Member: Terry C
Location: Oklahoma
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 01:02:44

Comments

Hello all! My name is Terry C. and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. By the grace of God, and the beautiful twelve step program, I haven't found it necessary to take a drink today. The term "grateful" and alcoholic just didn't make much sense to me when I first walked into the rooms of AA. Today I was shown another blessing of this program. I thought maybe "Gratitude" might be a good topic, and I am reminded everyday that this is truly a gift. Maybe the best thing that ever happened to me was to finally admit to being an alcoholic. It opened the door for a new way of living...it gave me a life once I got out of the problem, and started looking for the solution. I prayed for some sort of road map to miraclously appear that would direct me in a way to live life, and God directed me to AA. I was clueless, and am told that alcohol was but a symptom. My problems lay deep buried below the surface, and alcohol had kept me from having to look at them. Today I look square in the mirror, and am beginning to recognize the one that looks back. I have my children, grandchildren, friends (sober), family, fellow classmates, and the people I work with back in my life. My life has been blessed by these people, and all because I have a disease that wants me to screw it all up. I love this program!!! And without all of you, around the globe, I would be as lost as I was a little over four years ago. "We will know a new freedom...", that phrase still sends chills over me. I was a slave to the demon, and God has helped me to find a way out. Thanks for being there and God bless you each for reaching out to this hopeless wandering fool. Sober and loving it....Terry.


Member: Joshua Bullard
Location: Poplar Bluff,MO
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 02:56:22

Comments

It wasn't to hard to see that I had a problem once I started going to AA and listing to other AA members tell there stories. I am truly grateful that I realized it, now that I have realized it I have stoped. It has only been 45 days now, and it is truly hard. I am grateful for my family being there for me, and the lord has also given me strength to fight it. But I still need some more support. I would like to say THANKS to all AA members for being there for others who need you. And thank you LORD for showing me that my life is worth somthing more. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!


Member: Amy G.C.
Location: Switzerland
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 03:19:49

Comments

Hello to all, This is Amy and I am an alcoholic. On the topic of gratitude, I am grateful for this web site as my only meeting possible. I am grateful that I finally took myself out of place number 1 in the world and asked for help. I am grateful so many friends and family stood by me though it has not been easy regaining trust. I am grateful to have a new life, my first husband was (is) an alcoholic and I am grateful to the people in the program who told me it was almost impossible to get well in a drinking environment. Have any of you ever been there? I am grateful for a second chance in a great non drinking marriage, grateful he believes in the real me, thanks for letting me share. Overall I thank God for hearing my prayers for help 3 years ago. Have a good week!


Member: Randy S,
Location: Baton Rouge La.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 05:42:22

Comments

Hi everyone I'am Randy and I am a very grateful alcohlic. By the grace of my Higher Power and the fellowship of A.A. I haven't had a drink or a drug since 9/8/89 and for that I am grateful!! The "Old Timers" told me early on in recovery that if I wasn't grateful, that I was lying.That if I was sure I wasn't grateful that Ihadn't had enough to drink, yet! That shooked me, because I knew I didn't want to drink again! So, I stayed around long enough to get far enough away from that last drink to see what booze and drugs had done to me and my family. It damn near killed me and my family. Today Iam grateful to be able to say:" I'am Randy and I'am a very grateful alcohlic. GRATITUDE ;what a great topic thanks for letting me share Randy S.


Member: Randy S,
Location: Baton Rouge La.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 05:42:59

Comments

Hi everyone I'am Randy and I am a very grateful alcohlic. By the grace of my Higher Power and the fellowship of A.A. I haven't had a drink or a drug since 9/8/89 and for that I am grateful!! The "Old Timers" told me early on in recovery that if I wasn't grateful, that I was lying.That if I was sure I wasn't grateful that Ihadn't had enough to drink, yet! That shooked me, because I knew I didn't want to drink again! So, I stayed around long enough to get far enough away from that last drink to see what booze and drugs had done to me and my family. It damn near killed me and my family. Today Iam grateful to be able to say:" I'am Randy and I'am a very grateful alcohlic. GRATITUDE ;what a great topic thanks for letting me share Randy S.


Member: Frank
Location: Pennsylania
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 06:46:35

Comments

Good Morning Everbody, my name is Frank and I am an alocholic. I am very grateful to be sober.


Member: Judyrose M.
Location: Boston Massachusetts
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 07:14:12

Comments

My name is Judyrose. I am an alcholic. I am grateful for my drinking... It brought me here to you people...It was so awful...that I stayed.

Someone like me would never have had a life...without this program and your fellowship. I was almost nineteen when I hit the doors. No one gets to AA by mistake. After 22 yrs sober I know that each and every element of my life has it roots in your love and understanding. For my life with you because of my drinking....I am most grateful.


Member: Wm.B.
Location: Shirley NY
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 09:42:37

Comments

I'm Bill and a grateful alcoholic. I too got started in AA in 1989. I didn't understand it at first but I kept coming. The longer I stayed the better I got. I had gratitude early on but it really didn't hit me until I was sober for a few years. My life started to improve and with the slow steady growth I changed. Right away I was rewarded with my family remaining by my side (gratitude). In spite of losing all my money I didn't lose the house or anything else (gratitude). I lost my ability to work but with time was able to put it together (mentally) and find work (gratitude). I lost the job and went on unemployment -- I managed to stay sober and still with limitied income mangaged to keep the family and the house (gradtitudde). There were many moments when my attitude got in the way -- but i kept coming and stayed sober (gratitude). I didn't have a higher power and felt that i never would -- all of a sudden, that is, with hard work on step four and five, i foudn my higher power -- these steps gave me a new understanding (gratitude). I continued to grow and I experienced the growth -- uncontrolled attitude began to dissapate -- i got better (gratitude). Still problems continued and i stayed sober. I went back to school and completed it (new gratitude). I advanced in my job and i am respected -- i earned it (more gratitude). I share with others what I am feeling, when I am feeling it -- this keeps me focused on me, and makes me aware of character defects and shortcomings. Today I can take criticsism (gratitude). I walked in my garden this morning and enjoyed a new look at life (gratitude). Maybe I don't have a lot of "toys", or "money" but I have been enriched in my sense of "caring for others", and to have that nurturing returned to me. Yes, life may not be fair, but it is what I have, I have learned to cope with my emotions and "do I have gratitude". I am grateful to be an alcoholic -- without this admission and acceptance none of the "gifts" would have been experienced. I am a rich man today because of AA and the relization that without "GRATITUDE" nothing happens -- It is the window to "life" along with "HIGER POWER". Long message but it felt good to say it. Thanks to all and BLESS YOU.


Member: Wm.B.
Location: Shirley NY
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 09:43:17

Comments

I'm Bill and a grateful alcoholic. I too got started in AA in 1989. I didn't understand it at first but I kept coming. The longer I stayed the better I got. I had gratitude early on but it really didn't hit me until I was sober for a few years. My life started to improve and with the slow steady growth I changed. Right away I was rewarded with my family remaining by my side (gratitude). In spite of losing all my money I didn't lose the house or anything else (gratitude). I lost my ability to work but with time was able to put it together (mentally) and find work (gratitude). I lost the job and went on unemployment -- I managed to stay sober and still with limitied income mangaged to keep the family and the house (gradtitudde). There were many moments when my attitude got in the way -- but i kept coming and stayed sober (gratitude). I didn't have a higher power and felt that i never would -- all of a sudden, that is, with hard work on step four and five, i foudn my higher power -- these steps gave me a new understanding (gratitude). I continued to grow and I experienced the growth -- uncontrolled attitude began to dissapate -- i got better (gratitude). Still problems continued and i stayed sober. I went back to school and completed it (new gratitude). I advanced in my job and i am respected -- i earned it (more gratitude). I share with others what I am feeling, when I am feeling it -- this keeps me focused on me, and makes me aware of character defects and shortcomings. Today I can take criticsism (gratitude). I walked in my garden this morning and enjoyed a new look at life (gratitude). Maybe I don't have a lot of "toys", or "money" but I have been enriched in my sense of "caring for others", and to have that nurturing returned to me. Yes, life may not be fair, but it is what I have, I have learned to cope with my emotions and "do I have gratitude". I am grateful to be an alcoholic -- without this admission and acceptance none of the "gifts" would have been experienced. I am a rich man today because of AA and the relization that without "GRATITUDE" nothing happens -- It is the window to "life" along with "HIGER POWER". Long message but it felt good to say it. Thanks to all and BLESS YOU.


