home.



Member:
ted c
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
8:12:00 PM

Comments

this is my first meeting online, thanks for being here,I
bookmarked this location for quick reference as this
will become a regular meeting



Member:
Jenna L.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
10:03:12 PM

Comments

Hi I'am Jenna an alcoholic and addict, This is a
wonderful topic for me today I never thought I would
be a gratful person in recovery but this program
opened my eyes to living a sober live I have real
friends today,people who I can talk to and who listen
and want to help I'am able to trust again all thanks to
this program and to people in it.. I'am very very
Greatful for my HIGHER POWER in giving me ONE
DAY AT A TIME... So I guess what I'am saying is that
today I'am gratful.. Thank You All for keeping those
doors open,Because if they were not open we would
not have the miracles we have today..



Member:
Jenna L.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
10:05:35 PM

Comments

Hi I'am Jenna an alcoholic and addict, This is a
wonderful topic for me today I never thought I would
be a gratful person in recovery but this program
opened my eyes to living a sober live I have real
friends today,people who I can talk to and who listen
and want to help I'am able to trust again all thanks to
this program and to people in it.. I'am very very
Greatful for my HIGHER POWER in giving me ONE
DAY AT A TIME... So I guess what I'am saying is that
today I'am gratful.. Thank You All for keeping those
doors open,Because if they were not open we would
not have the miracles we have today..



Member:
Jenna L.
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
10:05:52 PM

Comments

Hi I'am Jenna an alcoholic and addict, This is a
wonderful topic for me today I never thought I would
be a gratful person in recovery but this program
opened my eyes to living a sober live I have real
friends today,people who I can talk to and who listen
and want to help I'am able to trust again all thanks to
this program and to people in it.. I'am very very
Greatful for my HIGHER POWER in giving me ONE
DAY AT A TIME... So I guess what I'am saying is that
today I'am gratful.. Thank You All for keeping those
doors open,Because if they were not open we would
not have the miracles we have today..



Member:
SC tech
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
11:10:57 PM

Comments

test



Member:
SC tech
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
11:34:42 PM

Comments

test



Member:
Steve C
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
1:09:04 AM

Comments

Hi, I'm Steve and I'm an alcoholic.

Living a life of soberness is all about gratitude. My
higher power has given me the opportunity to become
free. I feel great. The beastie boys say it best... "When
you got so much to say it's called gratitude".

Remember that you must suffer first before you can
enjoy a renewed freedom.

Peace and love Steve



Member:
John H. Stroudsburg, Pa.
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
2:05:53 AM

Comments

well, I finally made it... I'm an alcoholic namedIt;'s
nice to "see" friends at meetings...as Judy said it keeps
me plugged in. I am truly grateful that that whirlwind
inside me, even though I feel it sometimes, no longer
forces me to drink. With all of your help I have not
taken a drink yet. I use the word yet not as a sign of
inevitability, but just respect for the power of
alcoholism in my life. Once again, "cease to be
grateful, cease to be sober" thank God for all of us
being together......... happy Thanksgiving........:)



Member:
Catherine L. - Ann Arbor
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
9:10:16 AM

Comments

Hi, I'm Catherine and I'm an alcoholic. I'm glad the
topic is gratitude. It's something that I have today, that
I never had in my using days. I'm grateful for
everything this program has given me, but most of all,
a life! I did some readings this morning on gratitude
and was reminded to say "Thank you" for the
problems and hard times I experience in my life. For it
is only through these experiences that I truly grow. I'm
grateful that I can trust the process today, living one
day at a time. Thank you AA.



Member:
Jackie B.
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
1:17:50 PM

Comments

Hi, I'm Jackie & I'm an alcoholic who just celebrated
4 years of continuous sobriety, after 9 years in the
program. I'm eternally grateful, because there was a
time when I couldn't stay sober for 4 hours, much less
4 years!

I try to keep an eye out for the little things about
which to be grateful. The beautiful sunrise and sunset
I have each day, going to and from work. The
abundant produce section at the grocery store. My
warm bed and safe home in the peak of winter.

My old car finally gave up the ghost last week. The
"death throws" began as I was driving to an AA
meeting, to which I had the key for opening and
setting up. After the meeting, the car never made it out
of the parking lot. Guess I was meant to be there. I
could have been upset, but chose to be grateful I made
it there in one piece and broke down in a safe place.

A peaceful and serene Thanksgiving to you all!



Member:
hoz l
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
6:33:41 PM

Comments

any alcoholics out there



Member:
Jim M
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
9:33:20 PM

Comments

Hi, I'm Jim and I'm an alcoholic. This is my first
"official" online meeting. I just came from a R.L.
meeting where topic was "His will"; we reflected on
how we need to seek His will.. It was nice. Hope you
are all doing well this evening, and "Keep coming
back, it works if you work it!"



Member:
George M. in Pa. U.S.A.
Date:
11/20/97
Time:
11:10:31 PM

Comments

Hi, my names George and I'm a grateful alcoholic.

