Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 00:14:27
I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. How about talking about some "one liners" that were important to you in your recovery and WHY. The one statement made to me 22 years ago that got my attention was a man told me " Sanders if you do not take a drink YOU will get better in spite of your self" That was the start of a beautiful and sometimes rockey walk through sobriety for me. I'll share more on this later but I would like to hear some of your one-liners if its OK with you Thanks Sanders
Member: Kathy B
Location:
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 00:22:25
Hi my name is Kathy and I am an alcoholic. I need to hear something about honesty and fear. I have recently made a big change in my life. Moved out of state and need to get reconnected more ways then one. I could use the help I can get. Thank you
Member: Diane N.
Location: Washington State
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 00:37:41
Hi, my name is Diane and I am an alcoholic. I have been assaulted with one liners for the past 98 days and most of them have related to me in one way or another. I heard one this week that I really liked: "I can't. He can. I think I'll let him!".....Every time I turn it over to God as I understand Him, I usually get an answer back quickly--lots of "God shots!" This is Steps 1, 2 and 3 and I try not to let a day go by without remembering that: I can't, because I am an alcoholic. He can, because he can restore me to sanity. I think I'll let Him, because because His will and my life are in His hands. Thanks, Sanders for this week's topic. You beat me to it by about 30 seconds! You all stay sober and keep coming back--one day at a time. Signing off, Diane N.
Member: George M.
Location: Poconos
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 00:42:58
Hello, my name is George and I'm an alcoholic. At a few of the meetings I attend, I have encountered something very unsettling.
A fellow AA member who claims to have six months sobriety has repeatedly came to the meetings reeking of alcohol. What is so unsettling to me is that the individual insists on being alcohol free for six monnths now. All the regular members are aware of this too.
We the group members have discussed the situation. Last week it was suggested to bring up the topic "To Thine Own Self Be True" at a discussion meeting when this person is present.
I am wondering if anyone can share their experience, strength, and hope on this matter.
Member: Tim G.
Location: Poconos, PA
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 00:48:37
On the subject of one liners. After I told my first sponsor my story and how miserable I was, he said "It doesn't have to be like that anymore"
He was right.
Member: Chris B.
Location: Mansfield, Ohio
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 01:00:11
Chris B. alcoholic...Best one liner was "Chris I don't think you'll drink anymore but you just might die from seriousness!" I am now much happier and lighter when it comes to dealing with life's little burdens(opportunities!) Kathy: Maybe you ought to get out of the drivers seat and let someone else run the show... George: Sobriety isn't a contest! If your member wants to claim his sobriety let him. Remember that he is living his life, and you are living yours. What's is that other one liner I remember so well? I think it is "Live and Let Live.? I've seen it happen before in my groups. Just remember that so long as the person is "coming back" there is always hope for him and he will eventually fess up...Maybe your group ought to focus on him during your moment of silence for the still suffering alcoholic? Hope I didn't ruffle any feathers. But thought it was experience that needed shared. BTW this is my first time here. Thanks for being here for another alcoholic!
Member: Bill S.
Location: Sonora CA
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 01:23:23
"Bill you just don't drink no matter what!" When I was told that I thought it was a bunch of B.S. Well the only time I was really tempted to drink I just repeated that one liner over and over and I didn't drink! PS My initials are B.S. oh well....
Member: Jane
Location: Ma.
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 01:37:31
Living One Day At A Time has been most meaningful, a whole new concept for a woman who spent a lifetime worrying , projecting and fearful. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery and today is a gift. That's why it's called the present"!
Kathy, the nearest I've come to drinking was when I got married in sobriety and moved. By the grace of God, got connected with some groups and got active. Faked it until the joy of living in AA returned; that was 16 years ago. I really had to force myself or as the book says--reach out as only the dying can do. Good luck. Love to all.
Member: Doris H
Location: Oreegone (Orygun)
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 01:57:08
My name is Doris and I am an alcoholic Cathy, So ! you moved. That WAS a big step and I know just how you felt. You see, a few years ago at the age of 48 I moved from Oregon to Iowa. (NO offense to Iowa or the people there, O.K.) IT WAS different. Very different and I had a very hard time adjusting. But ! That was the time when I was in the disease and I was not in the program. YOU ARE in the program.Everywhere you go you HAVE friends. All you have to do is go to a meeting. MAN ! I wish I had had that when I was so far away from home. Honosty and fear huh, the fear I can talk about. In Iowa I was terrified. I was driving down a country road one day when my husband was away on a business trip. Suddenly I thought to myself, "man ! if I were in an accident there wouldn't even be anyone to call. Noone knows me. If my name were in the peper noone would even know who I am. Here in Ore. I know about a million people and there I knew Noone. THAT was terrifying for me. I am very social and I don't do lonely. I have always known fear in one way or another. I was abused as a child and all I knew was fear. Since than I have come to realize that I am as addicted to fear as I ever was to alcohol and it is a lot harder for me to get out of my life than the booze. I don't know how any of this could help you but I am beginning to master the fear, the problem is there are so many kinds. I guess my best weapon against fear is God and my friends, and honosty, I now believe the axiom "You never have to fear the truth" And in keeping with Sanders topic, " Wherever you go , there you are", I guess this means that you have to be your own best friend and take care of Y O U. I wish you well, Doris
"you never have to fear the truth"
Member: DH
Location: O
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 02:02:04
HI, its Doris again, I just wantto say to TIM G< I agree with Chris all the way, and I am sure that he didn't ruffle any feathers, He only gave you exactly what you were asking for, I hope his advice or rather, suggestion, will help. Doris
Member: Linda P
Location: CA, USA
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 02:09:56
Hi everyone, my name is Linda, an alcoholic. Good topic Sanders. The statement made to me that was beneficial when I was young in this program, and still holds true for me today is "24hrs can begin at any time." When I start having a bad time, and can not seem to get out of the stress of what is happening, I remember that saying. No matter what the hour, I can start my day over. That is such a releif.
It's late, got a get some sleep. I will tune in tomorrow. Till then, love to all.
Linda P.
Member: Mary Jo H.
Location: Los Angeles
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 02:16:32
Hi everyone. I'm Mary Jo, a grateful alcoholic. After I finished my first 5th step and was waiting through the deafening silence for her response, my sponsor looked at me and said, "Don't ever leave." Those 3 little words have stuck with me through thick and thin every day over the past 12 years and 3 months. I'm happy to share them here.
God bless.
mj
Member: dave b
Location:
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 02:37:43
my name is david and i'm an alchoholic. good topic my one line contribution is if you dont take the first drink you cant get drunk. this simple one liner has been with me for thr last twenty two years. it saved my behind along with another.. i dont take a drink no matter what. thanks, dave b b
Member: FAYLA G
Location: GALENA KS
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 03:01:51
HELLO FAYLA,HERE I LIKE ONE LINERS,SO MANY TIMES REMMBERING THEM HAVE HELPED ME BE STRONG,SOME ARE ,YOUR ONLY AS SICK AS YOUR SECRETS, THAT ONE IS GOD MAY YOU FIND HIM NOW. AS FOR THE OTHER MATTER OF THE FELLOW DRINKING AND SITTING AT THE MEETING ,HES NOT HURTING ANYONE BUT HIMSELF,IF HE KEEPS COMMING BACK.THERES SOMETHING THERE HE WANTS,MORE THAN HE WANTS TO SIT IN A BAR.LETS PRAY HE HEARS WHAT HE NEEDS TO HEAR. BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD THERE GO I. ILOVE YOU ALL,BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE. FAYLA G
Member: Bill K
Location: Anaheim, CA
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 04:43:17
Re "the guy in the meeting reeking of alcohol":
My opinion is "live and let live." If a person is not detracting from the meeting there is really no problem. I have found that folks do just what they are going to do no matter what. When it's time for a person to sober up they will do just that, in their own time.
I have "talked" with a number of active alcoholics and have seen a few of them finally get sober. I have found that I have a full-time job just keeping myself sober and maintaining some sense of serenity. For me trying to take of someone eles' business is none of my business.
Well, that's enough one-liners for tonight. So keep it simple and think, think, think and easy does it.
By the way...if anyone wishes information re AA events in the Southern California area please ask. I am at billkl@exo.com.
Member: J.L.
Location: Massachusetts
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 06:49:54
Hi! My name is Jay, and I am an alcoholic.
One evening I was talking with one of the older members of my group regarding a mutual friend of ours that had broken out. His response was "It could have been worse, It could have been you; It could have been much worse, It could have been me". I thought this guy was heartless, however , over time I saw that he meant my focus needed to be on me.