Member: Kathy M
Location:
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 09:58:31

Comments

Hi All! This is my first week out of treatment! So far so good! Wish me luck!

Kathy


Member: Doris BH
Location: Oregon
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 10:30:14

Comments

Greetings! I am Doris and i am an alcoholic. I have so much to be grateful for I don't know where to start. I am in a hurry so I guess I'll just say that I am grateful to God for giving me the gifts I have reciever for the past 52 years. Grateful for the lessons and even grateful for the hard times. I have earned a great deal from them. I am especially grateful for my friends. They have been very loyal and I am also very grateful to my husband.


Member: Danielle L
Location: Québec
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 10:30:40

Comments

Good morning, I'm Danielle and an alcoholic. I have been in the program for six months now and it is people like you Wm.B. that keep me in it. I too have gratitude for the gifts I have already received the good friends I've meet . I just know there is more to come so I keep going to meetings.


Member: Suzanne H.
Location: Ontario Canada
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 10:37:04

Comments

Hi, my name is Suzanne and I am an alcoholic.

With poor health being an issue in my life for the past few months and no answers yet, I am grateful for the gift of living one day at a time. I am grateful for so much more but this is what has been truly keeping me going.

Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Ken H.
Location: Ottawa Canada
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 11:55:06

Comments

Hi my name is Ken and I am an alcoholic. Gratitude! Before I came into AA, I was ready to end my life but somehow I found myself on my knees asking for help. The next day my sponsor, who worked beside my office at the time, came in to see me asked me if I was OK. For the first time in two years, I was honest to him and told him what mess my life had become. I had a hard time with gratitude because I was so lost in self pitty I could not see through it. I was very negative so this God sent person started to work on me. I was willing to go to any lenghts not only to stay sober but to stay alive. He suggested that every day I start by thanking God for my toes, feet, ankles all the way up to my head. This seemed king of fruitless to me at the time but I was willing to do anything. Slowly I began to see changes in my attitute and suddenly I was more appreciative of the little things around me and began to be gratefull of all the things I had to live for. I recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety and on my medalion I put on it "LIFE IS WORTH LIVING" and how very fitting. Wishing all another 24 hours, In love and service Ken H.


Member: Josh J.
Location: Portland, OR
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 12:16:42

Comments

Hi Everyone. My name is Josh and I'm an alcoholic. I am grateful for my Higher Power, and the stubborn love He consistantly surrounds me with. I am grateful that "hope and excitement" have replaced "impending doom". I am grateful for all of you who share, and strengthen that hope for me. Thank God for blessing us every second of our lives. ~Josh J.


Member: Amy G.C.
Location: Switzerland
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 13:57:21

Comments

Kathy, way to go, I think ken gave a great example of why the program is great, one day at a time. Amy


Member: Tommy L
Location: New jersey
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 14:07:01

Comments

greetings all my name is tom and I'm an alcoholic. Its been over 3 yrs since I've needed to enhance my life with alcohol. no longer do I need to drink to sleep to awaken or to live in between both. I am grateful that today I have a life not spent in front of the tv, booze bottle and bucket at hand. a life as I have never known has been given to me by this program. I'm 38 and full of a future filled with endless possibilities IF I DON'T TAKE A DRINK AND WORK MY PROGRAM . and in case nobody told you today I love you :) TOMMY L


Member: Mark
Location: Maine
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 14:53:39

Comments

My name is Mark and aa acoholic. Grateful I am to have found this site and this program. Just started going to meetings in the past month, everyday this past week. I am grateful to, yes, my ex-wife who drove me nuts about my drinking even after divorce, it was she that made me look at myself and see what I was becoming. I have begun taking my life back. Begun looking for that person I was. I have a ways to go yet for sure, but I will find him, for this I am grateful. Skiing today, after a tremendous spill, I noticed my beginners chip had come out of my pocket and I could see it laying there on the snow, fear filled me, I crawled to get it back. That damn chip means a lot to me, it means a beginning, a comittment, a trophy, whatever. It is safely back in my possession. Close call. In closing, I am grateful for all of YOU! adios


Member: Janie B.
Location: Florida
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 15:17:02

Comments

I am an alcoholic named Janie, I always put alcoholic before my name, because I want to recognize and keep focused that this disease is always with me. I am so very graitful for the AA program and all the lessons I have learned since the first day I stumbled into the rooms. I knew my live was unmangeable, but I didn't know I was an alcoholic, until you all shared our samenesses (is that a word, I dunno). I was dead inside when I came in, but your lives gave me live again. I hear my H. P. speak through each one of you, I see H.P. in each one of you and I feel H.P. in each one of you. I am graitful to be awakened and able to carry this message to the still suffering. Thank you AA.


Member: Steph R.
Location:
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 18:27:35

Comments

Gratitude is really hard for me especially sice I have been going through a lot of hard stuff lately. Just last week my friend killed himself over drugs and alcohol and I am grateful that it wasn't me but I do feel really selfish for thinking that. I need to work this program one day at a time and be grateful for what I have today but sometimes it gets too hard to do that. I need to really just let go and let God because too many times I am really quick to try and cure all of my friends problems when I have enough of my own. So I know that today was a good day because I'm not six feet under and haven't taken a drink. But I really would like to.


Member: Libby W.
Location: Glenside Pa.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 19:47:21

Comments

Hi ! My name is Libby and I am an alcholic. For me today being grateful is a feeling I carry in my heart. After 7 suicide attempts many detoxes and a few rehabs I am now sober for one year. 3-23-98 was my A.A. birthday.My gratitude is delivered in my actions to my husband and all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis I used to not like anyone or anything and today I find something good about alot of things. I think what I am saying is I have had an attitudinal change and not performed by me.I'll keep coming back,thanks for listening


Member: Milas E
Location: Calif
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 21:04:31

Comments

Hi, I'm Milas and I am an acholic.Grateful? Yes. I have much to be grateful for,so much I could not list it all here! But am I really grateful to be acholic? I'm glad to have found A.A. the fellowship, the program, and especially God! But now and again I wonder if he could have done it a diffrent way? No! It took what it took,and I'm glad to be here. And I'm really glad you're here! Hopefully in time more gratitude will come. It has only been 8mo. I still have much to learn. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: TOMMY G.
Location: MICHIGAN
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 23:05:57

Comments

i`m tommy and i`m an alcoholic!! i`m grateful it`s past beer- thirty and i`m not drinking!!! every day is a new world record for me! never been this long without drinking ever. so thank you all for helping me to be sober !! ESPECIALLY YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Member: Jane M.
Location: Ma.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 01:20:49

Comments

Hi everyone! So grateful to be sober today and available for the miracles. Last weekend we had a freak snow storm; tonight the spring peepers (frogs) burst out in song in record summer-like weather! Ah, New England...This sober/spring euphoria beats any elusive alcohol buzz. You bet I'm grateful. And am grateful for this dandy meeting. Thank you all.


Member: Paul w
Location: wash, dc
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 08:35:53

Comments

Hello. I'm brand new to this. I just turned 43 this past weekend and as a gift to myself have decided to get clean and sober. i'm scared that i'm not going to be able to do it. today is the first day. I hope god is with me. I need to do this.


