Member: Doris
Location: Oregon
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 00:30:53

Comments

I guess I am the first one here. My name is Doris and I am an alcoholic. I have had company for the past week and have neglected my program, me, sadly. I haven't checked in here very much and didn't even go to my home group on Wednesday. I guess that is what I would like to have for a topic this week. Making the time. Making time and taking time. I know my life is soooo busy and sometimes it is just hard to go to the meetings and do the reading. I hate admitting this but i am trying to be totally honost about it. Doris


Member: Barry L
Location: Poconos, PA
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 01:14:13

Comments

Good topic Doris, BALANCE? As I finish 5 hours work on the site and it's 1:00 A.M. and I have to work at my real job tommorrow morning, and have'nt made a meeting in a week cause I've been busy with my new family and my side business?

When I was drinking I could'nt afford a computer to have a side business, was about to lose my day job, did'nt know how to have a relationsip with a woman or want to have a family. But I had plenty of time to sit in the bar, and work through the Dt's the next morning.

I have to look at what I have now and be GRATEFUL for it is all a result of the AA Program and a Higher Power and putting the Steps to work in my life. When things get to hectic and I don't know what my priorities are I start hitting alot of meetings, Because if I don't stay sober nothing else matters much. I believe the saying, Whatever I put before My Sobriety I will Lose.


Member: lisa
Location:
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 01:25:49

Comments

I'm grateful to have found this meeting.' Here's a hard one to admit, but I find it hard to go to meetings where its about who is there instead of why we are there.I thank the God of my understanding for friends and an understanding sponsor who are walking a spiritual path with recovery and still help me stay sober and share their exp. str. and hope on a personal basis.


Member: Andrew
Location: LA, CA
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 01:50:07

Comments

Here I sit at 11 p.m. updating my home page and I stumbled into this meeting. Great concept. I miss my homegroup. I have come through a time where I moved about 30 miles away and fired my sponsor after a dispute. Not great for serenity. It is the *community* that allows us to feel peace. It is seeing the people who we are going through sobriety with. Knowing it is not enough for me, I got to get there.


Member: Bert D.
Location: Darrington Wa.
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 02:24:23

Comments

Hi, Im Bert and Im an alcohlic. Thats just normal for us,(obsesive, compulsive behavior). When I came to a.a. I held two jobs and went to meetings, most of the time with my head in my arms and my eyes closed. But now, if I work a long day and Im really tired, I won't go. I've found my self easing A.A. out and also easing god out. I still don't know if there is such a thing as balance, even with 6yrs. The roller coster ride isn't as bad as it used to be.Just stay connected.


Member: Linda P
Location: CA. USA
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 03:07:32

Comments

Hi everyone, Linda an alcoholic. Doris, great topic. Hmmm....guess I must admit I have not made much time to read my recovery books. I have read them over and over for 13 + yrs and know what it there. I have underscored, now in various colors, areas that were significant to me at different times of my sobriety. I have scribbled in the margins, dog-earred pages, and picked up an index of topics for the BB which I use as a quick reference guide when helping others.

Each year, around my birthday, which will be coming up June 14, I will begin my annual reading of my BB from the beginning, following the instructions percisely as they are written. When I get my 4th done, I will share it with my sponsor in a 5th step, and be off to the finish with the rest of the steps. I call this an annual housecleaning. If I did this program perfectly, step 10 done daily, I would not have a collection of yesterdays that had to be taken care of. Each year though I find less and less wreckage in sobriety to clean up. I am heavily involved in the 11th and 12th steps daily, and when I am uncomfortable then I do the 10th.

I used to go to book meetings regularly when I was new, that was the only time I would read the books. Over the years I have quietly read and applied what was written to my life, and have read the texts with my sponsees to work with them in the steps. This is a great way to motivate myself to staying in tune with the steps and books, and a wonderful method to keep refreshed with the program by helping someone else understand where the instructions are located, and share my experience along with them in the steps. I was estatic the first gal I did that with. Sobriety was getting dull until I decided to be of service. Reading the BB with someone else, one-on-one is fantastic. Well got to get to bed. My husband is getting cranky about me staying up so late on this site.

Love to all,

Linda P.


Member: mike w
Location: saudi arabia
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 03:17:19

Comments

Mike w here, grateful alcoholic. balance is a great topic, wish i had more of it. i do everything on the big scale, i run, so i have to run in half marathons. at least i've kept my sobriety at number 1 for the last almost 6 years. i know i have to keep sober, if i want to have peace, serenity, and god in my life. i never want to drink again, i'm an alcoholic, i can't ( or never will/could handle drinking) drink, if i drink i will lose everything. so along the lines of balance, i'll keep on trying, it is not easy for me, but there is progress, very,very,very sloooow....but progress. im here in saudi, and at the moment there are no f2f meetings, so you are all keeping me sober. I'll be glad to get back to my home group. thanks for being here, take it easy...if your new, don't drink, go to a meeting, read (study) your bigbook, and talk to another alcoholic, oh work the steps to the best of your ability....it works, it really does. sorry to have taken up so much room. ODAAT mike w


Member: Don w.
Location: Akeley Mn.
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 06:33:37

Comments

Hi. I am Don a grateful recovering alcoholic. Balance..Can be a problem in my program of AA. The latent thought process to do everything to excess is a area that i work on everyday. my quote used to be ( if it is worth doing at all it is worth doing to excess.) The program and the people in it have helped me find this balance.. prayer and meditation every morning, asking my higher power what i would like to do,, asking what he wants me to do. and then quietly waiting for the answer.. I need to get up early and give the first minutes of my day to this process, before i clutter up the day.. with my excessive will.


Member: Stan P
Location: Haven Pa.
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 06:34:48

Comments

Hello Everyone The topic seems to be complacency,It is so easy for us to backslide I am guilty!!I let physical aches and pains affect my attitude adjustment.Nobody got here because they hit the lottery.I have to keep it green .WE are all dry drunks to some extent(progress not perfection) I dont want a diploma still into a Day at a time It has always been better than what it was Thanks to Our higher Power and You good people Being an alcoholic aint that bad!!Stan P.


Member: Bruce M
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 09:33:24

Comments

Hi, I'm an alcoholic and my name is Bruce. I guess it all boils down to how you feel about "First things first". If sobriety is truly your first priority, you will go to any ends to achieve it. Complacency to me is another word for potential danger. When I feel like I can do without a meeting, then I know for sure that I CAN'T! Thankfully, there are a lot of wonderful people on sites like this, that can always help to fill a gap in my progress. Thanks for being there. May you all be blessed with another 24 hours of peaceful sobriety.


Member: Michelle
Location: CO
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 11:25:08

Comments

Michelle Alcoholic- Last time I decided to graduate from the program and not be burdened with being an alcoholic anymore, I wound up at a lower bottom than I could imagine. I taught myself the hard way to put God and sobriety first in my life before anything else, or there would be nothing else. Now it is a way of life that I would not trade for anything. I am comfortable being and alcoholic- I know what the problem is and how to fix it. AA is a basic mental health program that has helped millions of people get their lives back on track. I only wish every disease came with a handbook for survival.