Some years later a guy I was sponsoring came to me obviously distressed by a member of the group that had gone out, I used the line on him. Although he did not tell me at the time, he later confided that he thought I was the meanist person on the planet. However, he also thanked me for putting his focus back where it belonged, on himself.
Update: My physical recovery is comming along well. Thanks to all those who have been praying with me toward that end.
Thanks for letting me share.
J.L.
Member: Helen
Location: England
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 07:28:52
IF I CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS I WILL DO SMALL THINGS IN A GREAT WAY!!!! Found this great onliner on another bulletin board called Friends in Recovery. Hope it is alright to mention this.
Member: chris b.
Location: jersey
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 09:21:10
hi my name is chris b. and i'm an alcoholic, i'd like to say hello to perry and cherise, having had the pleasure of meeting them and attending a few meetings together, mark b. has my e-mail address if you two are interested. the one liner that immediately came to my mind was "don't leave before the miracle happens". i don't recall the specific ciecumstances of the first time i heard it, but i remember it was just what i needed to hear. so many other one liners come to mind also like "we admitted we were powerless over alcohol and our WIVES had become unmanageable", i was going through some really rough stuff in that department when i first got sober and when i heard an oldtimer say that, it provided a few moments of comic relief to an unbearably painful (at the time) situation. aa couldn't help me to salvage a marriage destroyed by alcoholism but it helped me get through some really rough times and has helped me, in one way or another, every day since. i don't know if anyone out there knows jimmy mac from hawthorne, but one thing he said during a step meeting has stayed with me through the years too. what it was, was this "these steps are here to help you, they might seem like they hurt and cause you embarrassment and pain, but god doesn't want to hurt anyone, he gave us this program and these steps to help us recover from the disease of alcoholism." it was particularly significant to me to hear that from an alcoholic, having been raised in an alcohloic home and only hearing the things that i did from my alcoholic caregivers. i can't say that i believed him at first but i can look back on it now and see where it opened that chink in the armor that i'd built to protect myself from the world. jimmy mac passed away a few years ago, but i think of him often, he had the serenity prayer printd on those little cards you get at the burial service and i have that glued to the dashboard of my car as a reminder of him and how this program works, thanks for helping me to stay sober for another day, god love ya chris b.
Member: Erv W.
Location: Adams Wi.
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 10:06:20
Good morning, my name is Erv and I'm an alcoholic.. After three hard months of not drinking, My sponsor told me that I had the mind of an active alcoholic.. I said to him that he probably wasn't a real alcholic like me anyway ?? Ha Ha !! He told me Erv, we still love you and keep coming back !! Have a great week everyone, and KEEP COMING BACK !! Erv
Member: Jenn I.
Location: Portland, ME
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 10:36:06
My favorite one-liner would be "don't tke yourself too seriously." I have to remember that every day, almost. Although, God often comes up with a way to make me laugh at myself...
Jenn
Member: jrr
Location: harmony on the Lake
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 10:54:32
One of the first meetings I ever got to was in a small, meeting room that looked like a kitchen with one long table in it... over the sink..next to the coffeepot was an obviously not so new ..coffee stained, and water marked sign,that had shown the evidence of falling into that sink more than a few times...on a regular sized sheet of paper ... tucked in a flimsy plastic slipcover..that was not really doing much to protect the paper... and on this simple note were the most important few words this broken aand demoralized child of God needed to believe...HOPE IS FOUND... HERE.
as far as anyone drinking or being drunk at a meeting...' the Only requirement is a DESIRE to stop drinking '
besides... if a drunk is not welcome at a meeting... what the hell are we doing...?
peace, love and tolerance. jrr
Member: Merle P
Location: NY
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 11:59:07
My name is Merle, and I'm an alcoholic. Great topics and comments. It's a great day to be alive and sober. After I write this, I'm going back to painting a watercolor for my daughter, something I couldn't do before recovery. When I first came into the program 7and a half years ago, I couldn't stand those "one-liners" or a lot of other suggestions, so I had to learn the hard way to be open, honest, and willing. Today I try to look for the lesson in everything because I believe God is taking care of me. One of the sayings that really used to drive me crazy was one my sponsor would say to me all the time, "Your life is non of your business." As for the drunk at the meeting, c'mon, he's there isn't he? It would be a great reminder of where I used to be. Reach out to him. Gratitude is an action word. Love to all.
Member: Kerry B.
Location: Idaho
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 12:04:21
Kerry B. - Alcoholic. One of the first meeting rooms I walked into in Burbank, CA had a sign over the clock that said the "time is now". It was not easy for me to sit still, and I must have looked at that clock 100 times during that first hour and a half meeting. I also had trouble sleeping that first month, and I could just cry at the drop of a hat. I was told that "Nobody ever died from lack of sleep, or for crying too much", but that countless people had died from alcoholism. I have found that whenever I have found myself in a situation that made me uncomfortable, I have asked myself "Is this going to kill me"? Most of the time it makes me chuckle.
As for the fellow who walks in reeking of alcohol, I firmly believe in "live and let live", to me that means not running the guy out of the meeting because he's been drinking. BUT, and this is a big but, If this guy thinks he's pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, he has the right to know the truth, that is that everyone can smell it on him. No inventory taking on the guy mind you. He should be let know that you can smell it. The rest is up to god. I found out real quick that you can't B.S. a room full of B.S. ers. It helped me learn that I may get away with it out in the world, but not in the rooms of A.A. And every time someone had the "guts" to tell me the truth, I may have gotten really mad, but eventually I got glad, because it helped me to stop old behaviors. Before I go, that just reminded me of another one liner. "Opinions are like A__holes, Everyone has one. Some stink, some don't" Hope I didn't offend anyone.
Member: Joy R.
Location:
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 14:30:52
My name is Joy and I am an alcoholic. I have been chipping away at this thing called sobriety for years...none in a row..lol. Seriously though, I am in a very bad place right now. I know this is not really related to the topic, but I just need to share. I have been drinking again...not alot so far, but I know that won't last. I am scared to death all the time, riddled with guilt and shame over my relapse...I have a home group that I attend regularly and a sponsor...I told her last night...I don't know what to do...no not true, I do know what to. I guess I am just not very willing today...She is always saying that pain is a great motivator...Welll, I wonder how much it will take this time....if anyone has any feed back, I would be extremely grateful if you would share it with me....Thanks....
Member: Jane
Location: Ma.
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 14:32:13
Helen, jrr and all--wonderful! Just a quick one. From a So. Boston no nonsense guy on the 5th step:" ya take the garbage to the dump; and ya don't pick the dump after". Great lesson on the temptation to get into old, forgiven garbage. Love, Jane
Member: FAYLA G
Location: GALENA KS
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 14:41:09
FAYLA,HERE ,I WAS ONE WHO WAS TRYING TO JUDGE,I TOLD MY BROTHER I KNEW SOMEONE WAS STILL USING AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE AT MY MEETING ,MY BROTHER SHAMED ME ,HE SAID FAYLA THEY HAVE AS MUCH RIGHT AT THOSE MEETINGS AS YOU DO ,ALOT OF PEPOLE STARTED GOING TO THOSE MEETINGS STILL NOT CLEAN,AND THERE STILL SITTING THERE TODAY,NOW CLEAN AND HES ONE OF THEM ,HE HAS 13 YEARS AND HES DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSLER TODAY. I THINK I LEARNED THAT DAY I NEEDED TO SHUT UP AND LISTEN ,SHUT MY MOUTH. I LOVE YOU ALL FAYLA
Member: Linda M
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 14:45:19
Hi, Linda alcoholic. Great topic Sanders! One of the first one-liners I remember from my early days was "It takes as long as it takes" That used to drive me crazy.
Today it reminds me that I can't rush my recovery. That as long as I am doing the steps to the best of my ability and not drinking, then I get better (restored to sanity) in God's time NOT mine.
Great to be sober and alive today. Love to all and wishing you another 24 hours!
Linda M
Member: CLIFF M
Location: SEATTLE
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 15:14:59
Hi everyone cliff the pickle here! good to hear from all of you.. one of my favoret one liners is "when you learn who the eniemy is, the battle is half over" the battle whas only half over when I found my way into AA and I've been learning how to "live life on lifes terms" ever since. I first viewed this term on a sign at a meeting hall I atteneded during my first year of soberity and have remembered it and used it through all 13yrs of recovery. the battle continues on and it's keeps on getting better the longer I stay sober. remember "trudging the road to happy destiny" and I've got a very happy life today. happyness to all who pass through the doors of AA.. God bless you all with love Cliff AAFROGGER@PRODIGY.NET
Member: Les G.
