Member: jules h.
Location: Iowa
Remote Name: 207.32.45.18
Date: 21 Dec 2003
Time: 09:26 AM -0500

Comments

Hi all, Jules here, and I am an alcoholic. Since I'm coming up on a sobriety birthday, I'd like the topic to be, "Back to the Basics", which to me means, don't drink, go to meetings, get a sponsor and work the steps,(I'm back to steps,1,2and3). Since this is a lifelong deal, and sometimes I forget how bad I felt when I first came into A.A., it's important for me to get back to the basics, also my sponsor used to say, suit up and show up for life, have faith and turn you will over, so that's what I try and do on a daily basis......I love Alcoholics Anonymous, it's a lifegiving program, thanks for letting me share.Shalom


Member: Charlie Darling
Location: Key West FL
Remote Name: 68.156.241.76
Date: 21 Dec 2003
Time: 10:19 AM -0500

Comments

Charlie Darling a very Gratefulrecovering Alcholic. Thank you for helping me today another day sober, and back to basics well I practice the first 3 steps everyday and every aspect of my life, and I start my day with an attitude adjustment a great way to start. And when you said don't drink and go to meetings, well every morning where I sit in front of the bathroom but out in the garden a girl goes in and shouts out don't drink and go to meetings, and she has only 30 days, and God Bless her for keeping this person where he is suppose to be. Peace and Love and a wonderful sober holiday to all my family kwduke_1999@yahoo.com


Member: Nate W.
Location: Spokane, WA
Remote Name: 67.170.98.93
Date: 21 Dec 2003
Time: 12:40 PM -0500

Comments

Hi, I'm Nate and I am an alcoholic. I have learned that recovery doesn't really work without the basics, for me that is. Holidays sometimes aren't the best for me so the basics really relate to me, and help me through certain times when I need to be strong.


Member: Jigger
Location: Sodus, NY
Remote Name: 24.24.49.166
Date: 22 Dec 2003
Time: 03:55 AM -0500

Comments

Besides not drinking, trusting in a higher power, and going to meetings, it helps to help another alcoholic. That's how this whole thing began in the first place. One drunk helping another to stay sober for one day.


Member: Pi Koan
Location: New York
Remote Name: 205.188.209.140
Date: 22 Dec 2003
Time: 05:48 AM -0500

Comments

Back to basics, that's a difficult question that I have to sort out and try to stay focus to be as clear as possible so that my message wouldn't be misunderstood. When I first started going to AA, there were almost no members going to meetings but the guy who started the group over there and sometimes he wouldn't be around so I have to be alone in the meeting room for an hour and just read the literature. It went like this for a few months until people saw that there was always someone in the meeting place and schedule and people just started coming. Today it is already a big group and very well alive; however, I really could not take credit for it since in groups there are always power struggle, dominant people who wants control and authority. Like say people who are conservatives and just wants to give advise from people who are struggling, or to check people who doesn't conform with their sense of protocol, always wanting to have their own sense of reality as the mainstream. And when they see people who are threats to their authority then that's when the conflict comes, because for to them, "it's either my way or the highway." Always groups needs to have some figure head to have some sense of security and these are the kinds of people who does have the influence that people looks up to for identity and sense of belonging. Talking about principles before personalities. But today I see it now as a growing experience, that groups, principles, ideals, mainstream thinking, are okay because it draws people for a sense of belongingness and the healing they need within their peers. And today, I have to put in mind that all these were made by men, and that therefore like men they are not perfect and it needs not be the whole truth. Today I can look back at it and not be bitter, but to see that everything changes to become bigger and outgrows from the former as learning experiences. See if I get stuck with one ideology and the same things over and over in this lifetime then I really haven't grown spirituality and psychologically. I cannot do the steps over and over in my life, and that goes to the religion that I go to before- I cannot go to a church service or a mass that says the same things over and over until I die (the churches themselves changes during the course of time to suit the peoples needs and temperament on those periods). Today I have a choice and that is not to get stuck and grow even though in the eyes of others I have failed and is a loser or an agitator, but what is important is the conviction that I stood up for what I think was right for me, which is of course not a ready made dress for everyone.