Member: Frank G
Location: Colo.
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 11:58:31

Comments

Frank, Alcoholic, Good Topic, I am coming up on 5 yrs now, and I find myself Not going to meetings, but!!! I put god and my sobriety before anything else.. It's a way of life for me and I wouldn't have it any other way!!! I keep in touch with my higher power on a daily basis, I don't ever want to walk away again! Personally, I don't take any credit for sobering up. I give it all to god!! If it were not for him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Doris, I think that if you keep in close touch with your higher power, when you are in need of a meeting? He will take care of you!! I know it works for me. I also find that my spirituality bothers alot of people, I don't take it personal, but I do know that it is my way of life and I wouldn't change it for the world!!! In Closing; I just happened to stumble onto this sight, and I am greatful that I did!!! Thank you all for being here, And yes!! I will keep coming back.


Member: Michel R.
Location: Québec,P.Q.  Canada
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 14:05:47

Comments

HI,my name is Michel and a member since 1979, sober all this time by the grace of god. I just got my computer 2 weeks ago and I am thrilled to hear from brothers and sister in A.A. My E-Mail adress is lisemichel.sprint.ca God Bless


Member: Michel R.
Location: Québec,P.Q.  Canada
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 14:05:55

Comments

HI,my name is Michel and a member since 1979, sober all this time by the grace of god. I just got my computer 2 weeks ago and I am thrilled to hear from brothers and sister in A.A. My E-Mail adress is lisemichel.sprint.ca God Bless


Member: Mark B
Location: Eielson AFB, AK
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 14:37:31

Comments

Mark, Dope fiend, alcoholic. Hmmmmm, Balance you say? Now isn't that a laugh for me. I can only speak for myself, and I only know for myself, I'm a drunk. I'm a person of extremes, the nature of the beast. If one is good, two is better, four is better still, eight and we're starting to get there, etc. etc. etc... At least, that's how my drining and drugging went. I took everything to the extreme, pushed it to the max possible. Know what? I still do in recovery. I don't lose any sleep over it either. I've heard through the years so many people spinning out over this "balance" thing. Everytime I try something new, and enjoy it, I want more. I usuall, milk the hell out of something until the well runs dry, or I get bored with it. Sponsor calls it the "Nature of the beast", there's that phrase again. He also has told me " If you aren't lying, cheating, stealing, or hurting anybody, run with it. Second time around in life is for fun." I take things to the extreme today, I don't fight it if I feel comfortable doing it. If I feel guilty doing something, I stop doing it. Simple stuff but I had to be taught about it. As long as I'm not drinking or using, not hurting anybody, lying cheating or stealing, God give me a blank check to get out there and get into life. I'm constantly trying new things, constantly making mistakes, learning from em, and trying new things again. Hell if I didn't take a risk every once in a while, life would get pretty boring. Trying new things, getting out there and experiancing life, feeling, grabbing for the brass ring, hell, it's a rush the likes of which no drug or drink ever came close to equaling. Balance. I'm familiar with the concept, and I go sreaming by it every once in a while, but I don't want a dull routine life. I want the highs and the lows, the triumphs and the failures. I want to be a part of this great human experiance, God blesses me with that. He also keeps me safe and freely extends his grace to me. all I gotta do is not drink or use, show up, and try and practice whats been taught to me. Balance, OK whatever. I recognize the fact that I will probably never achieve balance until I die, and am at the great meeting in the sky and God asks me, " Well my son, did you have fun?" If I'm not lying, cheating, stealing or hurting anybody, if I'm doing the best I can with what I have, pretty good chance I'm out there, having fun, trying to live life on life's terms. enough rambling from me on this one. I'm in a reflective mood, I'm in the month before my sober birthday, (13th), and I always get like this. Hugs to all

Mark


Member: Mark M.
Location: Mobile, Al.
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 21:45:01

Comments

HI; my name is Mark I am an alcoholic. My Higher Power led me to our discussion meeting since I was running late to a meeting tonight, it never fails that the topic has something to do with what is going on in my sobriety. I agree with something that was mentioned earlier, I can not afford to become complacient in my recovery! That spells danger to me also. I feel that I can not stay sober if I cut out meetings or lose contact with my Higher Power whom is the sole reason for everything I am. I can not allow myself to tell God that I can do this on my own because that statement is as far from the truth as I could get! If I keep going to meetings, read the Big Book, work the steps and keep in consious contact with my higher power I will stay sober for one more day! I am so thankful for this knowlege. Peace, Mark


Member: Walter S
Location: N.Y.state[newburg near woodstock
Date: 17 May 1998
Time: 21:56:14

Comments

hi ai'm Walter s I'm a alcoholic I always know that I am alcoholic .But the last few months I've gotten away from meetings.I read liturature talk to other aa's on the phone disscus with my wife [who's in alanon]and talk during the day at work .I'm working with an active alcoholic who admits his ism but isn't doing anything about it.My hope is that I can be of some help possibly as an example.I'm glad I've found this cyber meeting.Thanks for being here.


Member: Sanders W.
Location: Graceville, FL.
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 00:45:47

Comments

Hi all y,all, I am very definately a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. Good topic Doris Balance or complacency. I remember my sponser telling me after about 3 or four years of 8 and 9 meetings per week that I needed to back off a bit and spend some time with my family. I aggreed with him and then started to see which meeting or meetings I was willing to give up to accomplish this balance in my life. I remember it just like it was just a few days ago, because I was scared. The reason I was afraid was that this was the first time I had ever been without adrink for any period of time and I was afraid if I gave up, say Monday night meeting, I may like it and then may try to give up Wed. meeting and so on. This was a real problem for me because for the first time in my life IT was working and I was afraid to try to fix it. In September, I will have been sober in AA for 23 years and I still REQUIRE lots of meetings. I don't know how few meetings I could get by on and I have no intentions of finding out, because I go to meeting today and I se what happens to people who do not go to meetings. Just about everyone I have ever talked to who went back out and were FORTUNATE enough to be able to come back, have said this happened and that happened AND I STOPPED GOING TO MEETINGS. In my 22+ years, I have never seen anyone get drunk at a meeting and I have never been to a meeting,expecting a good meeting, when it was not a good meeting. I also have never been to a meeting expecting it to be a bad meeting that is was not a bad meeting. I have found, I get what I expect to get. Today there are no bad meetings. Some I enjoy more than others. Iold the old Hard nosed guy that told me if I didn,t drink, I would get better in spite of myself, one time when I was starting to find fault with meetings, that I didn,t especially care for speaker meetings and his reply to me was, " I don,t either but if that was the only meeting there was, I would be on the front row every time they met". In other wods, he could read me like a book and told me things I needed to hear and not things I wanted to hear. I heard a speaker at the round-up we had a couple of weeks back say that he never saw anyone get drunk because they had too much program and I think I have to aggree with that.