Member: Joni R.
Location: Altoona, Pa.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 09:29:40

Comments

Hi I am Joni and I am a sober alcoholic. Gratitude is something I have everyday. I am grateful for my sobriety without that I have nothing, the sun, the morning, my family, my job, my husband, my co-workers, my clients, and and my Higher Power. I work with adolescents and at night we have a group dedicated to gratitude. I feel such joy when I hear the girls say they are grateful for themselves. We should take a look at ourselves if we don't feel this way too. I am very grateful for who I am. I work very hard at knowing who I am. I am grateful to all those who help me be who I am especially my Higher Power. I am very grateful to the fellowship for supporting at times of need and offering many points of view. We must remember that we are not the same amd we do not require all the same things in life. I appreciate it when I fnd members who are open minded and accepting of all the differences. This fellowship as well as any large gathering of people often have those who are narrow minded and not open to other ways of doing things. I feel that many members speak in slogans all the time and although they are handy ways to remember things they tell us very littlle about the person who is saying them. Speaking as one who works with young adults slogans do not sound like it comes from the heart. I see them react more openly when what is said comes from the heart. For those people I am grateful. Please when you are at a meeting and there are young people remember that they are your future and what you say to help them may help them make our future brighter. Be grateful for the kids. Thanks for listening love to you all..


Member: jrr
Location: harmony on the Lake
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 12:07:27

Comments

greetings all and happy spring...all I know is when I came in here I wanted to complicate everything....you see I was more sick than any one here , so I thought; ( actuallly some may agree to this day ...!) and I needed extra explanations and reasons before I would simply do the suggestions that were mentioned.And as I stayed here and listened more....things started to make sense. Today I am most grateful , that when I came in these rooms , I had the opportunity to meet a lovely, kind and simply honest man...Lonnie Smith, up here in the frozen tundra of the northeast...Anyway, Lonnie in his infinite wisdom, dealing with sick puppies like myself , at 4mos.,kept it perfectly simple...and a lot of this were the slogans...all of them...three and four word quips that freed my sick brain from delving into some b.s. self-expressive dishonest quagmire of delusional analysis of my so-called new outlook..today I honestly believe new comers can handle about as much input as a slogan...no questioning is necessary, they are simple and they work ! ! 4yrs. ago today..my first sponsor, my friend, the person who showed me a new way of life , and guided me along the path(12 steps) till I could see the real world around me and showed me how God worked in peoples lives that I met along the way..he passed away after a lengthy battle with the big C, it was much like today...sunny and mild, I had bought him some pink and white flowers...a spring bouquet , as I set it at the end of his bed...in front of him, though he had been comatose for several days...I said " Here you are friend...a little piece of sunshine for ya ! " Another friend of ours..and Bill W, had to go to work...so we clasped hands and Lonnie's son-in-law...a evangelical minister/ cadillac salesman from S. Carolina..{ no joke ! } said a rousing, beautiful prayer for Lonnie , and all of us to accept his condition, after which we closed with the Lord's Prayer. all of a sudden , Lonnie opened his eyes, smiled and sighed... we hugged each other and wept openly...but I am forever grateful for the time God has given me in AA and most of all; to watch my dear gentle friendl/Sponsor jet out of here ...on a Wing and a Prayer.....thanks all, and peace, jrr


Member: Kathie C
Location: Chicago, IL
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 12:39:45

Comments

Hi!

My name is Kathie and I'm an alcoholic.

Actually a GRATEFUL alcoholic. Today I am celebrating 25 years of sobriety!! I never in a million years thought I would live to the age of 25, no less be sober for 25 years.

The only thing I know, is the last time, I looked up (at that time, that's where I thought the Higher Power was) and dared the Higher Power to keep "this one sober". Well, I'm glad to say the Higher Power won.

I cannot begin to tell you all the blessings there have been in these past 25 years. There have been many problems as well, but I have never had to deal with them all alone. Support was only a telephone away. I admit, sometimes I still have a hard time reaching out, but sooner or later I get the message and ask for help. Once I do that, everything starts to get better. Sometimes help is just dumping how you're feeling on someone who is willing to listen. It's amazing how fast a bad idea or feeling can pass, when you have a supportive sponsor, meeting, or another recovering alcoholic to guide you through it.


Member: Chris N.
Location: Valdosta Ga.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 14:15:18

Comments

Hey I'm Chris, and I am an alcoholic.

The first time I went to a meeting where the topic was gratitude, I got really pissed! Go figure.

An old timer told me If you arent grateful you will get drunk. I'm still trying to figure that one out. I really want to be grateful, but sometimes it's hard.

Just got back from a nooner and heard some really good stuff! "If you dont like where your at, move" & "God doesn't have a last name". I can honestly say that I'm grateful I had the chance to go to the meeting!

Good luck Kathy M. & Paul W. I'm right there with you! And I am grateful for the rest of you for sharing!


Member: Catherine L.
Location: Ann Arbor
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 14:17:03

Comments

Hi everyone, I'm Catherine and I'm an alcoholic. Thank you for the great topic, it is always a good reminder for me. I thank my Higher Power each day for another day clean and sober, but to really feel gratitude in my heart is different for me. I have gratitude for having a life today, all because of working this program. I also have a 16 year old son, who will be celebrating 9 months sober this week. Thank you AA.


Member: Steve J
Location: Ohio
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 17:09:27

Comments

HI, I Steve J and I'm an alcoholic, I just got out of treatment and very new to this. I'm grateful for the chance, the program and people of this site to get sober. Good luck to Kathy M & Paul W, I'm in the same boat with you. Thanks to everyone else who contributes to this page.


Member: Erv W.
Location: Adams Wi.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 18:10:14

Comments

Good afternoon, my name is Erv and i'm an alcoholic.. GRATEFUL: They don't have a word to describe how grateful I am.. Thanks to my higher Power and AA, I don't have to drink today.. God bless everyone, and have a good week.. Erv


Member: Stuart F
Location: London
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 18:39:50

Comments

Hi, I'm Stuart and I'm an alcoholic. Grateful to share with you today and I'm grateful to be sober. Haven't had a drink today, and because of that and the gift of the 12-step programme, I'm better able to deal with life on life's terms. Been feeling below par for a few weeks now...couldn't get the gear stick into top. They say God gives you what you need. Went to a meeting yesterday fit to burst, and as the sharing continued, faced the resentment that's been causing this distress for a week or two. Went to a lunchtime meeting today, and honest to God, a lady who shared beside me, I swear she's been following me for the past three weeks! She shared exactly what I've been going through...not facing the resentment... which turns into anger and fear at the same time...sudden dive into self pity and the recipe's done for another drink! Thank God my Higher Power accepts me for the stubborn cuss I can be and loves me into recovery. Thank God for meetings and the fellowship of AA. God Bless you all


Member: Claude T.
Location:
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 19:27:52

Comments

Hello ! All of you friends, I just got my 3 months token yesterday, and as I said at the meeting I took it one week late due to beeing realy snowed-in. I said was was important was not the token or the ceremony but what I had accomplished with GOD's help.


Member: monica L.
Location: California
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 19:40:58

Comments

Congratulations Kathy & Libby! That is terrific! My name is Monica and I'm a grateful alcoholic! I needed a coffee break at work and I located this site and knew I was in the right place. I have been sober for 12 years but my attitude still needs adjustment. I was in my head and needed to get out. This is truly a blessing for me to have found all of you. God Bless!


Member: Patti K.  :>)
Location: L.I. N.Y.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 20:05:11

Comments

Hello I'm Patti and I'm an alcoholic. I'm grateful that I had someone at work share with me this beautiful gift. "Stayingcyber". I'm a very rich girl today, my bank acount is in a deficit, my car is on it's last legs, the house is a money pit. AA gave me though a wonderful journey, the people I meet is what it's all about today, those are my riches. I work, my kids are healthy, I talk to my HP daily, I sponsor (imagine that I used to think), and I honestly enjoy everyday, with a laff at anything that can make someone smile. :>) AA for me are people who know where you were, accept where you are and allow you room to grow. NO ONE can ask for more than what you gave me, I thank you all. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU


Member: TRW
Location:
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 21:02:14

Comments

Gratitude is not (just) a feeling. I once had a sponsor who liked to ask " if you are gratful prove it. what have you done to make me believe it."