Member: Nate W.
Location: Spokane, WA
Remote Name: 67.170.98.93
Date: 22 Dec 2003
Time: 12:20 PM -0500

Comments

Whenever it comes down to the point where you need a friend, A.A. has your friends just a phonecall away. I really think just working the steps and going to the meetings is a great way to go. I always feel beeter after A.A. Happy Holidays


Member: Katie A
Location: Michigan
Remote Name: 68.79.165.112
Date: 22 Dec 2003
Time: 02:38 PM -0500

Comments

I love to go to meetings and surround myself with other recovering alcoholics. We are the only ones that know what's its like to be in the circumstances we are and there for the best ones to help eachother. When I first admitted I was an alcoholic I found a great sense of relief. There was a reason for my insanity and there was a way out of it too. For the first time I had a choice. I always new that God could help me through anything but I didn't find him until I came into this program. I have a hard time turning my will over to him but I can find help and support through the association of AA. There are true friends in this program and I know that God uses many things to bring us to him so I am very grateful for what I have found. I must remember that I will not stay sober without the first 3 steps. I have to remember where I came from and what helped me change my life. No power of my own gave me hope. Thank you frineds. Katie A


Member: Harry K
Location: U.K
Remote Name: 81.131.205.87
Date: 22 Dec 2003
Time: 05:28 PM -0500

Comments

Back to Basics? OUCH! That one hit hard Jules, Thank you. I've been sober for quite a few years and found myself back in thew "mud". Angry, resentful and downright impatient. I forgot that I'm not the one in charge and because of that, have tried to do it myself. Stepping on other peoples toes? Yes, and their feet & heads also. Trying to rearrange the show & the players? Yes. Remmembering to do my morning meditation? No. Remmembering my 10th step? No. For me, those are the basics. I haven't forgotten that i'm an alcoholic, but have, to a very large degree, forgotten all else. Such as "Self will run riot", being the tornado that blows through the lives of others & when I'm done, I look around and say, "We sure got away lucky didn't we?" Yep. I'm an asshole. And by not doing the basics such as meetings, daily maintenance and keeping out of the way of things I got caught all over again. I remember now what an old timer said in a meeting once. "Theres no rank in A.A, we are all one step away from a drink". I allowed my "sober time" to become my shield from continuing the work I started to do. Looks like nows as good atime to start it again. Thanks!! Harry K. U.K


Member: Scott K.
Location: Northeast
Remote Name: 13.13.137.1
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 11:05 AM -0500

Comments

Hi, My name is Scott and I'm and alcoholic. Back to basics for me is more of an additude than actions. Sure, don't drink and go to a meeting are givens and are definately basic actions I need to adhere to. For me though, it goes a little deeper. For me, humility is an essential basic for me. I forget all to easily that I'm not the center of the universe and that I am not unique. I need to maintain some level of humility before I can do any of the other things that keep me away from a drink. It is a constant struggle but I am making progress and staying sober and for that I am very grateful. AA is one of the best things in my life. - Thanks and have a safe and sober holiday everyone.


Member: Darold S.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 216.47.16.9
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 11:48 AM -0500

Comments

Hello good morning Im working nights this hitch an kind of tired but i needed to share so i can sleep knowing someone is reading how i feel today. I feel great kind of i wanted to be home but i work in a mine in alaska Reddog mine I love my girlfriend so much she keeps me sober we both went to rehab together so we help each other im happy i just want to keep attending meetings Im having a great time well friends take care this holiday


Member: homerun
Location: U.K
Remote Name: 81.97.17.30
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 04:49 PM -0500

Comments

Hi All. Back to Basics, go and find someone new about, take them for a coffee and you’re Back to Basics, Listen and Keep it Simple.


Member: Les
Location: San Diego
Remote Name: 198.81.26.103
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 08:05 PM -0500

Comments

From the very beginning of my time as a member of AA I have gone to Meetings. At first it was a couple a day now it is down to about 18 a month. After the first couple of months of sobriety I began taking commitments at the urging of my first sponsor. I have had an AA commitment at the group level continuously for more than 16 years now. This keeps me active at meetings and makes me feel like an integral part of the Fellowship. I try to take the First, Third, and Seventh Step each day. I attend a Big Book Study Meeting on a regular basis. I try to practice the principles of the AA program in all my affairs. I think the Principles of AA are described in the directions for practicing the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Steps. As "homerun" suggested, I try to keep it simple. It is "a design for living that really works" for me and countless others.


Member: Joe B.
Location: Charleston,W.V.
Remote Name: 205.188.209.140
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 08:12 PM -0500

Comments

Hi gang. Keep it simple added to my last 3 steps works for me . I remember how dumb I thought the slogans were until I internalized them. None of this works if its just a theory. Have a Merry Xmas and the best for the New Year.Cheers, Joe the Drunk....