Love to all y,all Sanders


Member: Diane H.
Location: South Carolina
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 02:01:48

Comments

Hi my name is Diane and I'm an alcoholic. I just recently changed shifts at work and I am now working Sat., Sun., Mon., and Tues. from 1 p.m. to Midnight. Because of this shift, I had to rearrange my meetings. I am still able to make my Wednesday Home Group, I have added three noon meetings, Wed., Thurs., & Friday and also go to my Friday meeting. Fortunately, I am still able to make my 11th step meeting Sunday morning at 9 a.m. I have been here in SC for 14 months now, and I have only miss this Sunday meeting twice; once when I went north for the Christmas holidays and once when I went to the Area Assembly in Columbia, SC in February. I need to make my meetings. If it were up to me, I'd stay home and isolate and love every minute of it, but I know this is not what is suppose to be. I was given the Gift of Life by my Higher Power, when He got me into AA and I owe it to the newcomer who comes to their first AA meetings to be there for them, just as the people in the fellowship were there when I walked through the doors of AA the first time. As I kept coming back seeing the same familiar faces, I became comfortable and felt like I really belonged. It is so important to finally feel like you belong. So when that newcomer comes in the door, I want to be there. I also feel good when I walk into the rooms of AA and see the same familiar faces, I truly am greatful to be a part of this beautiful and spiritual organization. God has blessed all of us in a very special way. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: John E.
Location: Northern Kentucky
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 10:11:19

Comments

Hello everyone. My name is John and I am a recovering alcoholic. Great topic Doris. My sponsor is always talking about balance, and I have really learned a great deal from him about it. For me, I have to put sobriety first, but I also have to take care of myself. Sometimes that means skipping a meeting to get rest or not giving a lead because it is a real smokey meeting. I don't feel I am endangering my sobriety because I am constantly trying to put the principles of the program into my everyday actions. I must admit though, I have skipped some meetings recently to help a friend with his business. It hasn't taken me long to realize that I feel different. All said and done, I decided to pick up a meeting on a different day. I am graced with a home where both my father and step-mother are also recovering alcoholic so I am constantly in touch with the program.

One last thing and I'll shut up. My family and I are also very involved in service work at the group/district/area level. I find that when I'm in the center of the circle, it's hard to fall off the edge.

Thanks,

John E.


Member: John C
Location: Ohio
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 10:17:54

Comments

Good morning all, timely topic as usual. I haven't been to a meeting in probably 3 weeks. So much to do. Both of our cars broke down last week , School play, gardening , wife is pregnant and miserable, we're broke etc...11 yrs ago if you had told me I would have all these responsibilities, I would have laughed my butt off. Actually, I feel pretty good today. I haven't been anywhere close to balanced ever, but I feel like recovery is like a safety harness or a bungee cord always snatchin me back before I hit the ground. So I'll keep prayin and things will eventually get better. They always have since I've been sober.Hope is found here so I'll keep coming back.....


Member: Steve
Location: Right Here, USA
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 12:00:35

Comments

What's too many and what's not enough. That's my latest struggle. Do I stay home, help with homework, mow the yard, do nothing, or go to the meeting. Sometime (?) that guilt tries to get the better of balance in my life. That's when it's time for me to stop, breath and take it easy, turn it over and stop trying to run my life. Give it to my HP, he showed me a great noon meeting where I ran into some old friends. Not too bad...


Member: kellie
Location: boston
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 12:30:59

Comments

Kellie, alcoholic and a week sober tomorrow because of the love and support that comes from all of you. seems like i'm not alone anymore. i've yet to get to AA but i will soon. I want to meet Joanne who i met in the coffee pot. Are you around these days? I wanted to go to the sunday night group but couldn't. hope to make it to a meeting this week. it's a beautiful day, sun shining and it doesn't hurt because i'm sober today. lots of love and god bless Kellie


Member: Martina G
Location: CT
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 16:26:08

Comments

Balance, or priorities are tough to maintain in our multi-tasking, instant gratification world. My daughter just got back from Spain and is having trouble adjusting because (in her opinion) Americans are so driven and don't "enjoy life". Her new favorite saying is "no pasa nada" which means something like "don't worry - don't sweat the small stuff". While this attitude is a bit irritating coming from my daughter, I have to admit that I've been thinking about this and realize that I often bow to the pressure around me to do all of the many things offered. I either feel guilty or left out, or responsible, etc, etc saying yes to everyone and everthing. This jeopardizes my sobriety because as an alcoholic, I can't afford to become a workaholic if I want to grow. Anyway, I am starting to learn that I have to put my sobriety first always and be able to say "no" to other demands that would interfere with it. Taking time to pray, meditate, read, etc are crucial for me to maintaining my sobriety. I'm trying to talk my boss into daily siestas!

Good topic in a driven world.


Member: JOE B
Location:
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 20:12:49

Comments

I AM DOING A PROJECT ON THE BENIFITS OF AA. WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO COMMENT HOW IT HAS HELPED HIM/HER.


Member: Paula S.
Location: South Bend, IN USA
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 20:58:52

Comments

I'm Paula, a cross-aadicted alcoholic. Glad to find these meetings on the Web. I had to move twice within a month's time-the first 2 being from homeless shelters with some good meetings. The first one was sudden and the 2nd I was told within 5 days I'd be making. Moving like this really makes my life unmanageable. I have been really tired-out and haven't been regularly attending meetings like I should, but I sometimes make it to the library to check my e-mail or work on my web site. I thank all of you for this opportunity to attend meetings online. -Paula


Member: Diane D.
Location: LI, New York
Date: 18 May 1998
Time: 22:32:29

Comments

Hi, everyone...Diane Alcolholic here...I think balance and priorities is a great topic. It's been at least 3 weeks since I've been to a meeting(my homegroup)...Thank God I'm getting Assoc. Degree at the end of the week...Thanks to my higher power and AA... I'm graduating, then I'll be able to focus on my meetings again...At least,until the Fall semester when I go into the Bachelor's program... I'm grateful to my sobriety to allow me to attend college, cause in my Active past - I never knew I was capable of doing it...Now with 8 years sobriety, I can accomplish anything... So hang in there people...As long as you work your program to the best of your ability, and keep in touch with your support group, you can do anything you put your mind too...I just celebrated my 8th year in AA last month, and in 3 days I'll have an Assoc. Degree in Computer Systems Technology. I've also been accepted into the Computer Engineering Technology BS Program in the fall '98. Couldn't ask for more than that, thanks to AA. Take care Diane


Member: Allan H.
Location: Arlington Wa
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 03:22:15