Location: Pullman, Washington State
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 17:51:33
HI I'am Les and am a alcoholic. George M. The only requirement needed for membership into AA is a "DESIRE" to stop drinking. There is nothing to keep a person out of AA if he is still drinking. I've personnelly been to meeting where someone was drinking Nyquil cough syrup all during the meeting. "Acceptance is the key" I know how you feel but my own opinon is that you can't do nothing about it expcet lead by example. I must echo the remark from your group. "To thine own self be true." Taking the person to the side, one on one, might help if someone is close to the man and comfront him with your groups feelings. Thank you for this room it is great.
Member: Les G.
Location: Pullman, Washington State
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 17:54:14
HI I'am Les and am a alcoholic. George M. The only requirement needed for membership into AA is a "DESIRE" to stop drinking. There is nothing to keep a person out of AA if he is still drinking. I've personnelly been to meeting where someone was drinking Nyquil cough syrup all during the meeting. "Acceptance is the key" I know how you feel but my own opinon is that you can't do nothing about it expcet lead by example. I must echo the remark from your group. "To thine own self be true." Taking the person to the side, one on one, might help if someone is close to the man and comfront him with your groups feelings. Thank you for this room it is great.
Member: Kerry B.
Location: Idaho
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 18:45:16
I came to AA originally 20 years ago. The most I could stay sober the first 2 years was 16 months. My experience is that a belly full of booze and a head full of AA won't mix, and there definately wasn't any fun anymore. I was still trying to be "different" than anyone else. Either better than, or less than. I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired that I finally SURRENDERED to a power greater than myself, and in doing that I finally really saw that it was ME that was doing all the harm to ME, not "those people, or that place etc." Writing this doesn't do it justice, because the feelings were so strong. I hurt to the bone. I decided that I was going to stay and work the steps, NO MATTER WHAT. And I did. I just celebrated 18 years 3/21. Joy, if I can do it, so can you. Don't forget where you are loved, and accepted and understood. Not in the bars, or anywhere else. I will pray that you come back and stay, so that you can have the life that we all deserve. SOBER!!
Member: Jeff P.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 19:44:25
My name is Jeff and I am an alcoholic.
The phrase that I like to think of and that helps me is "Serenity is inversely proportionate to expectations". If I can live in the present and keep my expectations under control, I live a far more serene life. If on the other hand, I let my mind wander too far into the future then I have a really difficulty time maintaining serenity.
Member: mike w
Location: saudi arabia
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 20:10:45
Hi everyone, Mike w here, and I'm a real alcoholic. like the topic Sanders. At my first AA meeting, an older lady pulled me aside and said, "you don't ever have to drink again if you don't want to, just keep comin' back". I didn't believe her, but something reached out and touched my heart, I'd like to think it was the hand of my higher power. for the last 5+ years she has been right, and i think as long as i remember my last drunk, and work the steps, and keep comin' back I'll never need to take that first drink. but I'll do it one day at a time!!!!!!! Kathy brought up fear and honesty. I still have fears, wish I could say that i'm always honest, i do try. but i'm only human. i try for progress, and the longer i stay sober the easier not taking that first drink is. life is full of small problems, it's when i make those small problems into big ones, thats when i'm in trouble. I always try to remember to TAKE IT EASY, that things will work out, maybe not to my liking, but i can learn from my mistakes and move on. take it easy and sober all, sorry to have rambled on so long, but it's been a long hard week here in the desert. thank you all for being here.............mike w
Member: Andrea
Location: Vermont
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 20:34:02
Hello from Andrea, an alchoholic.
Guess I'll follow along Jeff's lead. The one-liner I use the most these days is "Life is what happens when your busy making plans". This helps me to keep my feet under me...and stay in the day.
Thanks and love to all.
Member: Ken J
Location: Leduc Ab. Ca.
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 22:18:50
Hi I'm Ken and I'm an alcoholic! This has been a great meeting so I'll share my one liner that I have used for myself angered many with simplicity.JUST STAY SOBER AND ALL THE REST WILL COME.Try it prove me wrong
Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 26 Apr 1998
Time: 23:58:36
Hi Joy, I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I would just like to remind you that alcoholics who continue to drink end up either incarsarated or dead and I hope and pray you you become willing to go to any length. We can tell you how but we can't want it for you. Good luck and God bless. Sanders
Member: glenn t
Location: bucks county pa.
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 01:20:35
hi., my name is glenn t. and i'm an alcoholic. one of the first one liners that i heard was h.a.l.t. you should never get too hungry, angry lonely, or tired. i would always be aware of those four conditions early in sobriety .if i found myself with two or more, i knew i was heading for trouble so i would make sure to work on it. that is ; i would try my best to eliminate those conditions. i guess my favorite one liner is "god didn't bring you this far to abandon you now." time and time again i've been shown that. what a miracle.
Member: Amy G.C.
Location: Switzerland
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 01:37:57
Hey, Amy the alcoholic. Glenn I too have remembered HALT (read above) and it has helped. Easy does it, Serenity. etc. I like a lot. A personal one liner is from my drinking days, I said "I need a drink" my girlfriend who came from a different background said "You should never say need one, just want one, sounds better" she had learned this from her mother. God bless her. Now I say I do not drink because I do not want to, I guess thats my credo , and as my grandmother aalways says "that is all I have to say about that.
Member: Doris H
Location: Springfield, Ore
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 02:32:51
Good evening, I am Doris and I am a recovering alcoholic, I live in a fair sized town, I think nearly 200,000.There is a "club" here that is an A A club. This club is not in a Great part of town and it is frequented by the less fortunate. It can seem very rough. This is my favorite meeting. You really do see all kinds here. This place keeps me grounded. One day at a noon meeting a very unfortunate guy very haltingly found his way into the room. He stood at the head of the room near the chairpersons table and tried to look at the assembly. Of course he could not. He was as smashed as you can get and still be upright. He was filthy, smelly, vulger and beligerant to the point of seeming dangerous. Than his speech slowed and "CRASH" he fell flat on his face. This was not good since he had his hands in his pockets. The chairman checked to see if he was hurt, he wasn't, and the meeting went on. All I could think of was "There but for the grace of GOD go i"(The lower case i was intentional) Seeing that man on the floor made me so aware that all that I have is a gift and could be and is temporary.I do live a pretty affluant life and I DO know that I could have been that poor creature. Without GOD and this program I would be that man. I don't want that to happen. I have been poor, very poor, and I don't want to be again. We had to hunt and sell bottles to eat when I was a child. Now I am trying to show my gratitude to God for the gifts HE has given to me. I do service work and want to do more. I will never forget that i could be that man. Poor, lonely, dying. Thank You, Doris
Member: Gary S
Location: San Diego
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 04:09:10
The best one-liner that I have heard was one mentioned at my home group last week. In my 18 years of sobriety, one day at a time, I believe this one-liner really summed things up for me. The topic of the meeting was Step 2 and someone brought up giving credit to "willpower" rather than the higher power. To that, the leader stated simply...."use Higher Power not willpower". Simply put. The Higher Power has kept me sober all these years, a day at a time. If you would like my AA story, please email me at kidsvid@flash.net. Keep coming back!
Member: Martina G
Location: CT
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 07:08:38
I love the one liner "But for the Grace of God Go I". These words were on a banner at the rehab I was in and every day for 5 weeks I stared at those words. After five weeks, I realized they were more than words to me and they really spoke to my arrogance and pride, deadly, deadly deadly things for me. I also like "This Too Shall Pass" and say this to myself often when I am feeling like I can't cope with something. Now that I can look back and see that everything DOES pass, I am better able to let go of my need to control everything and everyone and "Let Go and let God".