Member: Darold S.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 216.47.16.18
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 09:14 PM -0500

Comments

HI friends today is another day just woke up happy my time is four hours different in alaska another sober day thank god


Member: Kim T.
Location: Nevada
Remote Name: 63.151.179.136
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 11:01 PM -0500

Comments

Hi Everyone.Back to Basics is a great topic.Its exactly where I am right now.Its the holidays and I'm coming up on another AA birthday soon--I need to stay in the basics.Reflecting on what it was like,what happened,and what my life is like today helps me see how this program has been working in my life.Steps one,two,and three help me on a daily basis.When I am feeling stressed I find the serenity prayer helps alot.There isn't a meeting in the small town I live in tonite so I'm really glad I found this web site.I've enjoyed everything you all have shared,Its really helped.I think I'll keep comin' back. Merry Christmas To All. Kim T.


Member: Kelly M
Location: NH
Remote Name: 205.188.209.140
Date: 23 Dec 2003
Time: 11:48 PM -0500

Comments

Hi, Kelly an alcoholic. Back to basics means that I need to work the first three steps every day. The basics for me are pretty much, go to meetings, call my sponsor, clean house, give my will to god, help another drunk and pick up the phone, it ain't that heavy! So far this has worked for me. Also staying active as Les mentioned... I keep a job in AA and go on commitments. It keeps me in the center of the herd so to speak and it's not as easy to get picked off! Another thing I have done on a couple occasions is pick up my ass, (if its on fire) and bring it to a meeting. There I can always find someone to talk to about my problem. Wha-La... problem solved or at least got some feedback on it. I need to follow AA's plan for it to work and it's not all in the steps, a lot are common sense suggestions that I try and take. Back to basics, much like, Keep it simple, remind me that there are only a few things necessary each day to work my program and anything over that is a bonus! Have a safe and sober Christmas. Kelly :)


Member: Mark
Location: U.K
Remote Name: 82.37.75.203
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 12:02 AM -0500

Comments

A great share there scott and one i really agree with,the booze left me very selfish indeed always had to be center of attention very me me me i then learened through AA how to be humble. I try to abide by the just for today rules and they really do work,I will help old women carry their bags say thanks to the bus driver,all these little things cost you nothing but give you back a peace inside worth more than money,When i acquired my sponsor he taught me one thing he said try to be the opposite of your former self do exactly what you did'nt do before.I have been sober now coming two years and really feel that any help i can give to ANYONE will not only help others but no one benefits more than yourself. I am a grateful recovering alcoholic who with the help of my higher power can accomplish anything,i bid you all a happy holiday :-)


Member: AZbill
Location: azbill1172@cox.net
Remote Name: 68.0.184.118
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 04:01 AM -0500

Comments

HI. Bill here. Alcoholic from Arizona. Back to basics to me means only one thing. "Alcoholic Anonymous"; which we fondly call the "Big Book". It is the only place where you will find the 12 Steps not only described in detail, but also the only place where the instructions for working the steps are written. The forward in the highly touted 12x12 states: The book "Alcoholics Anonymous" became the basic text of the Fellowship, an it still is. This present volume (the 12x12) proposes to broaden and deepen the understanding of the Twelve steps as first written in the earlier work. Ya gotta crawl before ya walk. On oldtimers. That good ole boy, reared back on the hind legs of his chair,with his thumbs hooked in his high bibs and telling it like it is...only has the power that is given to him. Try not calling on him and see what happens. LOL Love ya bye. Bill


Member: anilg
Location: Mt Vernon,IL
Remote Name: 172.156.77.38
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 09:49 AM -0500

Comments

I am an alcholic and an addict back to basics is something i always try to remember when I am lost and forget my 12 steps it reminds to go back think about all the time I spent attending those meetings and learned all the tools to make me a better person. I take day at a time. let god let go.dont keep any resentments hatred and get angry altough it very hard to forget but whenever u think about it I make amends thanks to aa and alanon.


Member: daviddave8
Location: Pennsylvania
Remote Name: 204.186.117.210
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 11:11 AM -0500

Comments

Hi I am dave an alcolohlic,Keep it simple student and work the 12 steps everyday and you will stay sober.Meetings are important and sharing at them very important to staying sober and happy. happy sober holidays to all.