Comments

Hello, everyone, my name's Allan and I'm alcoholic...and uplifted by what i just read. I read through every comment here because i too have not been going to meetings enough so i came to this page to keep my focus...Anyway, God balances my life, I don't really sweat whether i'm doing too much or too little because he only loads me with what i can handle. The more i fidget and fuss or try to adjust the load, the heavier it seems. I've been in conflict too about not going to enough meetings, because one thing i have noticed is that those people who have a lot of time in and then go back out, well, the one thing they seem to have in common is, sooner or later they stop going to meetings. So i don't question, i just go, pay attention, and try to give some. I can't always tell whether i'm going to less meetings because i'm backsliding or because i have a life now and it's being filled with other things. My first couple years sober i stuck tight to the clubhouse because that was what i needed...now perhaps i have duties elsewhere? Anyway, one thing that keeps me from getting nervous about missing meetings is my morning time--every single morning i get up 1/2 hr before i need to, do push-ups and read the Big Book, suck in some fresh air and scratch myself, then be silent and listen for a while before asking for my daily reprieve...that to me has done more to keep me sober that anything else. And i think God balances out my day from there, although i don't care for how hard he works me sometimes. Peace


Member: Robin S.
Location: Plano, TX
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 04:17:40

Comments

Hi everybody, I'm Robin and I AM an alcoholic. Thank God and people like you for giving me the gift of Alcoholics Anonymous! It is the process that creates any balance in my life! It's a great day to be sober and I sure do luvs {{{{{y'all))))) !


Member: Julie K
Location: Manchester,UK
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 08:47:35

Comments

Hi all my names Julie and I'm an alcoholic I realize now how important it is we take the time to admit our alcoholism. I started by being too busy to go to meetings then to admit to even myself about my drinking but I still found the time to drink. I just asked myself how I found the time to drink when I was so busy with work and the answer was, the number one thing in my life I found time for no matter what else was going on. I'm still working on changing my number one thing from alcohol to sobriety and getting to find a higher power to help. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Kellie
Location: Boston
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 10:05:38

Comments

Hi everyone. Kellie, alcoholic here. Julie do you like Man. United? They are my favorite. it's true that we always have time and money to spend on alcohol. only a week sober. i'm so scared right now. i've been coming in here everyday since happening upon the site and it's helping to keep me hanging in there. thanx for letting me share. gbless Kellie


Member: Karin W
Location: N. J.
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 10:24:41

Comments

Hi everyone, I'm Karin and I'm an alcoholic. Thank goodness for this meeting. I'm recoverying from surgery and am unable to drive or be a passenger in a vehicle. Therefore, I'm unable to attend meetings. How I wish I could. I dearly miss them. So, here is the other side of being "too busy". I'm not too busy and dearly desire to go to a meeting and am at this time unable. This on-line meeting has been my meeting and I thank you. I feel when I have too much time, my effort has to be really focused in structuring my time to accomplish several things I want to do, such as partake in this meeting, study for school and learn. This for me is sometimes harder than being too busy. I'm 5 1/2 years young in this program and being sober and going through this process of healing from surgery has allowed me the time and serenity to feel, and I mean really F E E L, my emotions. Life is beautiful and it's all the intricacy of all human emotions that makes my life worth living.Ya see there is no more running. My job today is to be ready for life in all it's forces. Thanks for this wonderful meeting. It's a life saver.


Member: Sam C.
Location: Arlington, MA
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 12:24:30

Comments

Hi everybody, my name's Sam and I'm an alcoholic, first time posting on this site. Thanks for the topic, Doris. My life is very different (and much busier) in sobriety! I have gone for stretches, sometimes as long as several weeks, without getting to a meeting, and given the way my mind works, even with eight years of sobriety, I know that this is not a good idea. One thing reason that I keep returning to meetings (apart from the sense of inner peace and serenity that I derive from them) is that I find out what happens to people who don't go to meetings.


Member: Bonnie C
Location: Seattle
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 17:26:02

Comments

Hi extended (((family))), bonnie/alcoholic here, love and mega hugs go to all my beautiful loving brothers and sisters here, extra ones to those far away from home defending my freedom to be here, to those hurting please take our hands and join us for next week we may have to turn to you for comfort. That's how this here thing works. I can't WE can. Balance, what is that? LOL example, I live with my daughter and grandson, by choice. She decided last yr to get webtv. i wasn't really interested, she said she was going to set me up on line, I didn't care one way or the other. Within 2 wks, I was hooked, spending hours on the thing, would miss meetings so I wasn't doing alot of the one on one that is so important in this program. I would get upset if I couldnt get online, of course i didn't show it I would go off and pout and write and (find out where I was at fault) but it proved to me once again how alcoholic I am, how I want what I want, when I want it. With this program I have learned that I'm not responsible for my first thought, just the entertaining of that thought. I can think immaturly but I don't have to act on it. Acting on it always puts my life out of BALANCE. Acting on impulses ultimately sabbotages my serenity. I go to meetings 5 to 6 days a week. thats my insurance policy for when I hit a rough spot I have all that information to fall back on and processing my part in my problems is much simpler. Not going to meetings and not listening at those meetings only makes it harder on me. So my troubles and Imbalance are of my own making. I drank everyday so I try to touch base with a meeting or a program person daily. I don't mention much about prayer in my posts. I dont think, because I talk to God all day long so its not only in the morning or at night or at meditation time, its all day long anymore, I really do have a partner in this thing. Someone told me a long time ago that what I think of most in my day is my Higher Power. Guess that's God's job today. God Bless all who venture here. ************************************************ bonzoc@webtv.net Bonnie C 5/30/80


Member: MerleP
Location: NewYork
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 18:28:32

Comments

My name is Merle and I'm an alcoholic. Hi everybody. Great topic, Doris. When I first came into AA, I didn't have much of a life. Today, after 8 years, my life is full and productive, and I get those feelings that I'm okay and I don't have to attend so many meetings. What helps me is a tough sponsor, belonging to a Homegroup where we all have jobs, bringing AA meetings into De-tox and jails,working with other recovering alcoholics, and doing those wonderful life-giving steps. I also pray to God each day for the willing ness to do what I have to do today to stay sober and to be of service. Thanking God at night helps, too. I go to meetings when I don't feel like it ( I always try to make my Homegroup) because people were there for me in the beginning and I want to be there for the newcomer. Love to all.


Member: Chet G.
Location: Napa, Ca
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 20:15:36

Comments

Hi. My name is Chet and I am an alkie. Balance is an interesting topic to me because I meet a lot of unbalanced people in AA. They have all sorts of hoops for newcomers to jump thru which is OK if your trying to cull out those who "don't want to work our program". I have become some what of a pain in meetings sometimes because some one will say something like "If you don't want to do what we did go out and drink till you do. That's unbalanced. I say, (usually as soon as possible) keep coming back till you want to the only requirement for membership is the desire (honest or not) to stop drinking. Our unbalanced members who insist that those who are not working a program (meaning of couse their's) take the chance that they will miss a chance to be helpful. Our newcomers are not idiots. They are unfortunates. They are beset by self-seeking, delusions and resentments. Balance in a meeting to me means we talk about what is going on with us, not what others need to do. Of course I just contradicted what I said with what I did. Oops. I am much more tolerant of others since coming to AA and it is beginning to show in my 12th stepping. I nearly didn't stay because of some unbalanced dogmatists but I'm glad I did. Keep coming back till you want to stay. Chetjet@hotmail.


