Hi y'all...

               I came into these MIP groups six years ago... I used the steps board to cover the Alanon Steps and one other.

I learned carefully how and why this MIP board was set up and met the creator John F. For me these message boards and chat rooms are full of hope. I was so hungry for hope.

I would see hope in a dry rock in a desert. I felt that i had lost my mind- and it had been missing since I was a kid.

Just sharing helps to patch up the mind, and the emotions...

...beyond this is the possibility of having joy and a full life... long awaited...

I am enjoying my job up on the mountain. I have done son=me upskilling with short courses this year. My engagement with the community has been strong...

my health and fitness has improved a lot.

This week i had a lapse rather than a relapse. I was doing so well... it was like a 24 hour flu. It reminded me of the hell I used to live with 24/7.

But I snapped out of it quickly...

...not like the old times where weeks rolled into months, and months rolled into years...

Went to a f2f meeting this week... it was held in a community service centre.

The door was locked tight... ...I thought 'no meeting tonight'.

The old me would have walked away and driven home. The old message of abandonment. But I remembered that there was a green light and a buzzer beside the door.

I pressed the blimmin thing... and someone came to the door.

I recall getting to a meeting overseas in a veterans centre. I had to do a dummy run in the afternoon. To get here I had to go through a labyrinth of tunnels. Oh yes- I kid thee not! You would call it a subway!

And in the evening I managed to get there and actually into the building- and a warm welcome I was given there too!

After the meeting i went to an old timer who was housebound and took her some fresh cherries. We sent about 90 mins together... it was like the steps all over but there was a lot of fun and laughter thrown in as well.

It has bin a long hard ride- but well worth it...

...never done without every single one of you being around as well! There is safety in numbers... and strength, and the satisfaction of good company...

in my nation of AoNZ it is the custom to polish a talk with an appropriate song...

because it is Christmas i shall have three... hmmm... maybe four- presents under the tree- take your pick...

the last one is a tribute to a nation I love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSRAFe6WwLA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhFfYfWBfw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWzrABouyeE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdiED5uymE0

Arohanui...

                 boundless love...

if you are in a really tough spot- have hope.

I have bin there- and for a long long time- buried alive...

but not ready to snuff out the light...

please... do not underestimate our capacity for survival...!!! 

There is no situation too difficult to be bettered, and no happiness to great to be lessened.

it bring tears to my eyes to recall these words- and to record them, with a little help...

a broken life and a broken mind... to this is a blessing. To consider the contrast is so humbling... ...

       -thanks... ,,,

((David)) inspiring message thanks . I too remember  that meeting in the Veterans Center a few years ago . It was my pleasure to connect with you there after you emerged from the NYC subway system . You certainly are courageous and adventuresome.
I agree the Step work Board here at MIP is a great resource and I use it often.
Happy Holiday

Thanks David for your beautiful and hope filled share. I agree, life really is better with this program. Glad you keep coming back and are a part of our online Alanon family. Thanks for sharing the music and scenery. What an incredible place to call home!  Happy Holidays to you!  ((hugs)) TT