Member: Dennis
Location: PA
Remote Name: 64.78.111.54
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 11:40 AM -0500

Comments

Hi everyone, Dennis, alcoholic here. Back to the basics is a great topic for this time of year. I'm 10 months sober, so this is my first Holiday Season without booze. I'll remember to thank God for another beautiful sober day many, many times each day. And pray for Him to take over my life and my will so that I may do his will. I apreciate this site for all the good news and encouragaing words. Darold (Alaska), people are reading and caring. COngratulations on another sober day! Here's to another one for you, me, and all of us! That will really make for Happy Holidays! Should be much more beautiful seen through clear eyes. Dennis in PA


Member: RLE
Location: Granite Shoals, Tx
Remote Name: 64.136.26.235
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 12:07 PM -0500

Comments

Hi all, I am Robert an alcoholic. Back to the basics for me is to do what worked in the beginning and use the tools I have gained such as phone lists and this machine I am typing on now. Life has been quite a learning experience for me since I got sober, keeping it simple is a great challenge I battle pretty regular. I have a illness that tells me I don't have it even after 16 years, I still do the deal to the best of my ability. It works if I just suit-up and show-up,do the next right thing as I can see it. I am only human I will make mistakes, but I am able to learn from them today and move foward. Hope all have a great holiday and keep coming back. Love ya'll


Member: Darold S.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 216.47.16.7
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 12:31 PM -0500

Comments

Back to the basics just got off work feel good no craving today THANK GOD , bin reading alot boy people got lots of good advise on how to be sober thanks for the information, god bless


Member: Charlie Darling
Location: Key West FL
Remote Name: 68.156.241.76
Date: 24 Dec 2003
Time: 03:53 PM -0500

Comments

Hi Family Charlie Darling a very GRATEFUL recovering Alcholic. Just wanted to say thank you, and GOD BLESS each and everyone for sharing and helping me stay sober another day. Today being Christmas I went to an 8am meeting to get my day off to a good start, and went to work where I work with 3 other alcholics, and then when I got home went on staying cyber isn't life great to be sorrounded by sober people at home here and also on the internet. Peace and Love Charlie kwduke_1999@yahoo.com This my 8th sober Christmas, and if it gets any better I'll think something is wrong so thank God today is great. I love you all.


Member: Rarely
Location: Canada
Remote Name: 142.161.179.163
Date: 25 Dec 2003
Time: 12:24 AM -0500

Comments

Back to basic's eh.... Okay they say that any alcoholic can stay sober for 24 hours.. If when he wakes up and asked a Higher Power of his understanding for help to do that, and gets to an A.A. meeting. Then still goes out and gets drunk, maybe he should look at his honesty. I learnt that from my first try at A.A. June 10 1964 and after so many struggles until April 5 1973 CUNNING - BAFFLING - POWERFUL. Thanks to the fellowship and a power greater than myself I am able to stay sober one day at a time. And thats not 90 days and 90 meetings at a time. just one day at a time. Season Greetings to all


Member: Marv L
Location: Ms.
Remote Name: 209.240.205.61
Date: 25 Dec 2003
Time: 10:25 AM -0500

Comments

Hi,Merry Christmas! Im Marv,recoveing alcoholic. Sure enjoyed yr posts; good topic,Back to Basics,yeah thats what it takes.Liked what Az-Bill said about folks who think they have "tenure" ! Reminds me of something I saw 20 years ago. A meter-reader sat is open box of meter cards on the top of his truck,after reading about 75 meters,and drove 20 miles back to office,where his boss met him outside,saying "Even a FIRST DAY FELLA wouldnt do THAT" Meter reader replied,"Aw,I"ve got 15 years experience--! His boss just looked back up that road where the wind had slowly blown the meter cards away,one at a time,and quietly said "Nah,ya DONT have 15 years experience, maybe its more like ONE YEAR that youve kept repeating these 15 years!!" Yesterday is a cancelled check,tomorrows just a promisory note,TODAY,only,is ours-Thank God for the basics of AA that helped me wake up SOBER ,instead of "coming to" after a bout with the bottle! We all have more to learn in "Recovery 101". A prior sponsor used to say if he ever graduated,he wanted a case of Jack Daniels to celebrate the occasion,LOL,thank ya"ll for helping me make another day in recovery.Happy NEW Year,too,and we dont need a fifth to celebrate the first,huh? We call that amateur night,anyway,LOL!!