Member: Bonnie C
Location: Seattle
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 07:39:33
Hi extended family, bonnie here, alcoholic, (((((ROOM-HUG))))) So happy to be here and sober today, life is awesome. good topic Sanders (one liners), and Kathy, (honesty and fear) Mike w, I was also approached by an angel at my first meeting that said "you never have to have another drink as long as you live" and so far she was right, sober since my first meeting in 80' "thank God for AA and thank AA for my God" my favorite one liner is "this too shall pass" that line has helped me stay sober so many times for I can use it in the painful times (growth opportunities), and the awesome joyful times and those times when there is no feeling, (the healing times) "It's a God thing" another favorite. (honesty and fear) If I don't stand for something I'll fall for anything - so I have to be honest with myself about everything and the way I do that is to take inventories on every part of my life that gives me concern to find out what my part is in it so i can change it. Fear is what is under all that about me that I will uncover with the inventories. and when the fear is uncovered it has a chance to be challenged, overcome and healed but I have to identify it first. side benefit to all this is that the more I know about me, the less power people, places, things and situations have over me, so there's nothing to fear. God Bless all that venture here. You are all becoming very dear to me. Thanks for sharing your hearts ************************************* bonzoc@webtv.net
Member: Andrea T
Location: Cheshire, CT
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 08:35:08
Andrea here. Like many of you, my attitude towards 'one liners' has changed through the years. Early on, they were all I could remember. And my favorites seem to change as I need them. At some times I've needed "Don't give up just before the miracle happens". At other times, "This too shall pass" and "Easy does it, but DO IT". My first sponsor used to tell me "Utilize, don't analyze", because I was going to get a Ph.D. in recovery and then move on. All of the slogans have helped me at one time or another. For today, I need "Live and let live", because I can get caught up with thinking I'm right, and I need to practice humility. As far as the person who is still drinking, but denying it - isn't he an example for us who are staying sober? In my town there are alot of people with alot of time in the program. Sometimes it's easy to forget what is was like; it was so long ago. Of course there are always newcomers, but someone even at an earlier stage than surrender is a poignant lesson to me. And no, I don't ever t to be there again. So, thank you God, and thank you AA for being there for me when I was finally ready. Love and peace to you all. Even those who haven't joined us yet. Andrea
Member: Scott J
Location: New Hampshire
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 09:41:15
Hi everyone, I'm an alcoholic and my name's Scott. I've really needed and used one-liners that are simple and easy to remember. When I came to my first meeting, I was very sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was very willing to take any suggestions that would keep me sober. I thought that one-liners like "just don't drink no matter what" were too obvious to pay any attention. But when the pink cloud of release from feeling sick and tired and lonely finally evaporated and I came crashing back to earth, it was simply sayings like "just don't drink no matter what" that kept me from being able to rationalize taking a drink. The saying "there isn't a problem I have that a drink can't make worse" has helped me be honest and realize that problems are not good excuses to drink, but are good reasons NOT to drink. Thanks everyone for sharing, Scott
Member: FAYLA G
Location: GALENA KS
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 09:47:06
HELLO FAYLA HERE ,JUST FOR TODAY,IS GOOD.BONNIE I LOVE YOUR HUGS. I AM MISSING SOME OF OUR GROUP,I AM PRAYING FOR THEM,I LOVE YOU,THOSE WHO ARE NOT HERE I MISS TOU. LOVE FAYLA G
Member: Cathy
Location: Midwest
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 10:40:11
Hi I'm Cathy and I'm an alcoholic.
I hated one liners when I first got into the program. I was far too intelligent for these cliches. One of my first sponsors ( a smart aleck) Used to put them into song so that maybe I would like them better. The longer I am sober the more profound they become. They have saved my life on countless occasions. "It's the first drink that gets you drunk" saved me many times. And "think the drink through" "My worst day sober is better than my best day drunk" "When it hurts bad enough, you'll let it go." (Whatever IT is.) "The longer I am sober, the thinner the ice gets"
Great topic Sanders. I'll enjoy reading on through the week. My favorite that I remember daily, "Am I ready to go to any lengths for my sobriety"? Joy, it is all there for you. I will keep you in my prayers. Peace.
Member: Doris
Location: Oregon
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 11:21:27
My name is Doris and I am an alcoholic. JOY ! I hope that you can find the PEACE that you had befoe. I hope that you remember what that peace felt like and you get it back. I know that when i was drinking PEACE was the thing i was after. I just wanted to relax. REALLY r e l a x. When My husband and I finished the program at the center i was in the guy that taught the last class we went to said " Now ! What do you want to do more than anything else in the world, (besides staying sober) ? Relax was my answer. He said: " That is my assignment for you" I will never forget him saying that to me. I have done everything i could to do just that. AND I do relax at times. Not all the time-- but at times. I think that if I relapsed I would feel very alone. Alone is not good. The more alone i feel the more alone I want to be. That would get me into a lot of trouble. If I were to give you advice i would say get busy. Get into groups, meetings, stay with people and talk. Go to church, go to class, go to a re - hab and attend their lectures. I know the re - hab here has lectures at 9 and 1 every day and they let people come in off the street. When I was a resident there they asked "what would you do if you were having an overwhelming temptation? I said i would camp out in their waiting room if i had to. BUT ! I would try to NOT be alone. I hope and pray that if I ever do have that happen I could stick to that and follow my own advice. Well Joy, I hope you find your way. Remember that you don't have to do it alone. We are here and I am sure that there are others in your life that can help you through this hard time. God Bless YOU JOY. You CAN do it. You did it before, you can do it again. I wish you love, peace and my prayers are with you, Doris
Member: Michele B.
Location: East Orange
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 11:27:04
Hi. My name is Michele and I am an Alcoholic.Fi First I would like to give honor and thanks to Jesus Christ who is the God of my understanding for this day of sobriety. "Don't hasten the process that takes time" was enlightening and applicable in my life today. Hey George: I am powerless over how honest other people get with themselves. It took me four years in AA to get rigorously honest with myself.
Member: Timothy V.
Location: Waterloo,Iowa
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 13:07:40
I'm an alcoholic I've been one since I was 10 years old. Sometimes i really don't want to admit it cause I am only 23 years old and I tend to look at the big picture and say that i can't drink for the rest of my life,but something I learned throuogh going to my meetings is that the only thing i got to worry about or work on is a better way to put it is staying sober just for today and in the last 2 weeks i've done that and i've stayed sober.Which for me is a change in the last year the longest time other than these last 2 weeks that i ever stayed sober was 3 days and that was because i was in the hospital for alcohol poisoning and depression.I'm not new to the A.A. program I'm just new to listening instead of blowing it off. I finally took the plugs out of my ears and put one in my mouth and the other in the jug. In these last to weeks not only have I seen a change so has my family and friends which more and more are becomeing sober friends from A.A.. That also was a big problem of mine no matter how much I wanted to quit drinking and using I never seemed to be able to changes my playgrounds and playmmates. I have now, the only people i hang out with on a regular basis are my A.A. friends.
Member: Pat P
Location: CT
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 13:56:07
Hi, I'm Pat and I'm an alchoholic;
When I'm "in it" and someone suggests to me "this too shall pass", it can be hard to swallow. Then I remember what my sponsor told me...sometimes it is "this too is passing". Thanks for all the sharing! I'll be back, God willing.
Member: Robin S.
Location: Plano, TX
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 14:00:00
I'm Robin and I AM an alcoholic! Great topic! But I've heard so many of those one liners that have helped me down through the years! Two of my favorites are "Isolation is the darkroom of life where all negatives are developed" and "If you really use the Program, everything else will take care of itself." And to the person who doesn't feel serene about the drinker at meetings...the second saying helped me a lot with that, which I went through just recently. Today I have serenity about it and yet I still want to say thank you to all of you who shared about it. It should have been last weeks topic...hehehe! Thanks for all the great one liners! Keep the plug in the jug and keep comin back, ya hear!
Member: Barb B.,
Location: Peaceburgh, PA
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 14:45:05
Hey everybody great topics,Barb B. a real alcoholic from the 'Burg' PA, How about this one, THERE IS A GOD AND IT AINT ME. That always cut my ego down to size, and then there is, GOD IS GREATER THAN MY MISTAKES, what a concept that is. Then there is the picture of the directors chair and directors horn, with RELAX, GOD'S IN CHARGE, and these are a few of my favorite HONEST THINGS. HUGS.
Member: Libby
Location: Glenside PA.
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 16:40:16
Hi All! My name is Libby and I am an alcoholic.I am young in the program and one liners are what I use as self talk allll day long.The newest one I heard is"Repitition penatrates even the dullest of minds" And for this alcoholic that is very true.I can forget things just from day to day--- So hearing the same things over and over helps. Just like the reading of "How It Works".Some days I cling to progress not perfection and so on.I also come here every morning to read how you all are doing.(I go to the coffee pot too).
I hope everyone has a peaceful week.
Doris can't wait to read the post of your newest addition. Not long now!
Oh and Just one more "the antidote to fear is faith" Read that one on a church board.
Take care all Libby in sunny PA.
Member: Eddie G
Location:
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 16:40:29
Hi, Eddie Alcoholic.
Good topic, the one that got my attention was when this old timer told me. "It's a statistical fact that you can not save your face, and your ass at the same time" his timing was perfect because I was worried more about looking good than doing going.