Member: Barb C.
Location: West Alllis, WI
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 22:02:32

Comments

Hi everyone! My name is Barb and I am an alcoholic. My very first recollection of my sponsor was the day I heard her say she was grateful she was an alcoholic. Needless to say, I thought the woman was certifiable. How could anyone be grateful to have this terrible disease? A disease that had stripped me of almost everything including my self-respect. But miracle of miracles, I stayed and I listened because the people at that meeting had something I wanted. Today I truly believe attitude is gratitude. I don't want to go back to where I was. Many days I need an attitude adjustment. I know what I need to do to get it. Don't drink and go to meetings. I am grateful I know that today. I am grateful I heard that wonderful lady almost 13 years ago. I believe I would not be where I am today if I hadn't been where I was back then. Grateful? You bet! Kathy, Paul and Steve-Welcome to the greatest program on earth. Have a great week everyone and thank you for helping me to grow a little bit today. Barb


Member: Chris A.
Location: Ft.Myers,Fl.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 22:26:03

Comments

Hi everybody.My name is Chris and I'm a grateful recovering alcoholic/addict.I'm most grateful today for a second chance at life. Before I came into A.A. I was sleeping in bushes,I had lost touch with my family(they wouldn't talk to me),I was pan-handling money so I could get a quart of beer.Slowly,my family came back,I got a job(held it for a year and a half now,never done that before),I'm buying my own home,.The promises do come true,and for that and the program of alcoholics anonymous I'm very grateful!


Member: ;-)
Location:
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 22:26:45

Comments

(-:


Member: Pat P.
Location: Connecticut
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 22:27:56

Comments

Hi, I'm Pat and I'm an alchoholic.

I'm so happy to have found this site...I get short on meetings all too often, and to have a meeting happening all week long is such a help for me! I was talking to my sponsor today, and we were addressing the very topic of how many meetings I get to in a week. It's just uncanny how quickly my defenses rise up to justify and rationalize my behaviour! I don't think that I'd rattled off that many "yeah, but..'s" in quite some time. I was told that my voice changes when I defend myself. I am so grateful that someone knows me that well! It's scary, but I know that it helps keep me honest. Thanks for letting me share!


Member: Hilary J.
Location: Panama City, Florida
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 22:56:55

Comments

Hi, Hilary alcoholic, Grateful to be alive today. I should have died drunk. HP has a wonderful plan for me, I just don't know what it is. So, I do my best to do my part each day and let him take care of the rest. Difficult at times but it really works. This is for Amy G.C., Swizterland, if Email is your only resort to sobriety, feel free to email me at hajenkjr@worldnet.att.net.. I do email meetings often. You never have to be alone again.

your friend Hilary


Member: j.b.
Location: california
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 23:02:02

Comments

H, I'm Joyce and I'm a happy, grateful, recovered, alcoholic woman. I just love hearing everyone share their gratitude...I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful program. Today I am especially grateful that my higher power helps me to walk through life's difficulties, big and small...and I don't have to drink. I am grateful that God has blessed me with willingness. I am grateful that God put a sponsor in my life who talks to my heart, and from whom I will take direction, no questions asked. I am so grateful that my life has changed in ways I could never have dreamed of. Thank you to all of you who shared - With you I trudge the Happy Road to Destiny.


Member: JEFF N. 
Location: CO
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 02:17:57

Comments

WOW! What a great topic! For the last couple of days, I've been at the jumping off place. 42 months sober, one would think they know better than to slack off of meetings. Well I went to 2 meetings today and by the grace of my loving God, i didn't have to jump. I'm very GREATFUL for Dick who shared what forty years of sobriety taught him,"If you're going to be good at anything, you have to practice everyday". To all of you new people out there WELCOME!!!!


Member: Cherise D.
Location: Grateful in PA
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 07:33:27

Comments

Hi I'm Cherise and I'm a GRATEFUL alcoholic. Thanks Terry, this is my favorite topic!!! When I came in AA I wasn't grateful for anything or anyone, until I surrendered to this program and the fact that I'm an acoholic. I lost my home, my business, my husband, and yes the state took my little 1 yr old away from me. But you people told me I was going to be ok no matter what as long as I don't pick up that first drink. And you were all right. I went to 5 meetings a day and soon got a job, a real crummy apartment(But it was mine) and in 4 months my little girl was returned. I think the key was to be grateful for every little thing I got and more miracles kept happening. Today I am TRULY grateful that I am an alcoholic because if I wasn't I don't think I would have ever found this peace and Serenity, and happiness. I am getting married in September, to a Wonderful man and it's all BY THE GRACE OF GOD! Thanks all for listening.


Member: J.L.
Location: Massachusetts
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 07:56:29

Comments

Hi! My name is Jay and I am a GRATEFUL, recovering alcoholic.

As some of you know (previous postings) I had what was characterized as an horrific accident in November of '98, I fell from a scaffold and was impailed on a piece of machinery. Somewhere around my third day in the hospital one of the doctors came into my room with an incredibly long face to tell me that they had removed a polyp from my colon during the course of the emergency surgery and that the biopsy had come back positive for cancer. My response was "wow, that's like hitting the number"; I know that early detection is the key to beating cancer and I was thrilled that my Higher Power had done this for me (I wasn't too crazy about his methodology, but who am I to question). When the doctor was able to regroup and think for a few minutes about my response he agreed with my assessment of the situation. Now the bad news; we know there is cancer in there and due to the extent of your injuries we can't do anything until your injuries heal. Anyway last Thursdday I had a colonoscopy (they decided to enter through my stoma rather than delay, waiting any longer waiting for my rectum to heal). During the colonoscopy they removed to "bumps" from my colon. I got my pathology report last night: what they removed were called "Adenomas" or BENIGN tumors, they indicate that I must be closely monitored because I will, at some future date, in all likelyhood, develop cancer again. However, as of this morning I AM CANCER FREE and a GRATEFUL, recovering alcoholic. Thank you!, needed to share this, and to claim my seat.

Hang in There! The age of miracles is NOW!

Thank you for letting me share.

J.L.


Member: J.L.
Location: Massachusetts
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 09:46:54

Comments

Correction:

I am not psychic make that November 1997.

Thank You


Member: Max J.
Location: Necedah, WI
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 12:25:28

Comments

Hello, my name is Max and I am a alcoholic. GRATEFUL to be alive and well today, feel so good, I think I could go ten rounds with Mike Tyson...Grateful for the program of AA, I'm sure it saved my life. Good luck kathy M. God bless all, have a great week... Max.


Member: Paul C
Location: Antioch CA
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 15:08:38

Comments

Hi Everyone, Alkie Paul alive, well and online. At 3 years of soberity I finally understand what it means to be a grateful alcoholic. I just NOW got it. (Kinda slow on the uptake!) All this time I've been thinking; "I'm not grateful TO BE an alcoholic" I would have prefered to be a normie. That's not what everyone has been saying. "I'm a grateful alcoholic" I am. I am. I'm extremely grateful for the soberity that God has given me. I'm grateful for my wife, kid, job, home, sober friends, health, serenity, family, etc. etc. etc. I am also grateful for what is often nothing more than a daily, ho hum, life. Love that Serenity. Ain't this program great.


Member: Joe B.
Location: CA
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 16:39:13

Comments

AA is a cult - leave now.


Member: Joe B.
Location: CA
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 16:39:35

Comments

AA is a cult - leave now.


Member: mary w.
Location: ks
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 17:20:33

Comments

whatever joe - any one for poisoned kool-aid? no- well send all your money to.....?

A.A. is a way of life, for those who choose to live it. we are all free to come or go. with gratitude i choose to stay...

hugs,

mary w.


Member: Zan S.
Location: Ketchikan, AK
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 19:12:06

Comments

Hi I am and alcoholic and my name is Zan. I am grateful to be a recovering member of Alcoholic Anonymous. Gratitude is my daily attitude. Today was special. My son called and I am to be a grandmother for the first time. I thank HP that I am sober to experience all that life has to offer today. What a gift. Joe...please remember the 3rd Tradition-the onlyl requirement for memebership is a desire to stop drinking. In love and service, Zan


Member: Mark S.
Location: Ohio
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 21:35:21

Comments

Hi! I'm a grateful recovering drunk. My gratitude has increased over the last 16 months of sobriety. I started out being grateful for daily sobriety, and I still am, but my gratitude has increased to appreciate ALL the subtle joys in this life.