Thanks for a wonderful topic Tim. True gratitude is
something I struggled with. Early on, I was grateful
for very little. Slowly I started to get some humility in
my life. As I did, I started receiving an attitude of
gratitude.

Today, I'm grateful for many things. First and
foremost is my sobriety. Without it I would probably
be the same ungrateful drunk I used to be. Secondly,
I'm grateful for knowing- really knowing who I am.
For a long time I didn't. Thirdly, I'm grateful for the
many close friends I have today. All these things I can
lose if I pick up that first drink. I like what Miss
Joanie said: "He who ceases to be grateful ceases to
be sober".



Member:
Joe D.
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
11:17:19 AM

Comments

Yes, hoz 1, there are a lot of us alcoholics out here.
Hope you will keep coming back! Next time, please
share a little about yourself. We'd like to get to know
you better.

Today I'm grateful for the meetings I attend in person
and for these meetings on-line. Thanks, all, for helping
me stay sober today.

Joe D.



Member:
gail e in va
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
12:26:42 PM

Comments

Hi my name is gail e and i'm an alcoholic- i love the
topic, altho i'm not feeling particularly grateful today.
nice to feel connected to a meeting when i'm at work.
usually my hardest area for gratitude. how do others
do it? i work with a few other alcoholics, none which
are dry, sober or any other combination. my mantra
today is thy will be done, and please remove this anger
from me, and let me do thy will. reminders on how to
recapture gratitude?

thanks much



Member:
Debby R
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
3:52:35 PM

Comments

Hi My name is Debby and I'm an alcholic. This is my
14th day of being sober. I am grateful for being sober
but I didn't know how hard it would be. I have not
stopped thinking about drinking in fourteen days. I
feel so tired and wonder when I will feel better. But
nonetheless I am grateful for being able to stop.



Member:
Jim H.
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
9:29:18 PM

Comments

Hello all you fellow reapers of the blessings and many
benefits from the life changing, life saving fellowsip
of AA. Today is wonderful in happy,serene sobriety.
Even tho its a grey, nasty rainy day outside. Its a bight
sunny day "inside" me thanks to all of you. My first
time here of many for the future, I hope. ODAT!!



Member:
Todd C.
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
9:53:20 PM

Comments

Hi I'm Todd and I'm an alcoholic, I haven't said that in
a while. It was easier to say when I used to go to
meetings. I'm glad this meeting is here. I like it better
than actually going there. This is my first time at the
cyber-meeting. I like the fact that there is no SMOKE
here. I quit smoking three years ago. My new
addiction is the gym. It is much better than the bars I
used to go to. I'm thankfull that I'm sober today!
Fridays are difficult days for me to stay sober, because
that was my old party day and I'm exhausted after a
hard week of work. I won't ramble on, but even if I did
you could just skip on to the next on. That is another
good thing about this meeting. Thanks everyone. Todd
C.



Member:
Judi N.
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
11:10:42 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Judi N. I have been sober a little over
thirteen years. This is the first time I have found a
place to talk on the net. I am very grateful today for
my soberity. It hasn't always been this way and I do
have bad days sometimes still. The one thing I have
learned is that I can start my day over anytime I want
to and with that my attitude and it gets better. I have
been through a lot since I got sober but I haven't had
to take a drink over anything although sometimes it
was close. The ony way I can get through the really
rough stuff is keep contact with HP and just do it a
day at a time (or minute if necessary). So far it has
never failed me and I am really lucky to even be alive.
Thank you all for being here. judi



Member:
Judi N.
Date:
11/21/97
Time:
11:13:21 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Judi N. I have been sober a little over
thirteen years. This is the first time I have found a
place to talk on the net. I am very grateful today for
my soberity. It hasn't always been this way and I do
have bad days sometimes still. The one thing I have
learned is that I can start my day over anytime I want
to and with that my attitude and it gets better. I have
been through a lot since I got sober but I haven't had
to take a drink over anything although sometimes it
was close. The ony way I can get through the really
rough stuff is keep contact with HP and just do it a
day at a time (or minute if necessary). So far it has
never failed me and I am really lucky to even be alive.
Thank you all for being here. judi



Member:
Jeff W.
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
2:11:20 AM

Comments

Hello, my name is Jeff W. and I'm grateful recovering
alcoholic. I don't know if my sponsor will allow me to
count this as my third meeting for the week. I can't
stick around long enough for the Lord's Prayer. I wish
everyone another 24 hours.