Member: Eddie g
Location: waianae Hi
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 16:40:43
Hi, Eddie Alcoholic.
Good topic, the one that got my attention was when this old timer told me. "It's a statistical fact that you can not save your face, and your ass at the same time" his timing was perfect because I was worried more about looking good than doing going.
Member: Eddie g
Location: waianae Hi
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 16:40:56
Hi, Eddie Alcoholic.
Good topic, the one that got my attention was when this old timer told me. "It's a statistical fact that you can not save your face, and your ass at the same time" his timing was perfect because I was worried more about looking good than doing going.
Member: Barb C.
Location: West Allis, WI
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 17:04:34
Hi everybody! My name is Barb and I am an alcoholic. One liners--I always thought when I first came around that they were stupid. Not anymore. I think of them all the time. My favorite is: "You don't have to do it alone". That was a tough concept for me in the beginning. I thought I could handle it by myself. Today, I know I don't have to. After all, a problem shared is a problem cut in half. And for the fella who is concerned about the guy smelling like alcohol and saying he has 6 months: Someone at a meeting once took a fellow aside and suggested he change his aftershave. The guy kept coming back and never smelled of alcohol again. "Keep bringing the body and the mind will follow." Thanks everyone for letting me grow a little bit today.
Member: Dave C.
Location: West Allis, WI.
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 17:29:37
Hi all, my name is Dave I am an alcoholic. I love the one liners. I have two. Early on When I was feeling very unique and wasn't doing anything more than showing up someone told me to choose to participate. Didn't know then what he meant. Just kept coming back. Today I understand it to mean get involved with the program the people and service work if I want to stay sober today. Later when the wreckage of my past started to catch up to me and all I could do was whine and again feel unique I was told to get out of the problem and into the solution. To this day I try to use all the oneliners but especially these two. Because of this a miracle happened, I stayed sober for another day. Thanks for letting me have a say. Hugs all around.
Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 18:03:45
Hello to all. I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I surely am glad all ya'll (plural) took my sugestion for a topic and ran with it.. I don,t remember when I have enjoyed anything as much as this. I had shock treatments 24 years ago in an attempt to help me stop drinking and I do not and have never remembered "the good times" drinking and it also has curtailed my ability to remmber many things in detail especially numbers and little things. The importance of something has no bearing on wheather I remember them or not. Isn't that just like an alkie, you ask him the time and he tells you how to build the blasted watch. I said all that simply to say I had forgotten so many ofthe one liners of the past and to set and read them is most refreshing. Some I have never heard,but most I have heard and can think back and remember when and how each one was so meaningful at the time. Today for me to have to say which one was the most meaningful or most important, would be impossible as it would depend on each given situation in my journey. Thanks again and I just wish I knew how to pull each one out and make a copy. I think that would make for a good web page. Thanks again and love to all Sanders
Member: Mark c.
Location: Shelter Is. NEW YORK
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 18:39:03
My name is Mark and I'm an alcoholic,"What other people think is none of my business." "Oh Well,Whatever!" "The bottom line is DON'T DRINK-GO TO MEETINGS AND DON'T BULLS__T YOURSELF." "Remember the first word in the first step-WE." "Religion is for people who don't want to go to hell, spirituality is for people who have been there."
Member: Suzanne H.
Location: Ontario Canada
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 19:50:01
I always ramble on and complicate situations, I always did (just more when I was drinking than I do now) Everyone reminds me to "Keep it Simple" (if you ever attended live meetings with me you would get a good chuckle from this post.
Member: Kar
Location: Tacoma, WA.
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 20:12:51
Hi all... what a beautiful day here in the NW... My favorite one liner was and still is.... "This too Shall Pass" My sponsor used to use that one on me all the time and I used to hate it terribly, but I have come to find out that it really holds true. Everything passes in time, it's what we decide to do with it that matters... Good luck to those of you who are a little shaky in your sobriety but, just stick around and something will make sense to you sooner or later... The requirement is a DESIRE to stop drinking, and whether or not you come to a meeting drunk or sober, the point is that you're there. I know a lot of sober people in meetings that act a lot more intolerant than some of the drunks I know... we are all here to learn... and to live in love...
Member: Tom T.
Location: Southern MD
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 20:46:06
Hi, group, my names Tom. I am an alcoholic. Favorite one liners, a great topic. I came into AA three years ago for all the wrong reasons...save a marriage, save a job, get my kids' respect back...well, I lost that marriage, that job, but eventually, I did get the kid's respect back..only because after many, many meetings I began to realize that I came into AA because I was an alcoholic and that alcohol was destorying me and mylife and I wanted to get better. You kept telling me to keep coming back, things will get better...and they really, truly have. I have a new job, a new relationship, a great bunch of kids, and every sober day just gets better and better...so what's my favorite one-liner?...It's from a little book called "My Mind is Out to Get Me", a compilations of things heard at meetings. My favorite is "You gotta' give time, time" It works for me... Thanks.
Member: Alan R.
Location: Los Angeles
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 21:54:51
Alan, alcoholic. The one-liners that have saved me are always the ones that seem too simple at first. For me, it's "It works--it really does." Followed by "Pass it on."
Member: Dennis R.
Location: Staunton, Virginia
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 22:13:07
Dennis R. here. When I first came into the rooms my sponser at that time not to drink even if my butt fell off. I kept going out and drinking every 2 ro 3 months and the last time I went out before he moved away he kicked me in the rear and told me it shouldn't hurt because my butt must have surely fallen off. 6 months later by the Grace of God he gave me a moment of clarity to understand and surrender. I haven't found it necessary to drink or drug since and last year I got another sponser and started working the steps instead of depending on just suiting up and showing up to stay sober. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Paul C
Location: Antioch CA
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 22:38:58
Alkie Paul says hello everyone. I have two favorites. "PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION" and "ONE DAY AT A TIME". Being a alcoholic who is a perfectonist and loves to worry about the future these two saying really speak to me. I think more that anything they have helped me to learn to relax and take things/life as it comes and not fret about it so much.
Member: Jack B.
Location: Ma.
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 23:13:02
Hi everyone, "I'm here because I'm not all there."I was told to Just Keep Coming, no matter what! Even if my butt falls off, pick it up and take it to a meeting! How does A.A. work?-It works just fine!
Member: Carolee S
Location: Dallas, TX
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 23:21:36
Hi! I am Carolee and I am an alcoholic. I have been kept sober since July 16, 1995 I am new here to this web site. Great topic.The "one liner" that explained it all for me in the beginning was "It's the first drink that gets me drunk". I spent 20 years trying to figure out just which number of drinks got me in trouble. Another saying my sponser uses on me alot is "Figure It Out is NOT one of our slogans." Thanks for being here. C
Member: mary w.
Location: kiss in ks
Date: 27 Apr 1998
Time: 23:45:46
hi, my name is mary and i'm an alcoholic/addict...one of my favorites is 'to thine ownself be true' it reminds me of where i've been and were i can go. another one that i was told is - don't be judgemental, you never know where the voice of recovery will be found. there is a story relating to this, i was attending a meeting of another anonymous group in a rough area of town, it was a former 'shooting gallery'.skid row was a couple blocks away. i was leading the meeting on some topic and in walked in this really rough,unshaven,wild haired, dirty,smelly (you get the idea) guy. he sat down in the back of the room and one of our regulars leaned over to me and made a few comments one the character back there and maybe we ought to ask him to leave and explain to him that he needed to clean up a bit. i refused on the grounds of the third traditon. well, eventually, it was this fellows turn to share and again this person said to me deresively, this should be good. well, this fellow was astounding with the insights and the nuances of the program... i was glad that i was proven right.. afterwards, some other people talked to him and guess what? he was a member of the wso of that fellowship, and was a long haul trucker, hauling cattle ( hence the smell) and was in need of a meeting. i guess the thing i am trying to get across is also about the guy who smell drunk, don't judge him...he might have a good reason to smell that way..ask him, one to one... holding a meeting and making him an indirect topic would only humiliate him. one more slogan, - what would god want me to do?
hugs
Member: Steering Committee
Location:
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 00:00:30
In keeping with the Format of this Meeting, We would like to ask each Member to TRY to share only once per week. This is not intended to be a chat room (the Coffee Pot Page is available for discussion back and forth)
We ask this so that all members may have a chance to share/read, the larger the page gets the longer it takes to download, we have reports from some members on Web TV that when the page gets to large they can no longer view it.
So lets show some courtesy Please.
Member: John F.