I'm grateful for this site because it enables me to get a little more AA. The site really does promote anonymity due to the nature of the internet. Fantastic site. Inspired. Doesn't replace what I get from a meeting but supplements my meetings.

Keep coming back !

Mark


Member: Tammy P
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 21:52:59

Comments

Hi, I'm Tammy and a Alcoholic, Gratitude what a great topic, when I fist joined AA a friend took me to meeting at Christmas time and it was called a Gratuity meeting, each member had a chance to go up and say one thing they were grateful for. And I think it was at that meeting that I realized there actually is a lot to be grateful for and when you are newly sober that isn't always easy to see. I am grateful for my life, my children and my husband, but none of that would exist if it wern't for A.A. so that definately has to be at the top. Thanks for being there.


Member: Teri G.
Location: Valencia, California
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 22:05:04

Comments

Hi, I am Teri and I am an alcoholic. Gratitude is a bright spot in my sobriety. If I begin to feel self-pity, I just make a mental gratitude list and I always feel better. AA, has taught me to live one day at a time and it is easy to be grateful as long as I stay in the moment, because I always have everthing I need. I have faced many trials in my sobriety because that is life, but I am always grateful for the lessons I learn. God Bless You -Keep Coming Back


Member: Debbie K.
Location: South Dakota
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 02:56:16

Comments

Good topic GRATITUDE without it I'd be drunk. Early in soberity I had a hard time understanding when someone would say'' Hi so and so and I'm a grateful alocholic. I was told I had to learn to be grateful. I found my self being grateful before I even realized I was grateful.The old timers always said to keep the Attitude of Gratitued worked for me. Nine (9) years later and I'm still sober!!! Today I am a Grateful Alocholic!!!! Thanks, Debbie


Member: Linda C
Location: FL
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 07:16:59

Comments

hi,

Is anyboby here? This is my 1st time here, not exactly sure how it works. My name is Linda, I'm an alcoholic and have been sober 1 1/2yrs.


Member: Casey M
Location: Australia
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 07:26:37

Comments

Hi, I'm Casey and I,m an alcoholic. I am so grateful to be alive and to have found this site on the internet. I am a new member and am finding it difficult. It is hard to feel grateful when you have to learn to live all over again without the bottle in hand, but I know with your help, nomatter which side of the earth and my higher power, I will get through anything. thanks for listening, Casey.


Member: John C
Location: Ohio
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 08:49:54

Comments

Good morning I'm grateful that god does for us what we can't do for ourselves. May I please be grateful that He won't do for me what I can do for myself. I'm also very grateful that I can hop on the net and get an Attitude Adjustment 24/7 carpe' diem.


Member: John W.
Location: E'Ton Ma.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 09:55:54

Comments

Hi, I'm john W. and I'm an alcoholic,Hi Linda C. , this is also my first time here. I have been sober for 3 months and grateful for this program. THANK YOU ALL


Member: Joanne L.
Location: NE PA
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 10:40:43

Comments

Hello, I'm Joanne and I'm an alcoholic. I'm very grateful that this disease didn't kill me while it had the chance. I have two children, while my oldest was very small, I was drunk. I missed alot. Our relationship has greatly improved, and I love and appreciate him alot. He's a funny kid. My younger one just lost his first tooth last night, and I was there to remember. I have tears in my eyes now because I feel so much gatitude. I have my life back, along with my wonderful kids, and a good marriage to another fellow recovering alcoholic. What more could I ask for?

I was told that gratitude is an action. The feeling in my heart can be expressed in my actions. For today, I'm going to work on expressing my gratitude.


Member: jrr
Location: harmony on the Lake
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 11:26:50

Comments

beautiful...Joanne.... mary w.. about that kool-aid...cherry or grape flavor.? ?


Member: Tom Z
Location: Alamogordo,NM
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 13:26:18

Comments

Hello I'm Tom Z and a grateful recoveringAlcoholic/addict. This is a great site. Just remember K.I.S.S Keep it simple stupid. Take care evryone!!


Member: Mike C
Location: Pakistan
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 13:35:55

Comments

Hi my name is Mike and I'm an alcoholic. Thanks for reminding me to stay grateful. To the newcomers, welcome to the greatest 'cult' in the world the FELLOWSHIP of Alcoholics Anonymous, where broken lives are mended, and you can truly find yourself. NEVER GIVE UP 'you have just now tapped a Power greater than yourself'.


Member: Michael W
Location: Rochester, NY
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 15:49:22

Comments

Hello Everyone this is the first time at this meeting I am Grateful for today sober and being at a meeting currently active in treatment but not going to meetings in my area, been sober since june1,97 all your comments have help me today, Grateful for this meeting,Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Helen M
Location: Motherwell Scotland
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 16:41:55

Comments

Hello everyone,my name is Helen and this is my 1st time at this meeting,I am also very grateful that I am living a sober life. I celebrated 7yrs soberiety on march 10th and at one time I couldn't get 7 days soberiety I am grateful to all the friends I have met in AA for helping me to stay sober for another day. thanks . Helen


Member: Helen M
Location: Motherwell Scotland
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 16:43:09

Comments

Hello everyone,my name is Helen and this is my 1st time at this meeting,I am also very grateful that I am living a sober life. I celebrated 7yrs soberiety on march 10th and at one time I couldn't get 7 days soberiety I am grateful to all the friends I have met in AA for helping me to stay sober for another day. thanks . Helen


Member: Helen M
Location: Motherwell Scotland
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 16:44:30

Comments

Hello everyone,my name is Helen and this is my 1st time at this meeting,I am also very grateful that I am living a sober life. I celebrated 7yrs soberiety on march 10th and at one time I couldn't get 7 days soberiety I am grateful to all the friends I have met in AA for helping me to stay sober for another day. thanks . Helen


Member: Helen M
Location: Motherwell Scotland
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 16:45:54

Comments

Hello everyone,my name is Helen and this is my 1st time at this meeting,I am also very grateful that I am living a sober life. I celebrated 7yrs soberiety on march 10th and at one time I couldn't get 7 days soberiety I am grateful to all the friends I have met in AA for helping me to stay sober for another day. thanks . Helen


Member: J.R.T.
Location: Door Co. Wisconsin
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 17:13:38

Comments

Hi, my name is Jay and I'm an alcoholic. I've been visiting this site for a couple of months, but this is my first time contributing to the discussion. Thank you very much to all of you for the help. Not only am I gratefull to have the compulsion to pound down a bunch of alcohol everyday lifted from me, but I am gratefull a higher power I call God has provided me with much more. I have been attending meetings and have not found it necessary to consume alcohol since Feb. 16 1988. It has not come easy. I am a slow learner with a powerful alcoholic mind and ego. It is difficult for me to maintain spiritual quality on a day to day basis, all to often exerrting my will and not the will of God as I understand him through A.A. I have not had a silver spoon recovery. I still carry emotional baggage from some very trying experiences with my immediate family. I,m not to happy with my present occupation and am certainly no threat to sainthood when my many charactor defects rear thier ugly head. But things keep improving, like an upward spiral, I make progress over time by giving myself to the twelve steps. I have my health, my mind, my spirit, and my future. All compliments of A.A. and God. If not for A.A.and God, simply stated, I would be dead. How can I help not being grateful for that?


Member: John R.
Location: S.B. Calif.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 17:38:11

Comments

Hello recovery people We are looking for stories for a new Chicken Soup for the ( Recovering ) Soul please send your best heart warming stories, short and simple are best. Thank You


Member: John R.
Location: S.B. Calif.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 17:39:55

Comments

Hello recovery people We are looking for stories for a new Chicken Soup for the ( Recovering ) Soul please send your best heart warming stories, short and simple are best. Thank You


Member: Rachel N.
Location: Brownsville, TX
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 18:04:48

Comments

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I've never done this before so I feel a little strange. It's been by the grace of God and this beautiful program that I haven't had a drink since June 5, 1993. It's been a real roller coaster ride but I wouldn't have it any other way. I've been through some tough times AND I've been awake through them. I never imagined life could be this good. AA has taught me to take life one day at a time. I try to apply the principles of the program to every area of my life today. As long as I don't pick up that first drink I can be grateful about a great many things. Thanks.