Member:
Cherise D.
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
8:10:33 AM

Comments

Hi my name is Cherise and I am a Grateful Alcoholic.
I really love this topic Tim and what everyone has
shared. When I first came in I lost my home, my
business, all my belongings, but the thing that hurt the
most was losing my 13 month old baby. I was
homeless and didn't know a single sole. Was I
grateful? No Way! But I hung in there and stuck to the
program. I (in time) got a job paying $2.35 an hour, a
cheap apartment and some hope and became very
grateful (and humbled I might add) I had a TV that had
one channel,no radio or any other luxuries. But I was
grateful for all of it. And the main thing to me is that
Today I can truly and honestly say that I am grateful
that the state took my child during all this, because I
needed the time to work on Cherise. This program
really works! My daughter was returned after 4
months and I am actually friends with the foster
mother today ]because I AM GRATEFUL. Today I
have a wonderful relationship, a beautiful daughter
that I love, and I just moved into a 4 bedroom house. I
believe it comes from being grateful for every little
thing that happens to me in sobriety. I also like what
Lee P. wrote about giving back. I have to give back
what was given to me by going to the jail twice a
week, having sponsees, and living the 12 steps and the
12 traditions in my life on a daily basis. Thanks again
Tim for this topic.



Member:
Clive F.
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
10:28:24 AM

Comments

Hi my name's Clive and I'm an alcoholic and an
addict.

Gratitude is not something that has come easily to me
in recovery, or something that I've had a continuous
supply of since I first got clean and sober in April of
1990. What seemsed to take for ever to sink in with
me was that Gratitude wasn't just a feeling, but was
also an action. many of the times that I didn't feel
particularly grateful, often happened to be times in
which I was acting grateful, by working with a
newcomer or getting involved in some other piece of
service.

In truth my understanding of gratitude as a feeeling
has only really been something that felt real in the last
two years, and I think that's because it's taken all this
time for me to see how far I have come in my
recovery, how different I am from the person who
couldn't eat or wash themself on a daily basis, was
unemployable and filled with fear and self loathing.
On the other hand there are times when gratitude is my
least favorite word in meetings, especially when it's
attached to a toxically shameing should. But because
I'm still a long way from perfect "not an ambition"
even then at least I can be grateful I'm not he person
handing out the shame. Thanks for giving me this
opportunity to share, Love and fellowship. Clive F



Member:
Lynne W
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
10:47:02 AM

Comments

Hi my name is Lynne and I am an alcoholic,this is my
first time online and it sure feels great,I have been
sober for 7 yrs.2mos. and sometimes I forget how
important keeping in touch with other alcoholics is, I
am very grateful for being here and being able to
communicate with everyone,thanks to all of you and
my higher power I will continue to live one day at a
time and remember where I came from and where I am
right now .I have so much to be grateful for and
sometimes let the little things in life disrupt my
serenity .K.I.S.S. thanks for letting me share,God
Bless you all .Lynne W



Member:
BRUCE M. ERIE,PA.
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
4:38:38 PM

Comments

TO PAT L. FROM KANSAS CITY. YOU
MENTIONED ARMING YOURSELF FROM
DRINKING. MY SPONSOR SUGGESTED TO ME
IN A STERN VOICE. WARS END WHEN
SOMEONE PUTS THEIR WEAPONS DOWN AND
THEY SURRENDER! I QUIT FIGHTING AND
SURRENDER AND I CAN FIND SOME
SERENITY. I GIVE MY DISEASE TO MY HIGHER
POWER EVERY MORNING AND THAT
INCLUDES ALL THE WEAPONS I THOUGHT I
NEEDED TO LIVE. PEACE CAME TO ME BY
FIRST LAYING DOWN MY ARMS THAAN
ACCCEPTANCE. PAT KEEP IT SIMPLE. GO TO
MEETINGS GET A SPONSOR ASK FOR HELP IN
THE MORNING AND THANK YOUR HIGHER
POWER AT NITE FOR HIS SOBRIETY. CALL A
FELLOW MEMBER. I CAN'T STAY SOBER ON
MY OWN. REMEMBER YOUR HIGHER POWER
WON'T ANSWER THE PHONE! ONE DAY AT A
TIME. PAT L. THANX FOR THE SOBRIETY. THE
FELLOWSHIP NEEDS YOU TO KEEP US SOBER.
HANG IN THERE.



Member:
Kathy S. Poconos, Pa.
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
6:33:48 PM

Comments

Hi I am Kathy an alcholic and an addict. I am grateful
I can even admit that now. Thanks Tim for this topic. I
am grateful for so many things I could go on forever,
but I wont. Today I am just grateful to wake up every
morning and being able to deal with life on lifes'
terms. I have about 110 days annd can really relate to
the newcomers. In alot of ways I still am one too.
With the help of my higher power, my sponsor,
meetings and the people from them I have faith that
life can be happy and good without trying to control
everything myself. I try to remember daily how
unmanageable I made it and to turn it over to my
higher power. He will help those who ask!!! Safe,
sober week to everyone out there.



Member:
Lee P.
Date:
11/22/97
Time:
9:22:09 PM

Comments

Hello, and love to all from Texas! I went to a local
funeral home today to pay respects to an AA member
who died sober.He was only 54 and died of heart
disease.He had about 8 years of good sobriety.I'm
grateful to have known Ken M. He made it...he died
sober!