Location: Alabaster, AL
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 01:31:05
Hi I'm John and i'm an alcoholic. My favorite oneliners are conversely the ones I hated the most when I first heard them. The first was,"Noone's too dumb to get the program, but there are those who are too smart"(meaning me) The other was shen someone said" You need to get out of GOD'S chair 'cause your ass ain't big enough." Today I get alot of good laughs from these, but when I origionally heard them, they literally saved my life. Thaank God for the oldtimers and thank God for AA! Stay Sober
Member: Gina C
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 03:25:52
Hi my name's Gina and I'm an alcoholic. This is amazing, my first time on the internet. I'm having a fantastic time reading everyone's sharing. One of my favourite one-liners that an oldtimer said to me when I was feeling useless and desperate many years ago was "God hasn't brought you this far to leave you here" It has been my saving grace whenever I feel at a 'stand-still'. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Jade D.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 08:56:45
Hi. Jade D. and I'm an alcoholic. There are so many one-liners that have helped me in my sobriety. A few of my favorites:
"The Power behind me is greater than the problem in front of me."
"A true sponsor is a person who knows the words to the song in your heart and is able to sing them back to you when you have forgotten those words."
"When you've got one foot in yesterday and the other in tomorrow, you can only piss on today."
"DON'T QUIT BEFORE THE MIRACLE HAPPENS!!!!"
My Best, Jade
Member: Laurie D.
Location: Texas
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 09:57:41
Hi, my name is Laurie D. and I'm an alcoholic. I am fairly new to the program--again. I've been makeing alot of meetings and trying to really listen. I just picked up my 30 day chip last week. These one liners have really helped me. I get drunk, we stay sober so keep coming back, is one of my favorites. For me, I believe AA developed these one liners especially for newcomers because at the time, thats about all I could remember. I also have the disease of cirhossis and I'm not that old. Contracted Hep C in the early 80's. I trust that God has it all under control and that if I'm blessed enough to receive a second chance at life I want to cherish that chance. Meanwhile, if I don't receive a liver then AA is already helping me prolong my life. I am very grateful for the program, its the only place I know of whose doors are always open no matter what walk of life you come from. Thank you for letting me share.
Member: Rich R
Location: Detroit
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 17:32:33
Best one liners:<p> "I only need one meeting a week, but I never know which day I will need it, so I go to 7 meetings a week."<p> "Seven days without a meeting makes one weak."
Member: Tom Mc
Location: Naperville, IL
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 19:05:32
On the subject of one liners: Don't drink no matter what and. . . don't give up 10 minutes before the miracle.
Courage is fear that's said its prayers.
Let go and let God, let people be people and let Bob (or whoever) be Bob.
Sometimes you have to learn to survive the fellowship - often it is a program of rigorous gossip. . . :-)
Keep Coming Back!!
Member: Richard
Location: West Coast
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 21:17:03
Richard here alcohalic, the one liners I find most usefull are in the B.B. Easy does it, first things first, and live and let live. If we all lived by these words there would probable be alot less controversy inside the rooms of AA, and we would all have less stress too. We'd be takin it easy, doing what's important, and minding our own business(respecting boundaries).
Love to all, and 24 more.
Member: Gini M
Location: Seattle, WA
Date: 28 Apr 1998
Time: 21:33:08
Hi! My Name is Gini and I am a greatful alcoholic since 10/15/76. The one liner that works for me is "It's not the mountain ahead but the grain of sand in your shoe. Thanks to AA I have been staying sober through many trials as well as good times. Great site you have here. I am new to the web.
Member: David B
Location: Idaho Falls
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 01:49:38
I'm David and I'm a recovered alcoholic. Believing that sharing in topic meetings should focus on the topic I shall" keep it simple" and drop a few one liners that have been meaningful to me such as. "If you want what we have, do what we do." And "you'll keep getting what you're getting as long as you keep doing what you 're doing." I've always profitted by using"You can't think yourself into proper action. You have to act yourself into proper thinking." An oldtimer named Chuck C. used to remind us we were all Gods kids. A good friend of mine in Los Angeles ,Cowboy Don , used to say ",This city is nothing but a G__D___cesspool." For a number of years in my early soberiety, Don's one liner was all I needed to bring a smile to my soul. IF YOU DON'T DRINK YOU WON'T GET DRUNK is easily turned on my wifes driving style by merely changing a couple words, IF YOU DON'T SPEED YOU WON'T GET SPEEDING TICKETS. Damn, I hope this has been as good for all y'all as it has been for me!
Member: Jason
Location: Beirut
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 04:10:39
Hi this is Jason the alcoholic in Beirut returning from another sober holiday weekend (Mike W, trust you enjoyed the New Year weekend)! This makes almost two months of sobriety for me and in looking back over these two AMAZING months three one liners come to mind that I consciously remember relying on frequently; those cited by Dave B and our sweet Fayla: "If you dont take the first drink you can't get drunk" and "There but for the Grace of God..." The 3rd one-liner was handed to me by Bonnie C. one of the first days I signed on and it really shook me up... "There's nothing as important as my sobriety." That simple. No dinner engagement, no friendship, no relationship, no bad day at the office, NOTHING!!! That really helped me get my priorities straight ((thanks bonnie)). Timothy V. and Renee S., think about that. Timothy, I envy you because if you take this opportunity to stay sober-- you'll have quit when you were 23. I'm 25 and have been a DRUNK for nine years, some of which I was also a coke fiend; today I wish I had two years behind me instead of two months. Go to meetings, you're lucky to be able to... Keep coming back, ODAAT.
Member: Anonymous
Location: Somewhere
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 08:20:28
"Alcoholism is the only prison where all the keys are INSIDE"
Member: Rob L
Location: Los Angeles
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 12:56:45
My name is Rob and I am an alcoholic. I am not totally clear on the topic. I think it is meaningful "one liners." Well, for me "Let go and let God." is probably the most important for me. I believe that three things get me in trouble now that I am sobe. Money, sex and power. I have no power, but often believe I do in the following areas: People, my career, my wife, what people say, how I am treated by others...Well, you get the picture. With regard to sex, developing a sexual ideal as outlined in the book can be a difficult and painful journey. I continually struggle in this area. And, of course, money. Always trying to get more or don't have enough. If I turn these problem areas over to my higher power, I often feel a freedom that I was unable to experience before. Sometimes it's tough, because I still get something out of playing God. Thinking that I know what is best for me and others. A dangerous proposition! Especially for maintaining peace with in my brain.
Member: Renee S
Location: Florida
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 13:07:39
Hmmm...one liners. There are so many good ones. Having been back for 3 days now, at the first meeting I attended, they passed around the part of the book that we read in the beginning, and each person read a sentence. When it came to my turn, I could hardly read it for the tears: "no human power could have relieved our alcoholism, God could and would if he were sought"
Member: Patti R.
Location: Denver
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 14:47:09
George, This is directed at your comment in this week's discussion. I see this sort of thing at AA alot and my feeling is your friend may have the desire to stop drinking and that is all he needs. I haven't read anywhere in the Big Book that we do everyone else's inventory just our own. We just have to be aware of who we are and what we are doing. Your friend that smells of alcohol is probably in a lot of pain--pray for him. Thanks, George for your comments.
Member: Ann C
Location: France
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 16:18:01
Hi, I'm Ann and an alcoholic. Joy, one that worked for me was "come back; It works". Maybe not immediatelt, but some of us take more time . I sure did. Love from across the Atlantic.
What stuck with me is "the first glass is the one to avoid" because I knew all the other glasses and bottles that would follow. And as I am stubborn, I kept trying just one glass and it never worked. Now I haven't had a drink for 4 years and thank all the AAs on the planet. LOVE AND HUGS to all. Ann
Member: Fran
Location: Naperville, IL
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 17:09:11
Hi. My name is Fran and I am an alcoholic. My two favorite "one-liners" were told me when I was new. One is:" You only have to stay sober until your next meeting. " (and sometimes I went to 3 mtgs a day) and the other saying comes from How It Works: "Do Not Be Discouraged." Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Dave P
Location: Minnesota
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 18:41:42
I guess two of my favorites are "God doesn't make mistakes" and "You are right where you are supposed to be today." When I doubt myself or feel foolish or not far enough along, I remember these and it helps me ACCEPT.
Member: Dave H.
Location: Texas
Date: 29 Apr 1998
Time: 19:48:30
I'm Dave and I'm an alcoholic. My favorite one liner is from How it Works; May you find Him now!. It puts my life in line with the A.A. program. Gets me prepared for the meeting realizing that I'm in a safe spot and can think, feel, and say what I want to and need to. That's how I get through life day to day, getting my emotions out in the open for me and god to see. May you ALL find Him now!