Member: Eddie G.
Location: Waianae Hi
Date: 19 May 1998
Time: 20:22:50

Comments

HI eddie Alcoholic,

Old timer name Mary L. told me that it was impossible to coast up hill. When she passed away she had over 20 years sobriety. I never allow myself to disconnect from the program. slip was spelled out for me, Sobriety Loses Its Priority Thanks for letting me share Eddie


Member: BARBARA  B                   
Location: W  PA
Date: 20 May 1998
Time: 00:45:53

Comments

Hi Everybody, Barbara B., Alkie, from the Burg, W PA., in the program since 1986, but this last Christmas Day celebrated 6 years. Why the relapses? (3 in toto) Other people, places, jobs, or things became more important. The last one because I was working out of town 10 hours or more a day and too tired to seek the meetings out. I had renigged on a promisesd to myself to read the big book everyday. They say if you're not going forward, you're going backward. Today I am willing to go to any lengths, and to chase my recovery like I chased my alcohol/and or. Also because you can't keep it unless you give it away. One of those paradoxes which I learned the hard way, is very true. Trust God, Clean house, help others, the very essence of the Steps. Meeting makers make it, and meetings help keep me in the Light and the will of God. Thanks for all of Your Light. Room HUG.


Member: Keith B.
Location: Guam, USA
Date: 20 May 1998
Time: 02:10:12

Comments

Hi, I'm an Alcoholic and my name is Keith.

Balance, What's that? When I got sober I worked in the Navy and was the wiz-kid of the Division. I could do no wrong. Then I got sober and it all fell apart. This is not bad, I no longer had to put up a face to get my job done. I could be me. Since then I have had ups and downs. My program and my spiritual path teaches my that I don't have to let them rule my life. I still am not totally balanced but I have my program, my life, the fellowship, and my Higher power (I guess I should have mentioned her first, but at least I remembered), and these keep me from falling over.


Member: Susan  M
Location: Clearwater,Fl.
Date: 20 May 1998
Time: 07:48:34

Comments

Hi I'm Susan Alcoholic from Clearwater Fl .....new on the internet Thanks for being out here,it makes me feel safe much love S


Member: Tom F
Location: Claremont NH
Date: 20 May 1998
Time: 14:27:34

Comments

Hi I'm Tom and I AM an alcoholic I've been in and out of the program for about the last 15 years. Balance is a very good topic and I heard a lot of really good things. Today I have just over 5 weks of sobriety. To me I have to aquire balance by planning my day around the attendance of a meeting of AA. I am working on the principle of going to 90 meetings in 90 days. To some this may seem extreme but I certainly drank 90 in 90 and a lot more than an hour a day. When things are going real well I tend to cut back on meetings and that is probably when I need them the most..I have put other things ahead of my sobriety in the past and have not only lost my sobriety but have lost those other things. Today I practice the program to the best of my ability on a daily basis using the HOW of the program. By being Honest, open minded, and willing today, there is a food chance I won't drink today. Thank you all for being here for me today.


Member: kris
Location: milwaukee
Date: 20 May 1998
Time: 20:17:05

Comments

Chet thank you for your comments! Im having a hard time now deciding if I want to stay or not. coming to meetings online and 1 time a week f2f keeps me coming back! I feel so awkward and new its intimidating to go to meetings and hear someone is sober 23yrs! I feel like I cant get thrugh the night! I just keep coming back. I just want to get through the day! Im learning not to be intimidated by people who seem to have it all figured out. Thank you for your comments gives me the courage to come back.


Member: Jack B.
Location: San Diego
Date: 20 May 1998
Time: 20:50:57

Comments

Hi Jack Alcoholic. I work in the field of recovery,its what I do. All day groups and meetings all focusing on other people. I talk recovery 8 hours a day and some times the last thing I wasnt to do is talk about recovery. Burn out. Me talking recovery , teaching reocvery does help, but I need the me timke. I need the meetings . I have a service commitment, so once a week want to or not I show up. I am glad I do. I normally do 2or3 meetings a week but sometimes I just Frigging dont go, but I always make one . Got to. It is easy to forget what got me what I have today., myself. Through service comes humilty,through humilty comes recovery.


Member: Jennifer M
Location:
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 00:26:11

Comments

I am always trying to maintain balance. I have two kids and a husband in the program who is gone a lot. he is a fisherman, so I take of most of our family needs. I find I must make time for meetings and for myself in order to stay sober and sane. My 2nd child is 2 mos. old so I am quite isolated. I do get to two meetings a week that have child care. Sometimes I cannot believe I am who I am today. I could not have raised children when I was out there. I know they would have been neglected and abused. Today I know they are healthy and have a mom who loves them. They are sober babies and, god-willing, will not see me drunk. This program is my life and my life-net, it is my balance and my sanity. If I forget what I am and miss meetings, I will suffer. I am so glad to have found this stuff on-line. I was looking for a meeting schedule because I visiting Bellingham, Wa on Wed. and I found this meeting instead.


Member: Virginia
Location: Alaska
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 02:42:02

Comments

Hello out there, My name is Virginia and I am an alcoholic. I am sober today by the grace of God one day at a time. This is the first time on the net for me. Welcome to Cyberspace. It's really good to read all your comments. I was not a success out there and I was spoon fed the program by my sponsor who is younger than me. I love her today and we have a working relationship because I know nothing about balance and all that good stuff that goes along with our normal friends out there. I am glad to read all your words it feels like you are right here. They told me to not drink, go to meetings, don't drink between meetings, trust god, work with others and clean house you won't ever have to drink again. There is a way out. Thankyou.