Member: Randy S.
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 21:16:11

Comments

Hi Everyone, this Randy and I am an alcoholic and to the guy that said that A.A. is a cult. I have a brother that said A.A. had "Brain-washed" me!!!! Thank GOD, MY BRAIN could have used a little washing. My thinking is what kept me in the dark for most of my life.Today, I walk in the Light of the SPIRIT, and it is because of you people and the program of A.A. that brought me to GOD,and today I'm grateful for being"Brain-washed.Thanks for being there for me. Soberity and Peace within Sober Southern Boy-- Randy S.


Member: Doreen
Location: NJ
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 21:41:07

Comments

Hi All- Doreen, alcoholic. I love knowing that this meeting place exists. What a terrific way to connect with new friends. I too am extremely grateful that I've been given a life through this wonderful program. I've been trying to work it for almost 17 years, a day at a time. My gratitude was immediate. I was so tired when I landed in the program. You were all so alive and happy, I just had to find out what you had, so I stuck around. I have not had a day bad enough over this time to choose to change my life for the worse. You guys gave me that. Thanks.

To Joe in California - there's a saying we have in the Program. We don't end up in these rooms by accident, there are no coincidences. Stick around. You might find this cult works for you.


Member: Chris A.
Location: Ft. Myers,Fl.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 22:26:04

Comments

John R. Where do we send our stories to?What kind of stories are you looking for?E-mail me at machbannai@aol.com


Member: Bob S.
Location: Shreveport, La.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 22:31:39

Comments

Peace to you all. I am Bob, coming up on 1 year and four months of sobriety, after 20-years of alcohol-induced misery. Of course, during all that time I drank, I placed the blame for all my problems on everyone and everything in my life except the booze! Stopping was the most empowering gift I have ever recieved, and what I am most grateful for is that I know now that I am solely reponsible for the situation I am in, and I can change! Our Higher Power is always with us my friends, but the booze keeps us blind to that fact! Now I relish every life experience as a vital part of my development as a completely new human being, and rarely call anything "good" or "bad." None of us are victims, and life needn't be a struggle at all, and this all became so very obvious and clear to me that i marvel at how blind I could have been for so many years! hang in there if you are just starting out on your journey to sobriety, because the behaviour of not drinking is just one of many very profound changes that are likely to be coming your way! When one of us is strong, all of us our strengthened, and there are many of us now who are sobering up, and waking up to the very important work we are here to do! Keep on in Love and Peace...we can all do it!


Member: Fayla g
Location: Kansas
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 23:59:46

Comments

Hello,my name is Fayla I've been sober 17mo's .I enjoy life more than ever & relationships with my new freinds & flamily. I have pace of mind & working on making peace with my reckage of the past that I have a hard time dealing with. I hope to soon find a sponser ton help me work through this..I've been trying to do it by myself ,I realize I need help. I tried once for 3 wks to go it alone & almost went crazy. But I didn't drink & started going to meeting again.and meeting new people Who have helped my very much to remain sober.I saw my brothert get his 13 year medalon & it was a veary wonderful nite for me.And I will leave you for now bother & sister alcoholic's with somthing I heard last nite from a fellow alcoholic and addict named scotty I love everone of you & there ain't a darn thing you can do about it love Fayla


Member: Jerry D.
Location: Portland Or.
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 00:10:40

Comments

Hello my name is Jerry am a grateful recovering alcoholic,I would like to,see or hear meeting's on how people stay sober on a day to day base's working the 12 step's & 12 tradtion's. I've been clean& sober for over 3 plus year's.


Member: Bruce M
Location: St.Catharines, Canada
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 09:42:03

Comments

Hi, my name is Bruce and I am an alcoholic. And talk about GRATEFUL!!! Thanks to my higher power and the fellowship of AA, I now have a better life than I could ever have imagined. And this is all due to having a disease that tries to kill me!!! The irony is just toooooo much sometimes. To all you people who speak at meetings, I just want to let you all know, whether I've heard you or not, I am truly grateful to you for sharing your message with me or others like me. I will be celebrating my first year shortly (God willing) and I am grateful that EVERY single speaker I have heard, regardless of how low they may have hit, did NOT tell me a story of "Oh woe is me", but rather, told me a story of VICTORY!!!! I have NEVER left an AA meeting without feeling better than I did when I got there, and for that, to all you who have helped, I thank you and am truly grateful. May your higher power bless you all with another 24 hours of joyous sobriety.


Member: Noel W
Location: Florida
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 12:34:50

Comments

Just coming back. 30 days sober thisweek and I amloving life. I have a greater connection with my higher power and now I am facing moral delemas. I am in a realtionship for the last year and it is not so healthy. I don't l;ove the girl as much as she loves me and she won't go away! I am praying to God that she will find a life without me but it is not looking so good. She is threatening to kll herself and sometimes threatens to cause trouble with my buisness. I would rather God take care of it then for me to confront it head on. She has slowed down coming over as much and seems a little more independat. i am encouraging her to go to Alanon so she understands me better and finds new friends. Need some feedback please!


Member: Jim L
Location: St. Louis
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 16:28:40

Comments


Member: Jim L
Location: St Louis
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 16:47:30

Comments

Hi I'm Jim I'm an alcholic! Welcome to all the newcomers, keep coming back, It works if you work it. I'm grateful that you are all here. When self will runs riot at work, I know where to find some serinity and gratitude. Check out my groups web site at fall-classic.com. We are linked to you. PS It relates to sobriety. God Bless all.


Member: Nadine J.
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 18:38:26

Comments

Hey, Everyone!! My name is Nadine and I am a grateful alcoholic. This month I will have 1 1/2 yrs. of sobriety. I drank more than 27 years of my life away and 21 yrs with my husband.

It was my husband who 12-stepped me and invited me to the rooms of AA. We were on the brink of throwing 21 yrs of marriage away. I booted him out and he landed in AA. I unknowingly said "Hooray, now I can do what I want to do." And shortly after that I landed on my ass - no job, no money. No respect for myself, my family, or for that matter - for anybody else. I too was exhausted, exasparated and totally clueless. Two months later I saw him and for some strange reason I decided to talk to him (I hadn't been). He looked totally different: Clean, happy, sober!! I wanted what I saw in him, in his eyes and face. And when he invited me to an AA meeting -- I was ready and said okay.

My husband and I have since made changes and decisions that we have committed our lives to: This program, step work, contact with HP and daily contact with our sponsor, plenty of meetings and a new committment to ourselves. We have our own boundaries and networking within the program and do not try to work the others. I have a different outlook on life now. I love who I am today. I love the program. I love to attend meetings, there I receive that Chicken Soup for my Spirituality. I am thinking more sanely now. I still tend to have guilt when it comes to my two teenage sons. The oldest is currently in jail because of his disease. I love him and I miss him terribly. I drank a lot and always choose alcohol or drugs over them. I never took the time to enjoy their precious lives. I am grateful for the feelings that I have today. I know because of the guilt that there are issues that I still need to deal with. I have been praying for the strength and courage to continue with my step work.

I am grateful for this topic. It has really touched my heart. For those of you who are new -- Welcome!! It takes only one day at a time. Stay in the moment. Get phone numbers and don't drink between meetings. I know that you too will be able to say: I am a grateful alcoholic!! /s/nrj


Member: Jacques C.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 19:11:01

Comments

But for the Grace of God, I didn't have to drink today. Maybe things are not goint the way I would like them to go, but thank God I did not pick up that drink today.