Member: Bobbye E
Location: McKinney, Texas
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 00:38:34
Hi I am Bobbye and I am an alcoholic.
My first sponsor this time around said, "Live in this 3 seconds" Try it for one twenty-four hour period. Let me know when you achieve this. Well it took me to somewhere into my 6th or 7th year to discover I had actually done it. It helps me to stay in the now. Asking important questions, Like "Where am I? What am I doing? Do I want to be here? Did I bring God with me?" Its not a slogan but it is one of my favorites. Thanks for letting me share.
ODAAT since Aug 25 86
Member: Ron
Location: New Jersey
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 08:49:23
Hi am Ron an alcoholic. The one saying that I didn't understand when I first came into AA, but is now a big part of my program is "If you don't give what you have back, you'll lose it" everybody have a great 24 and god bless.
Member: Karen B.
Location: Vermont
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 10:36:07
Hi, my name is Karen B. I'm coming to the conclusion that I am probably an alcoholic and am looking for support. I've been reading everyone's comments and am writing down the "one-liners" which I feel will be helpful to me.
Would like to hear what one liners helped people when they first came into AA. Thanks for listening.
K.B.
Member: Barbara F.
Location: Texas
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 12:11:32
Barbara here, I'm an alcoholic. I treasure the one liners that have been shared. To K.B., I have 94 days of sobriety--this time. At yesterdays meeting with my home group the topic became a new one liner for me "We not me", AA means not doing this alone. This keeps me going in the doubtful moments--call someone, pray, go to a meeting, share. Hope this helps.
Member: Sharon M.
Location: Connecticut
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 12:20:37
Hi, my name is Sharon and I am an alcoholic. My favorite one liner is "How Important is it?" Many times I have found just by saying that one statement puts me in the right perspective of whatever is happening at the time. I can then just deal with it. I don't have to drink over it.
Take Care, Stay Sober
S
Member: mike
Location:
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 12:23:47
my favorite one liner is "stinkin' thinkin'"
one can't let the "stinkin' thinkin' control ones action.
it works if you work it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my last drunk - labor day this year
Member: louis
Location: gatineau quebec canada
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 12:46:48
louis alcoholic,i have 2 one liner that helps me alot,"my life is not 100% but it's 100% better then it was",and "AA did'nt open the doors to even to let me in but it sure open the doors to hell to let me out".thank you all for helping me stay sober ODAAT.
Member: Mark H
Location: Canton, Ohio
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 13:15:29
Hey, I'm Mark an alcoholic....
Just "Keep it Simple".
I have tried every way possible to complicate recovery. I finally realized that we tend to make more out of this effort than is necessary. "Keep it Simple"
Member: sheila c
Location: spokane washington
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 13:32:52
My name is Sheila and I am an alcoholic. I would like to fine a live chat line meeting place on the net. Can anyone help me find it?? Sheila C/Spokane Washington area
Member: sheila c
Location: spokane washington
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 13:33:14
My name is Sheila and I am an alcoholic. I would like to fine a live chat line meeting place on the net. Can anyone help me find it?? Sheila C/Spokane Washington area
Member: Barry L
Location: Poconos PA
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 13:38:04
Hi I'm Barry and I'm an alcoholic,alot of good one liners so far. One that sticks out for me is.
Definition of Insanity, doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
That was Me, knew I was an alcoholic, came to meetings did'nt want to hear anything about God, Changing Me, or Character defects. I would stay sober by MY willpower an intellect. Wrong got DRUNK again. This went on for 13 years. Definetely Insane.
That simple phrase helped me finally see it.
Member: Billy H.
Location: Atlanta,MI
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 15:50:37
Hi, I'm Billy,I'm an alcholic.One good one liner I can think of is " Hugs Not Drugs".Also from the fifth chapter of the Big Book,back in the same old squirrel cage again.If it were up to me,all alcholics would be cured.Good thing its not cause this site would not be here!
Thanks Billy H
Member: Sophie
Location: SF BAY AREA
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 16:14:10
Hi everyone, Sophie Alcoholic.
I've was sober for 30days and then blew it last week. I supose I was throwing myself a party. Anyway, the one liner that helps me so incredibly much is " one day at a time". God those words are salvation right now. I takes the weight off and makes things a lot less overwhelming. Thank you everyone for your one liners. They put me on track.
Member: Karen H
Location: Jacksonville FL
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 19:40:58
Here's some one-liners: "You spot it, you got it", "You can't make people mind". Here's a one liner prayer that has saved me on numerous occasions: "God, save me from myself".
Joy R., I was in and out of the program for about 7 years. I now have 5 years sobriety. Keep coming back.
Fayla G: Please do me a favor, and possibly others as well, and do not type in all CAPS. It is difficult on the eyes to read.
Member: Mitzi L.
Location: Portsmouth, Ohio
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 20:33:36
My name is Mitzi, and I am an alcoholic. For this very serious alcoholic thirteen years ago, my sponsor told me a oneliner that I have always remembered. She said "Keep it Simple" and I have tried to live by that since then one day at a time. I thought many times that I could change the steps, rewrite the big book and sponsor better than anyone else. Thank God that people in AA had and have a great sense of humor and as much caring. Kathy, I was 9 months sober when I moved to a different place and I remember being greatly overwhelmed, I was very nervous about going to my first AA meeting in a new town. I went and found that the hand of AA is the same everywhere just different faces. God and AA is everywhere!!!
Member: Kyler W
Location: CO
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 21:52:17
Hi I'm Kyler, and was a real Alcoholic of the "hopeless" variety. I think there's probably not a single aspect of the program I didn't screw up at one time. Ive got over 90 now taking it one day at a time even if some days it seems like a whole bunch of 24hrs gang up at the same time. A lot of the self speak I use isn't AA approved but works like:BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR! GODS LISTENING AND HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR!!!" 2 LIFE'S A BEACH TRY NOT TO WASH UP ON ONE 3.
3.. HOPE-- Is like a piece of twine in the pocket of a drowning man. If its not tied to something he will still drown... NEWCOMERS don't do what Ive done... Tie it to the program & GOD.
4. If YOU had done to me. WHAT I have done to me I WOULD HAVE KILLED YA.
COURAGE STRENGTH HOPE AND PEACE!-bye,bye
Member: doug g
Location: new hampsha
Date: 30 Apr 1998
Time: 22:38:46
i'm alcoholic doug and this is my first time in this sort of meeting. i read all the directions and hope that this is received in the right format. lots of great stuff hear!!!! As far as slogans are concerned they certainly help me when my life gets unmanageable. I am struggling with many things in life, and i must be reminded by people in the fellowship that I need to "let it go." I am convinced that i suffer from a disease of self centeredness, if i am left to my own devices, without contact with other recovering alcoholics i will eventually return to the behavior that used to mask lifes difficulies. Today, by working at turning my will over, and "letting go " I am able to fend off that self pitty\centerdness and get threw what life tosses at me. My job is to be willing and to not drink, in spite of myself it worked today.
In regards to reeking of booze at that meeting, I've lied about being sober and know the shame and guilt of relapse, it is perfectly natural for the active alcoholic to lie\deny his use to avoid the pain of the truth. please don't confuse this and think that i condone his dishonesty it certainly isn't getting him sober. My point being is that he is sick, he probably doesn't want to be doing it, really thinks he's fooling us and desperately needs to continue coming to meetings, sauced or not. Here's the hard part my friend, don't take it personally, you should be greatful its not your gin breath that we smell. Attitude is everything.
Member: Ruth E-D
Location: Cheshire, UK
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 05:09:21
Hello everyone, I'm Ruth and I'm an alcoholic. This too shall pass has got me through some very bad times (and some very good times too) because everything passes, good and bad. At the moment I'm handing over daily and waiting for one of the most difficult times in my sobriety to pass. I got married just two and a half years ago when I'd been sober for more than a few days. I thought "It just keeps getting better" but now my marriage looks doomed and I have never in all my meetings or sponsorings heard of a sober alcoholic marrying in sobriety and then divorcing. It's really hard but I know that my HP has a plan and that though I cannot see any sense in what is happening or how it will end, it WILL be for the best. All I can do is keep going to meetings and try to live my life as best I can a day at a time without wilfully hurting anyone else. I heard a good tale in a meeting the other night. Three alcoholics are walking along a wall. The first is called Facts, the second Faith and the third Feelings. When Faith keeps her eyes on facts she is safe. It's only when she turns to look at feelings that she's likely to stumble and fall. Thanks everyone for being there for me. I'm a new comer to cyber-iety but to be able to start my working day with a meeting and a share from my own desk is wonderful.