Member: Dick P
Location: Cazenovia N.Y
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 04:52:45

Comments

Things can get out of control and I fight to stay in my space-space of serenity and some clear vision--Without taking the time for sobriey help- such as friends and conversations- readings and meeting my life goes right back to an unmanageable state--slowly regressing from the way I want to live -and MUST live if I am to continue on the path towards my higher power- I am so glad to visit here and find such comments as I have seen- May God Bless you all-


Member: Suzy McGovern
Location: Dallas
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 06:48:08

Comments

HI Im Suzy, slightly alchoholic. After Id been in AA for 2 years going to 3 meetings a day I read a book called Recovery Stage II and had new ideas suggested to me like, what meetings have been the most inspiring? Go to those. Created a new recovery life style with the thigns I know ...which now include gardening, visiting new friends (not all program buddies though those are my family members) and serving the community in different ways...I find I have a lot more to give at the meetings I attend because I have become a person with more dimensions and am truley "living sober" Im glad I found this virtual meeting and will keep coming back because I know it works! Gratefully Suzy McGovern


Member: mike w
Location: saudi arabia
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 07:17:47

Comments

hi, mike here alcoholic. Balance is a good topic. I need more balance, i tend to go to the extreme in alot of things, some good, some bad. For me it's finding the middle ground that is the key issue, I find that the longer that I'm sober, the sooner that I'm willing to admit I have to amend my style of living. When I was out there drinking, I didn't care, just kept doing the same old thing, expecting different results. AA sved my life, I need to make meetings, and pass on what was freely given me. I need the old timers to show me it works, and the newcomer to remind me what it was like out there. Thank you all for being there, ODAAT and don't drink no matter what. mike w


Member: Jane
Location: Ma.
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 08:06:56

Comments

Welcome newcomers and hello to all the dear people in this group. In early recovery I went to 5 or more meetings a week after being on the fringes of AA and getting nowhere with half measures. I felt so guilty going to so many meetings . I was a single Mom who had blown off my children so often being comsumed with myself and alcohol. They were 9 and 11 yrs. old and wanted their Mom back.

The folks in AA assured me that every meeting was like buying into as insurance policy. Without sobriety, I HAD NO future. In time I found a balance that worked for me and the awful guilt passed, but the habit and discipline of "working the program stayed". I knew that if going to a meeting was an option, and I waffled about it, I wouldn't go. Kind of like flossing teeth--it's no option. If I don't my teeth will fall out!! Love to all, Jane


Member: Sean Chamberlain
Location: Melbourne
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 08:43:25

Comments

Hi I'm in Australia and been sober 4.4 years would someone be able to give me some information on meetings in ShangHi in the peoples republic of China Love yu all from the guy from Down Under.


Member: Michelle S.
Location: Texas
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 13:38:07

Comments

Hello, I'm Michelle S. and I am an alcoholic. I am new to the program. I am greatful to say that I have 22 days of sobriety, the longest time ever in the last ten years of my life. I am very greatful! I know I should be going to a meeting at least every day, but usually manage approximately every other day. I don't know what my problem is. I never WANT to go, but I am always glad that I did. I'm really glad you guys are here. I just got on the net today and aa was the first thing I wanted to find.

Have a wonderful day.


Member: paul c
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 13:39:02

Comments

Hi, I,m Paul, and Im an alcoholic. this is my first share at this meeting. its a great site. at the moment its 3am in south australia, and its ease to feel lonely. it helps to have this meeting on line. The other day I was driving home from a long day at work thinking about life, you know, and i was feeling a bit bent about not having much fun. So i decided to change that. I started to have fun by adjusting my attitude. they said to me that AA could also stand for "altered attitudes". Balance to me is finding my own centre, be it in a meeting, or wherever I may be at the time. There have been days over the last 12 years that I have been so alone in a meetinng that i resented, because I had lost the 11th. that night I was cruising the net and I found this site. God works when I let him (yes him, its my concept that counts in my recovery) Anyhow,, thanks to all of you, and especially that hardworking Tech. great work.


Member: Mark L.
Location: Seattle, WA
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 14:40:22

Comments

Balance is about choice. Having balance in life means having to choose those things that are most important to YOU. I see it everyday (I'm sure y'all do too), people running thier lives in a frenzy. When your'e caught up in the frenzy you have the least prespective that you are living out of control (sound familiar???) IMHO, balance is about simplification. Sorting out those things that are the most important.

How would you like to be among the trend setters in the U.S.??? I recently saw a PBS program glancing at statistics in America, and guess what the trend of people actively trying to simplify thier lives was a majority (I forget the figure, but better that 50%) and the trend was rising.

Balance is about choice - the responsibility is yours alone - choose wisely...


Member: Bill Mc.
Location: Washington State
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 16:11:46

Comments

I'm Bill Mc. and I'm an alcoholic.

Thanks for the topic, Doris. Once again I find what I need when I'm not looking for it, a recurring experience for me in AA. I missed the meeting I regularly go to four times in a row now, and remembered that someone in the fellowship had mentioned AA on line so I went looking and found this. Reading what has been written here has really awakened me to what has, and has not been going on in my life and gave me resolve to get to a meeting this afternoon. I have been in and out of AA since 1966, though more out than in, to be honest. The first meeting I went to I was told "we may not stop your drinking, but it will never be as much fun now." They were right! I found new and deeper bottoms each time out, but in the back of my mind there was always the memory of that first meeting, and I would end up back at AA. I thank God that the membership requirement is as simple as it is, and that AA has always been there when I would look for it.

I recently divorced and immersed myself in meetings. No balance in my life then, but I knew from past experience that I needed sober alcoholics around me as much as possible, because alone I would go back to what had NOT worked in the past: isolation, depression, and rumination. My mind was like a bad neighborhood; not someplace you want to go by yourself. In time, I felt better and DID revert to old patterns, I stopped going to as many meetings. Finding this today has let me see that, and I have called my sponser and will go to a meeting this evening. In 1993 I celebrated 10 years of sobriety. I felt so good, and knew so much, I had a program, a relationship with my higher power, practiced these principles in all my affairs, that I didn't need meetings. I now have 11 months sobriety.

I have Alcoholism and it will never be AlcoholWASim. Left to my own devices, my Alcoholic mind takes over and sooner or later, I'm drunk again. I need meetings and sponsorship and a home group to stop me from thinking that I am anything other than what I am. A drunk who through the grace of God and the Fellowship of this program, has been given a reprive from drinking today. Thankyou for being here, and God bless. Bill Mc.


Member: Jeff S.
Location: Olympia, WA
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 16:24:38

Comments

Hi, my name is Jeff and I am an alcoholic. I am grateful to the alcoholics who have chosen to share their experience, strength and hope here. I always hear at least one viewpoint that matches my own,or one that I never even thought of. Thanks again for sharing.


Member: Darwin L
Location: Atlanta, GA
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 17:57:45

Comments

Hi, I'm Darwin and am a alcoholic. I have just recently started back into the program. I have 93 days sober today. I was with AA before I stopped and tried to find an easier, softer way but couldn't find one. I have started back with AA, got me a sponsor to guide me with the steps and have a home group. Going to meetings is a very important part of my life right now. I found a WEB site that I would like to share with you. It is www.soberspace.com/region.htm. It lists most of the states and the locations where AA meetings are held. All states aren't listed but it should be a good source to check out and find where the meetings in your area are or if you are traveling and looking for one. Just thought that I would share this with you. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Mark C.
Location: Shelter Island,N.Y.
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 19:35:02

Comments

THANK YOU ALL FOR HELPING ME STAY SOBER TODAY.