Accepting my solitude is not always easy, although sometimes I appreciate being single, but some days it's really more difficult. So I try to think of praying, or asking God what's his will in all this, since I have been single for 1 and an half year. Sometimes I feel hapiness when I am with other people, either in a meeting or with school mates, and then when I am back with myself, I still feel that sadness, or lonelyness. I guess it's because I still have some issues that have not been resolved within myself yet. Even though I go through rough days sometimes, I still would not change any of those tough days with the best ones I had when I was using, and drinking. Thank you God for what I am today, thanks to the fellowship, and all it's member around the world, because without AA, I would not be what I am today, which is the result of my sobriety, for that I am greatfull, I wish every member another good 24 hours of sobriety.


Member: Bob A.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 20:31:02

Comments

HI........I'M A TRANSPLANT FROM THE NORTH, PA. TO BE EXACT AND HAVE BEEN AROUND THE ROOMS FOR OVER 20 YEARS. FIRST TIME ON THE WEB . KEEP THE GOOD WORK YOU ALL. YOUI SOUND GREAT. IF THE REST OF THE STRAIGHTS WOULD WORK THE 12 STEPS WHAT ABEAUTIFUL WORLD IT WOULD BE. KEEP PUNCHING.

BOB A.


Member: Richie H
Location: Kansas
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 20:56:09

Comments

Hi All , My name is Richie and I'm An alcoholic . Very greatful to be here.I've been sober 17mo's. Ooo Whata Difference it makes.My out look on Life has changed so much. When I first quit drinking I tried it with out aa for three mo's. I was sober but real misurable,Pissed off at the World, & extremely scared, wondering when this nut would crack. My grilfreind was going to AA meetings ( we sobered up together) & talked me in to going,she thougrt I was getting hard to live with.So after the first couple of meetings I was amazed,why didn't I come soner?Thanks to all you my Life's just keeping better.I still have problems, but they don't seem like a mountian anymore just a hill . And if I need help all I have to do is ask. Thank you so much I'm in your dept


Member: Scott H.
Location: Houston
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 20:59:46

Comments

High, I'm Scott and I'm an alcoholic. I have been sober since 2/25/82.

Gratitude has an opposite. This involves looking at the world with a sense of dread (see the hideous four horseman in the book). In the middle stages of drinking we became anxious/angry/upset etc. and it led to a needing a drink This was not consciously recognized by myself, but, my friends could clearly see it.

In the late stages of drinking the terror had taken on a life of its own. It was as if the negative thinking had become the slave of the physical agitation. Gratitude involves a sense of hope; it is the roadmap of hope. As one consciously chooses to interpret the word in terms of it's opportunities, instead of it's threats a psychic change takes place.


Member: Brian C.
Location: M.A.
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 22:26:39

Comments

Hi everybody, My name is Brian and I am an alcohlic.

I am new to the internet and am happy to see that A.A. is so well represented in this format. But for the grace of God I am sober today and able to appreciate this webpage. Glad it's here.B


Member: Jim M
Location: Towanda Pa
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 22:40:38

Comments

I'm Jim and I'm an alcoholic...just found this meeting while researching a paper on alcoholism treatment...sober l8 years on 2/1/98 and really need to find another good meeting...think I just did...grateful that I've never found a reason to lose touch with the fellowship that saved my life. God bless you all.


Member: Thomas, L.
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 00:12:49

Comments

Hi, My name is Thomas and I am truely a gratefull recovering alcoholic.

Three things come to me this morning as I,m getting ready for the day here in Warsaw, Poland. One how truely blessed I am to belong to a fellowship that does not judge me and my God does for me what so often I can not do for myself. And the other is to think that I am one of the founding members of this meeting and see how recovery is being carried arround the world makes me grateful that I've been able to give some thing back for all that I've taken from this world.


Member: Amy G.C,
Location: Switzerland
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 01:12:33

Comments

Hello, Amy here and I am an alcoholic. I will be holding my thumbs for you (that means good luck here) Kathy, Paul and Steve. I am grateful this morning to want a cup of coffee and not a beer. Thanks forletting me share. PS to Hilary, I will e mail you, thanks.


Member: brad p
Location:
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 01:30:36

Comments

my name is brad,i am a greatful recovering alcoholic. i am grateful for; all the blessings i received today, that i could keep my eyes on today so i could see them, a sponcer that told me it was okay to enjoy them, kathy that just got out of treatment (keep coming back), and a higher power that understands that i am as honest as i can be today but gave me the strenth to get through it sober anyway. this is the coolest thing!!!


Member: Jim D.
Location: Birmingham, Al.
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 06:27:21

Comments

Gratitude has been the topic of four meetings that I have attended in the past week. Evidently I am being guided to think about just how grateful I am for being sober. Since entering treatment February 4 it has just amazed me how many times a concern of mine showed up as the topic of discussion.

With 58 one days at a time behind me I am grateful for the peace that is returning to my life. I dont feel the need to solve life's challenges with a drink. Today I can respond honestly to a problem and then accept the outcome as I do not control the outcome any way. This is not easy for me and it takes constant reminders of who I am and where I have been to keep me directed. To do this I am grateful for the meetings I attend and all the recovering friends that I have found. Now I have found one more group of recovering friends and for that I am truly grateful.


Member: ChrisN
Location: Valdosta Ga
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 08:08:12

Comments

working on my 5th day for the 1st time! 4 days was my previous record. I have to keep telling myself that i am not one of those unfortunates.

God did for me what i couldnt do for myself last night!


Member: Valerie c
Location: New york
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 08:55:02

Comments

How do I overcome the heart break of getting invloved with a man in recovery ? He sick I know, He loved and left me. Bastard!


Member: Josh J.
Location: Portland, OR
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 11:33:27

Comments

Peace Everyone! Josh the alcoholic here. Thank You God that I don't have to drink today. Tuesday I had the spectacular experience of having a POUNDING HEADACE. It hurt for about a minute until I started laughing and thanking my HP. It was the first headache I've had in over a year that I could NOT directly relate to alcohol. I was pretty excited.

ChrisN, hang in there! Keep going to meetings, call (sober) people, pray, thank your HP for everything, jump rope....whatever it takes! Don't have that first drink. I'm working on my 7th day today, so I'm right with you Buddy. -Josh


Member: Mark W.
Location: Virginia
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 15:11:12

Comments

Hey Josh, I am on my 7th day also! I was sitting here struggling to think of anything to be grateful for when it occured to me that I am not hungover today! I feel like a dog, but that's a great improvement over how I felt when I woke up last Saturday, still drunk, head in a giant vise, mouth full of stomach acid, and worst of all trying to remember what I had done the previous night. Holy Cow, suddenly I'm illuminated with gratitude! I will not drink today. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Suzanne H.
Location: Ontario Canada
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 15:32:59

Comments

To Josh J. and Mark W. your enthusiasm is quite refreshing......Keep coming back

I am certainly grateful for being sober today


Member: Rich R
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 15:46:25

Comments

Hi I am Rich and a recovering alcoholic. If I had to pick only one thing to be grateful for today, it would be for Bev B. Bev passed away yesterday at the age of 59. I had the privelege of knowing her in another 12 step program, but we were both members of AA as well. She had double digit abstinence in both programs. She was always so cheerful, even when things weren't going that well. She would always start off by saying how grateful and happy she was to be abstinent. I could go on and on about Bev and on and on about the many things I have to be grateful for, but some other time... I did hear someone say something at a meeting once that really struck me and it seems to fit here. He said "I am grateful, not for a second chance at life, but for a chance at a second life!" That pretty much sums up the program(s) for me. Thanks for reading this.


Member: ho
Location:
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 17:06:34

Comments

Hi I'm mike and im an alcoholic. I'm stationed in Saudi Arabia, and right now there are no meetings here. So I'm very grateful that I found all of you !!!!!!


Member: mike w.
Location: saudi arabia
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 17:15:07

Comments

hello im mike and im an alcoholic, im ststioned in saudi arabia and have no access to meetings right now. so finding this group on line must be the work of my HP. i've been sober for over 5 years, and really miss the meetings. i'm grateful that today i don't have to use alcohol , drugs or people. this aa program is where i belong. THANK YOU for my sobriety. one day at a time. i'll be glad to get back to the states and my home group, but in the mean time i have a place now to go for a little serenity. hope everyone has a great sober day. thank you again.