Member: Mamalyon
Location:
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 12:42:40
Hello, I'm trying to find a.a. meetings on-line can across this one thought I'd give it a shot. Mamalyon
Member: Mark L.
Location: Seattle, WA
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 13:19:27
One of the better one liners I have come across is "It's your best thinking that got you here (or this far)". I like it because of the double meaning.
On one hand, your "best" thinking is actually your worst - you are here and view your recovery as a consequence of your drinking/drugging. This is the negative outlook on the statement. Negativity (to me anyway) is just as dangerous as the "stinkin' thinkin'" mentioned earlier.
On the other hand, your "best" thinking is what brought you to AA/NA in the first place. Your realization, either on your own, through your higher power or "external" motivation has brought you to the place you most need to be.
I like the latter outlook because my recovery is for myself. I don't like to think, that whatever my state of mind is, that I can't make a decision for myself that helps me to my goals in a positive manner.
Member: David T.
Location: Poconos P.A.
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 16:04:21
My name is David and I am an alcoholic. Theres a one liner that stuck out in my head, my former therapist use tell me to tell myself and that is every day in every way I'm getting better and better. So try telling yourself this every day and hope it works for you. And theres nothing a drink wont make worse. Till the next time God Bless to all.
Member: Randy D.
Location: Ohio
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 16:08:23
How about this one, There is nothing so bad that I can't make worse by taking a drink!!! That one always hits me right in my alcoholic mind.
Member: Peter M
Location: Gippsland Australia
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 21:59:45
The one liners that helped keep me going before I put down about 8 years ago are -
You're not a failure until you stop trying.
You can if you want to.
Keep coming back, you might get well by accident.
and finally-
Do you want to live or do you want to die? What's stopping you?
Thankyou for sharing.
Member: Lori S.
Location: So. Calif.
Date: 01 May 1998
Time: 23:02:46
I have been out almost 2 years after 9 years of soberity. My material things are still intact, but my soul feels shattered. I came across this website tonite, and the one liners that use to be so much a part of my life...I can't tell you the feeling I have reading these. Hope, knowledge I'm not alone, GOD, others. I truly feel thru my tears that once again, I am being shown the way. Thank you.
Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 01:12:27
Hello all, I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I know I am not suposed to post but once per week, but I just have to say a word to Lori S. I to have enjoyed the weeks posts tremendously but you just truely made my week in that you may be able to find your way back to sobriety as the results of the "one liners". My dear I truely hope and pray that you do, because that is what this program is all about, not drinking one day at a time. I have to get off as we are suppose to only post once perweek here, but you can go over to the coffee pot and go back and forth. Just keep talking to us as we all love you and need you. Love Ya. Sanders
Member: Teresa C.
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 03:18:38
Sometimes I try to live up to everyone else's expectations. I try to read faces, and then...I say whatever it is that they want to hear. I really do not know who I am. I do know that I'm an alcoholic. Each and every day, my body craves the drink. Each and every day, my brain has to override the irresistable urge to stop off for just one drink. Some days, my car will just go to the bar, and then I remember that this is not what I REALLY wanted. I just want company. I want to feel wanted. I don't feel pretty or needed. The weekend comes and my total being wants to numb out and forget all the painfullness. I want it all, everyday, and I want my way or nothing else will do. I've been sober for 1-1/2 years and then sober for 8 years, and now its so hard for me to go back to the meetings, because now, no-one treats me the same. Inf fact, I get passed over for a hug or a handshake, because I failed the program. It really hurts. It's a silent killer to me. I have to ignore the looks, the stares, the whispers. Somedays, a few people come up to me and talk about how I'm feeling. It's nice to still be a part of someones lives. I admit to being human and totally messing up. But I say this from the bottom of my heart and that is, It's a .... of alot harder coming back to meetings. I am tired of always coming back. I think I'll stop thinking, and let God help me. Thank you for letting me share. May be someday I'll have some good words. Hopefully I have helped one someone to know that, its okay to come back. Each and every one of us has earned his or her chair by just being there.
Member: Tech
Location:
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 10:19:04
Actually Sanders as the Leader for the week you are allowed to post more than once a week, just like leading a live discussion meeting.
Member: Peter
Location: Austria
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 11:08:47
Very warm regards from the Innsbruck German language AA Meeting.
Peter - Al-anon
Member: Bill K.
Location: Anaheim
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 12:05:23
Uh oh, here comes Bill K. again...did't he share in this meeting on the 26th? Ya buddy. Sanders my friend it's ok to share more than once (I believe) but at the same time we ought to maintain a sensitivity toward others and be careful not to "hog" the time available. I believe it is a good standard to not share more than once (after all some folks will take advantage of the situation) but there are times it is OK. Particularly in a meeting format such as this. This discussion meeting is a week-long event and I see it as an opportunity to expound and discover many things via the format. In context it is the back-and-forth discussion that helps to clarify and begin to understand sobriety and life better. But at the same time I caution to not overuse the privalege of sharing. We have no real "rules" or "laws" in AA but should subscribe to the 12 Traditions as laid out by the folks that went before us. If anyone has the inclination and/or time I would suggest reading the following: "Language of the Heart," "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers," "AA Comes of Age," and anyother pamplets regarding the development of our society. It's an incredible story of how AA formed and (what I got out of it) how it probably should not have happened (AA itself). After all our society is composed of some of the most self-centered, egotistical persons in the world. But...as Dr. Silkworth said (I paraphrase) "it truly amazing how these men [and women] have changed their whole outlook toward life and their sense in helping others." As I understand alcoholics, alcoholism, AA, sobriety and principals I am truly amazed by what I have come in contact with. If anyone would like to correspond directly with me regarding AA in general or on specifics please e-mail me at billkl@exo.com. I's love to share what I have learned and would love to learn from others. So much to know and understand...so little time...what a gift. Thank you for being there.
Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville Fl.
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 12:13:43
Hi to all again. I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I want to thank all of you for sharing this week and want you to know your "shares" have really been very meaninful to me. It has really been a great week of sharing and MOSTLY receiving from you great, loving people and I feel I have a good shot at staying away from a drink for the remainder of the day. One more of my favorite one liners is " the only thing that would ever make me take another drink would be if I wanted to" With this weeks shares I don't want to drink today and if I am not badly mistaken, that is what this program is all about. NOT DRINKING ONE DAY AT A TIME. lOVE TO ALL sANDERS
Member: Jeff B.
Location: PA
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 13:05:32
Hi, I'm Jeff, and I'm an alcoholic. First time in the site, and it looks pretty helpful. The one liner that's helped me a lot is "happiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you have". It has helped me keep things in perspective many times, helped me with my envy, and kept me right sized. Was up for a promotion it does not look like I will get, and have been feeling sorry for myself. Just needed a little perspective to get grateful for all God has graced me with in these almost six years. Was unemployable when I came in.
Member: Laurie H.
Location: Maryland
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 16:02:32
" It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life".
Member: Linda P
Location: CA, USA
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 16:24:57
Hi, my name is Linda, an alcoholic. WELCOME BACK to Teresa from Fairbanks, Alaska. A lot of what you said I related to. I had 5yrs and blew it in June of 1984. I was out 1 day, but it was awful. With God, the steps, and a good sponsor I was able to piece my life back together. Do not allow yourself to get discouraged by a "few" people who respond negatively towards your experience with relapse. I had to ignore them to save my life, and look towards others that geniunely wanted to be helpful to my recover. If I thought that the opinions of those few represented all of AA I would have died out there. I remember looking back of some of the hurtful remarks that people made out of "tough love" philosophy that devastated at the time, then realized that those who were cruel were those who had never had the relapse experience and were probably scared for themselves. You will be alright if you stick to the text of AA, close to a sponsor, and attend meetings and network with those that are beneficial to your growth. Treat your sobriety as if it were very fragile, and to handle it with care. I did, and it has worked for over 13 yrs. That experience, awful at the time, has helped me to help others that stumple along the way. I sort of recognize now when people are on that fine edge, and am useful in that way in the scope of AA service. If I can do it, so can you. HANG IN "HERE." We care - check out the Coffee Pot also. Linda P.
Member: Don J
Location:
Date: 02 May 1998
Time: 18:50:25
Hi! My name is Don and I am an alcoholic. First time here. Have enjoyed reading all of your posts during the past few weeks and thought i8t was about time I shared a little. One of my favorite one liners is I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. It got to the point that I was so sick that Ididn't want to live anymore until my HP steped in and took over. Since I've turned it all over to GOD life has been a lot simpler. Thanks for being here. Don '