Member: Jan S
Location:
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 23:16:24

Comments

Jan S Grateful recovering alcoholic. Eddie G, thanks, I needed to read that. Michelle from TX, try to make more meetings. I never passed up an opportunity to drink. Doris, thank you for a good, back to basics topic. I've had the same shortcomming lately. My sponsor is `out-of-commission' recently. I stay in close contact with my fellow alcoholics. But have made too few meetings myself. Sometimes I forget that I need to go to meetings not only for my self (self-centered alcoholic that I am) but for the chance to be of service by helping still suffering alcoholics and new commers! Greatful to have found this site!


Member: Jan S
Location: Elsanor, Al
Date: 21 May 1998
Time: 23:17:05

Comments

Jan S Grateful recovering alcoholic. Eddie G, thanks, I needed to read that. Michelle from TX, try to make more meetings. I never passed up an opportunity to drink. Doris, thank you for a good, back to basics topic. I've had the same shortcomming lately. My sponsor is `out-of-commission' recently. I stay in close contact with my fellow alcoholics. But have made too few meetings myself. Sometimes I forget that I need to go to meetings not only for my self (self-centered alcoholic that I am) but for the chance to be of service by helping still suffering alcoholics and new commers! Greatful to have found this site!


Member: mike h.
Location: seattle wa
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 00:27:52

Comments

when a stone is thrown into a lake it is not happy until it reaches the bottom. first things first make the time for meetings your life will depend upon it. every body is busy and im sure that everyone has other things to do,for me i have to take the time to smell the flowers,but if im not clean i have no sense of smell.


Member: Gary S.      
Location: Rancho Bernardo
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 02:09:20

Comments

I have been in the program for 18 years and been sober that long, one day at a time. When I hear about people relapsing it's because they stopped going to meetings. That is reason enough for me to keep comin' back. I would love to email you my AA story if you are interested. Please write at stepkeepers@hotmail.com


Member: Kim B
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 10:03:50

Comments

Hi, Kim Alcoholic here, whew great topic "Balance". Seems like I get a bit crazy when my life gets so busy because of Alcoholics Anonymous I've been given a new life. I was meeting happy every day for the first 5 years of sobriety, then I started to settle into a family life and my meeting have gone down over these last few years, but I still get to one home group a week, I pray, read the book, and boy do I use the Phone. When I get a little down or am about to take my aggressions out on my husband or kids, I stop take a look at where I am (not what they are doing) and remember where my last drunk took me. So for this alcoholic I am grateful for one more day to my higher power and the fellowship and thank gooddness for all of you.


Member: Dan S.
Location: South Dakota
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 12:08:47

Comments

My name is Dan Smith and I am an alcoholic. AA is so much more than going to meetings. I think too often we forget the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. One of the most important things I find is to start the day as it tells me on page 86, and then end the day as it says on the same page of our book. I go generally to 4-5 meetings a week. Meetings are very important. But I believe the fellowship is for support of the Program. If I am unable to get to meetings because I am traveling or whatever, I believe prayer and meditation, as they are described in our book are essential. Further, speaking with AA members on the phone is important. For myself I do not believe meetings would keep me sober alone. I must practice the Program throughout my day and week. Thanks.


Member: Lorie  C.
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 15:45:49

Comments

My name is Lorie, I am an alcoholic. Great topic. The only thing I would like to add is that because I got so busy with my life, I relapsed after 12 years in recovery. Yes, it happens. It is absolutely true that whatever you put in front of your recovery, you will lose. It may take a few years, but look what happened to me. I now go to a meeting at least 3x a week. I have to remember where I GOT my life.


Member: Chet G.
Location: Napa, Ca
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 16:14:33

Comments

Hi, I'm Chet, Still an Alkie, I looked a my input above and realized I forgot to include an important lesson I learned in AA. Just because I don't agree with the "unbalanced" people, it does not mean I have to say something about it in a meeting. I remember when I discovered that someone got alot out of someone else's share which had me squirming in my seat, wishing they would shut up. What I learned was that I not the only person here. In short I need to develop tolerance. Peace and love to you all.


Member: Brenda F.
Location: richmond,va
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 17:03:22

Comments

Hi!

So good to hear just what I needed, especially from the female who went back out after 12 years, I was at that same place last summer. thank God I met someone new over the internet and his being new got me back to the basics. I am moving to Swansboro,NC and am very excited that I am taking such a "sober" risk and will be celebrating 14 years July 6 in my new home,God willing one day at a time.

luv to all!

brenda


Member: maureen e
Location: phila, pa
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 18:15:15

Comments

Could someone please advise me on the dangers of Non alcoholic beer..... My Husband has a Drinking problem and is presently attending a aa program but wants to drink non alcoholic beer.... Please Advise


Member: Pam F.
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 20:06:38

Comments

Hello All - I'm Pam, Alcoholic/Addict. When I first got sober in New York City, I heard that work is just something we do on our way to a meeting. After moving to South Florida, and attending regularly, finally getting 9 "sober" years under my belt, I suddenly lost interest in meetings, stopped calling my sponsor, praying, reading literature, etc. Three months later, I went out and experienced two months of "hell" after which, with God's grace, I returned to the rooms and finally (after trying it my way for about 11 years), started doing it as I was told. What a difference that has made! I finally did the steps all the way through. I called my sponsor each weekday morning, without fail. I helped to start a new meeting. It's been over 3 and a half years now and I'm still (finally) doing what I'm supposed to be doing. That means showing up for myself and keeping sobriety my number one priority. I have plenty of time to do everything else that I want to do! I attend about 4-5 meetings per week. I work a 40 hour plus work week. I take meetings into institutions. My life is full, because I'm sober, not despite my active AA membership. I am so grateful AA is big where I live - meetings all the time - all over the place. No excuses. Just do it! You're worth it! If you have to make excuses, you're going toward a drink! Take it from me! I spent too many years being miserable, doing it my way. Balance is important. Sobriety is paramount! Without it, we have nothing. Thanks for listening.. God Bless!


Member: Laurie L.
Location: North Dakota
Date: 22 May 1998
Time: 23:08:25

Comments

Hello from North Dakota, I'm Laurie an a recovering alcoholic. Guess this makes meeting 4 for me this week and I can tell because I'm feeling centered and looking for the good in people, in other words the focus isn't on me for right now. When I first camr to AA I hung on to it like a life preserver and I was out at sea, it was the first and at that time the only place I felt I fit in. Now 18 years later I go to meetings because my friends and life are there, but by working the steps I am able to be of service to others and fit back into society. Yes, like some of the rest of you my life is full and busy but to neglect my spiritual life is suicide slow but sure. I am so grateful that I've been given an opportunity to experience AA and by listening to you people around the tables I believe that if I drink I will surely die. Hope to join in and read other messages, this is great.