Member: Shorty I
Location: Vancouver, CA.
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 17:57:58

Comments

My name is Shorty (go figure) and I have been sober for 2 days now. I think that I have a problem with alcohol and I am grateful for stopping the booze before it wrecked my life for good. I have a couple of great kids, a great job and a pretty wonderful life. I have not told anyone about my stopping drinking and am in a position that I am unable to attend meetings so I am just going to do this for awhile. I think (by what I have read) that I would be classed as a functioning alcoholic. I am divorced, 32 and am involved with another recovering alcoholic (he's been sober for 8 years). I think that maybe he knew all along but never spoke his mind. Anyway, I'm kinda scared about this whole thing. I feel like I'm kind of a failure even though I have achieved great success so far in my life. My 2 questions are: 1. Should I discuss this with my boyfried (the recovering alcoholic? and 2. Is this way of going to meetings sufficient for me.


Member: Fran
Location: Buffalo NY
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 19:35:13

Comments

To Shorty,

Tell your boyfriend. Honesty is always the best policy If he's truly a recovering alcoholic he'll be glad for you and supportive.

Get to a face to face meeting. There is no substitute. This meeting is a great supplement but not a substitute. You could always find a way to drink couldnt you? The only way you'll stay sober is if you're willing to go to any lengths to stay sober. You need to get the Big Book and 12 & 12 Step Book and work the program. This is a program of action not just reading about it online.


Member: Karen E
Location: Santa Rosa California
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 01:36:07

Comments

On the topic of gratitude. I thank God each and every day for another day sober...and my fiance also. The gift of sobrity has made it possible for my dreams to come true. I have a beautiful relationship, family, health and a new way of seeing the good in everything. Eight years since my last drink and never did I think life could be so good. Today I am trying not to take myself so seriously


Member: Dennis PSP
Location: Post Oak Club, Houston, TX
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 01:39:19

Comments

Shorty,

1. Yes.

2. NO!!!


Member: Perry H
Location: Vermont
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 07:17:26

Comments

Good Morning from the Green Mountains of Vermont! Thanks to all the new people sharing. I haven't heard from that many new alkies in years of going to meetings! This site is a real blessing in my life.

To everyone and Nowel W in Florida:

Alcoholism is a family disease. Everyone gets hit , big time. To some extent, everyone that comes in contact with the Alky will become ill.

How often I forget this. I have been in the program and sober/dry for 17 years. There have been wonderful times.. and some really tough times. My relationship with my wife is the single hardest part of my recovery. I always EXPECT her to be Mrs Recovery. She might get to one al-anon meeting a week, and has no on--line resource. She frequently plays the victim, just as I did as the active alkie. I lose sight of the fact that I played a big role in this person becoming as sick as she is today.

I need to practice Love&Tolerance, understanding and Rule 64 everyday. I must "Sweep my side of the street" and leave hers alone. I do not have the courage to leave her, she says she loves me and can't live without me. I pray everyday for the right direction and the "Next right thing to do"

With the help of this program and the Love of all the people in AA and especially my Home GRoup I can stay sober and be of service to my family and children today.

Thanks for letting me type these words so that I may heed them today!

Never no what Gods Plan might be! Maybe call the moving Van!


Member: Perry H
Location: Vermont
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 07:19:49

Comments

Good Morning from the Green Mountains of Vermont! Thanks to all the new people sharing. I haven't heard from that many new alkies in years of going to meetings! This site is a real blessing in my life.

To everyone and Nowel W in Florida:

Alcoholism is a family disease. Everyone gets hit , big time. To some extent, everyone that comes in contact with the Alky will become ill.

How often I forget this. I have been in the program and sober/dry for 17 years. There have been wonderful times.. and some really tough times. My relationship with my wife is the single hardest part of my recovery. I always EXPECT her to be Mrs Recovery. She might get to one al-anon meeting a week, and has no on--line resource. She frequently plays the victim, just as I did as the active alkie. I lose sight of the fact that I played a big role in this person becoming as sick as she is today.

I need to practice Love&Tolerance, understanding and Rule 64 everyday. I must "Sweep my side of the street" and leave hers alone. I do not have the courage to leave her, she says she loves me and can't live without me. I pray everyday for the right direction and the "Next right thing to do"

With the help of this program and the Love of all the people in AA and especially my Home GRoup I can stay sober and be of service to my family and children today.

Thanks for letting me type these words so that I may heed them today!

Never no what Gods Plan might be! Maybe call the moving Van!


Member: Linda
Location: Vancouver Canada
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 09:28:13

Comments

My name is Linda and i am an alcoholic....i am grteful to have found AA many years ago but am even more grateful for this site today...i havent been pyhsically able to go to a meeting in 4 weeks and a friend suggested this forum... i know that some of you think wow i haven't got time for this but please know that some of us need this and your comments. i am grateful for this program...more than i can explain...it gave me back my life and most of all a connection with a higher power that is loving,,,caring and non judgemental and loves me... I have the love og my life now and a life full of peace and serenity...not dramam and crisis...and i a truley humbled...wishing you all another 24 hours


Member: Robin S.
Location: Plano, TX
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 12:50:04

Comments

Hello everyone, I'm Robin and I AM a grateful recovering alcoholic. This program works and because I choose to use it, I have been kept sober since June 14, 1989. This site hasn't got enough cyber space for me to tell you about all my gratitude since joining in the program of A.A. Suffice to say that I am very grateful that y'all were still around when I finally surrendered and thank goodness God never gave up on me and that I never got all I deserved! God bless and keep y'all sober another 24!


Member: Carol W.
Location: New York
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 16:12:11

Comments

Hi everyone, and thanks for sharing. Many of your stories have brought me to tears, tears of joy, tears of identification and tears of gratitude. You've reminded me once again how much I need to remember what AA has done for me and my family. I came into the program 16 1/2 years ago, a single parent with not much more than a pot to piss in and a pocket full of disappointment and confusion. My life was completely disfunctional just like the rest of my family generations before me.

My husband (also an AA) just reminded me the other day, how we have broken the cycle of alcoholism in my family. We share relationships that nurture and encourage today. My kids are grown, both are sober and happy. As a matter of fact, my daughter, who just had a baby, asked my son to live with her. Now he is the caretaker for her child in the morning while she works, and specifically, he sought out a job for himself that would accomodate those hours so he works in the afternoon and evening. I guess my point is that they are there for each other. They support each other. They love and care for each other. That is truly a miracle having been born into an alcoholic environment. The point is AA changed all that could have been disasterous for us all and turned life into an exciting, sharing experience. God bless this program and all of you for sharing your love and gratitude with me.


Member: Gina O.
Location: Kentucky
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 16:26:32

Comments

I am Gina and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. This is my first time here and I am amazed how many states are represented! This is wonderful!!! Truley grateful to be able to be here and be sober today! I hope to be back to this site again. Thanks to everyone for sharing thier experience, strength and hope!

Gina O.


Member: Kate T.
Location: Columbus, WI
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 16:28:32

Comments

My name is Kate, I am an alcoholic. I am aware that gratitude is based on a consistent state of being, just as the word honesty implies. My idea of gratitude in the past was relative to receiving, sort of like the happiness borne of getting what I wanted for Christmas. Today, thanks to AA, HP and Spons I know that gratitude is not about what I have or can recieve, it's about knowing that all I have is all I want and need, and that giving is the same as recieving. I thank God for the alcohol that brought me to my knees, where out of humility I was able to find Him. Peace, all.


Member: Tommy
Location:
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 18:17:06

Comments

My name is Tommy and I am an alcoholic. I am very greatful to be alive and sober today. Because of my HP, this program, and the help of family and friends I have been able to set and achieve goals that a few short years ago only seemed possible in someone else's life.

Thank you God and AA for allowing me to live and appreciate life one day at a time! Thanks for letting me share.