Member: dave.s
Location: driffield e.yorks
Remote Name: 80.225.182.20
Date: 25 Dec 2003
Time: 08:20 PM -0500

Comments

Ive got to "go back to basics" on a regular basis.If I dont Iam in danger of becoming complacent>Gotta keep going to meetings,keep in touch and work the programme the best as I can.I must never forget"Where I came from"When I feel Im not doing so good or have got things wrong or the EGO is slipping back in its back to basics for me! Dave S


Member: Darold S.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 216.47.16.18
Date: 25 Dec 2003
Time: 09:37 PM -0500

Comments

Hey people nice topics today merry christmas,its pretty cool not to crave on christmas eve well im at work an working night shift God bless everyone


Member: Joe
Location: Palm Springs, FL
Remote Name: 64.63.231.200
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 10:24 AM -0500

Comments

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and I want everyone to have a happy and safe new year. The things I do to stay sober are to go to meetings and try to help another alcoholic. The basics for me are: 1)don't drink, 2)join a group, 3)get a sponsor, 4)be active. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Darold S.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 216.47.16.18
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 12:31 PM -0500

Comments

Hey rarely its all true thats how i quit drinking from my higher power, its all good just one day at a time jan,12 will be one year happy new year sober friends


Member: Carrie W.
Location: Illinios
Remote Name: 4.10.116.200
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 01:03 PM -0500

Comments

Hi i'm carrie who is an alcoholic. I'm current;y on my 4th step and have been sober for around 14 months. i jsut recently got out of treatment. I was in treatment for 13 months. It's been pretty easey over the holidays to not get lonely. Things are simmering down now and loneliness is one of my biggest triggers.


Member: peter s
Location: Dorset uk
Remote Name: 81.79.207.203
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 02:22 PM -0500

Comments

Whenever life gets tough and im all messed up in the head and cant seem to seperate the wheat from the chaff,i use a mental tool that i developed to get "back to basics". I imagine that i am in an old fashioned larder like mum had.I see many tins on the shelf all labeled with my problems."family"-"job"-"relationship"-"money"--etc-etc. I imagine that i sweep all the cans from the shelf to the floor with my arm,just 2 remain on the shelf.I bend my head to read the labels---They say "dont take the first drink" and "go to meetings".


Member: Dennis
Location: PA
Remote Name: 64.78.111.54
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 02:50 PM -0500

Comments

Holidays and loneliness - 2 tough triggers for taking a drink. It's easy to say "don't do it", but harder to do. Sounds like a good time to turn it over to our Higher Power. We've made it through Christmas, now have New Years Eve to get through. If we have to be alone, prayer, meditation, and reading some good stories in the "big book" or a few passages in "A Day at a Time". It's a good time to remember the Serenity Prayer, and look back at the year as a good one, the experiences worthwhile for what we learned, enduring bad times so we can appreciate the good ones, and to thank God for a year of growing. And to remember that Hope for another good year is the "balance brought forward" into the new year's ledger. So, "one day at a time" we finish the old year and begin the new year. Here's wishing us all a happy, sober 24.


Member: Cec H.
Location: Rivercity
Remote Name: 172.153.100.185
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 05:31 PM -0500

Comments

"Back to Basics" is a good topic and one we touched on in a recent meeting. Someone noted that "you can't give away what you don't have." He then added that it is well known that Bill Wilson never was able to get clean and sober in his life. Most of us who have been around awhile knew this, but some of the newcomers were a little surprised. Then the question became, "if Bill Wilson wasn't able to achieve any type of actual sobriety, how could he craft a program such as AA?" It turned into a very good discussion. The bottom line is that while statistically AA has an extremely high failure rate (over 98%), that doesn't mean that someone who really wants it can't get clean and sober. A person just has to find what works for him or her. Most agreed that the 12 steps aren't really the way to recovery, but that they have worked for a few people. The newcomer should take his or her time and then find someone in AA who is actually clean and sober (not just one of the many who say they are) and ask what worked for them. That's about as basic as you can get. Thanks for the topic.


Member: Kelly M
Location: NH
Remote Name: 152.163.253.70
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 06:17 PM -0500

Comments

As we near the end of this year I thought some might enjoy this article. It is on Bill Wilson who made the "Top 100" heroes of the century. It also fits with the topic (back to basics), as he founded the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Everyone have a safe and sober New Year! http://www.time.com/time/time100/heroes/profile/wilson01.html


Member: robert w
Location: holiday,fl
Remote Name: 209.4.43.219
Date: 26 Dec 2003
Time: 11:28 PM -0500

Comments

Hello all you good looking diseased people. This is my 1st online meeting. Ah yes the basics. Don't drink , go to meetings and read the Big Book. Thanks to you people i just enjoyed another AA birthday. I now have more time sober then drunk. The only reason I mention this is AA might come with a retirement plan and I want it known that I may have the required time. Nice to meet you all. Thanks for letting me inter your meeting. Bob W


Member: Darold S.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 216.47.16.7
Date: 27 Dec 2003
Time: 04:02 PM -0500

Comments

Back to the basics hello sober people i made it sober through the christmas eve holiday thank god sober day for me again one day at a time