Member: Kimala W.
Location: Ohio
Date: 23 May 1998
Time: 02:25:31

Comments

thanks for the comments on the subject of balance. I have two years sober in the program of AA and I still can't get with that balance issue. When it seems like I have balanced certain things then there is something else out of balance. Where does it all end. I just try to deal with what I can at that time. If I can't deal with it I put it on a shelf and let time take care of it. My sobriety comes first. Everything else has to fall in place. If I don't stay sober why would I care about balance. Stick to recovery and prayer and god will work the rest out.


Member: David B
Location: Idaho Falls
Date: 23 May 1998
Time: 02:29:42

Comments

I'm David, a Recovered Alcoholic. Thank you Dan S. for sharing about the living of the program that we all have to learn to do if our soberiety is to be long lived or pleasurable,as in happy joyous and free.

If I were to have depended solely on meetings for the continuation of my soberiety, I would have left the sober life long ago. I have gained a familiarity of the steps in meetings, formed a group of supporting friends, found a sponsor, found I was not alone, most importantly found there was a way for me to live happy joyous and free. OOps, I'm supposed to say most importantly found a wife to whom I've been married for almost fifteen years.(She might read this, I've got to keep her happy)

However, if I hadn't had a burning desire to go to meetings for the first seven or eight years of my soberiety I would never have had the opportunity to learn about the steps, find friends, sponsor, and develop a living relationship with God as I understand him. In the beginning I was rather struck sober by my Higher Power, as time has gone by it has become more and more necessary for ME to apply the steps to my life if I expect to reap the promises of this program.

I am sixteen years sober and I start my day, every day with the Third Step Prayer. I ask that God would direct me throughout the day so that I might do only those things that he would have me do. I frequently fall way short. That's where a bunch of the other steps come in to straighten out my messes.

I stay in touch with AA's and raid this site compulsively, the reading I ve done tonight coupled with this post shall be considered a meeting. Viola,balance.

Sean Chaimberlin from Melborne, as to your query about meetings in ShangHai, I was told by a good old boy over in Boise that their meetings sounded like Chinese to him

Thanx, DB


Member: Harris M
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Date: 23 May 1998
Time: 06:41:46

Comments

Hello, my name's Harris and I'm an alcoholic. This is my first meeting online, and although I did not have the patience to read everything, those that I read were of great help to me. I certainly have a lack of balance in my life today. Recovery is new to me, I have only been sober a year and a few months, and I still have a difficult time applying the principles and steps in my life. I am grateful to hear the exp, str, and hopes of others, it gives me hope. I am beginning to discover more of myself everyday, through working the steps. This, and the fleeting moments of peace and serinity that have begin to come more often is so much more then I ever hoped for. Thank you for letting me share.


Member: Lisa H.
Location: Inland Empire,Ca
Date: 23 May 1998
Time: 13:00:18

Comments

Hi, My name is Lisa an I'm an alcoholic,this is my first on-line meetingand I'm so glad you're here. great topic Doris ...Balance....I dont do balance real well thank God it's practice not perfection..ha..ha!Thanks for letting me share!! see ya next week!!


Member: David W.
Location: NJ
Date: 23 May 1998
Time: 15:10:08

Comments

Hi -- I'm Dave and I am an Alcholic.

I've really enjoyed reading the posts -- discovered this site 2 weeks ago and can't get enough of it. I have not made meetings in years -- but I am determined to change that by going to a meeting tonight. Suddenly, I remember who I am, thanks. I always feel better when AA is an active part of my life. When I don't go to meetings, I lose the balance in my life. The concept of going to meetings seems simple enough, I'm not sure why I have difficulty grasping it and lose touch with AA -- I guess it is just my disease trying to kill me. Thank you every one for sharing, this site is great.


Member: Kendra S.
Location: Orange County, CA
Date: 23 May 1998
Time: 15:38:48

Comments

Kendra-alcoholic, I think it's awesome how one fellowship can contain so many different people from other states and countries. Shows you how selfish I am, to think their are only alcoholics in Southern California :) .Thoughts like that come from not being in complete touch with my higher power and the fellowship. Although I was in a meeting last night and we were talking about making time for this program. I currently work close to six '12' hour days, I find that I get easily flustered, and pick up resentments quickly. My experience shows that this attitude, and my actions--linger from not having my priority's in check. Meaning that when I don't put this program first, then I can slowly and/or painfully loose everything my higher power has provided for me. I am hearing alot of "I haven't been to a meeting in so many weeks, & I am too busy to get a meeting." Well, when I start talking like this, my 'Tools of AA' kick in and say, "That's nice Kendra--get into action--get to a meeting, call a newcomer, be of service, pray, read the Big Book, and call someone in the fellowship." One or a combination of those always works!! I am living proof. This fellowship I believe is to teach us how to handle life as it is given to us. Stress or no stress, I need to learn how not to drink in either situation. This program has taught me that and how to balance my life. I admit, I do not alsways work a perfect program but the "TOOLS" are forever branded in my head, and they kick in when my committee starts. Usually daily I have to make a mental note of what my priorities are. And if I don't have the program in some where, I know, I will soon be running off of self will. That can be very dangerous. I am very grateful to have a "Meeting of A.A. on WWW" -- Thanks to all who participated, if it wasn't for you we wouldn't have a fellowship or these meetings. Thank you for contributing to my sobriety. May God bless you and keep you until another meeting!!

P.s. Pick up the phone before you pick up a drink


Member: Craig
Location: UTOPIA
Date: 24 May 1998
Time: 00:15:24

Comments

CRAIG D. Alcoholic , addict. Suggested, get a sponsor , make meetings, work the steps.


Member: Dennis P.S.P.
Location: Post Oak Group, Houston, TX
Date: 24 May 1998
Time: 03:41:27

Comments

Good topic. I'm Dennis & I'm an alcoholic. I MUST make time to go to meetings. Thats where I learn how others did it.

Funny, but I never said to myself when I was drinking... "Gee, I'm so buisy, I don't have TIME to drink!" Nope. I never had hat problem. I always made drinking my # 1 priority. Now, sobriety has taken it's place. My sobriety MUST be # 1 or everything else in my life goes to Hell in a handbasket.

If I miss 1 meeting... I know it. If I miss 2 meetings... my family knows it. If I miss 3 meetings... my friends & co-workers know it. But if I miss 4 or more meetings, the police and the whole damn world knows it!

I heard a simple test to find out how many meeting per week a person could miss... cut back on one per week untill you find yourself drunk... and that's your limit.

Personally, I don't need to find out anymore.


Member: Brent L
Location: Iowa
Date: 24 May 1998
Time: 08:43:42

Comments


Member: Brent  L
Location: Iowa
Date: 24 May 1998
Time: 08:54:43

Comments

Brent alcoholic ,I found that when I don't want to go to a meeting is when I need to be at a meeting . God has helped me along these last few months, it is amazing I get a call from someone that needs a ride I do what I see others do even though right now I may not like it ,I do know that the meetings,sponsorship , and staying willing , has kept me alive.Glad I found this site time for the Sunday morning meeting .