The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Right about now, exactly 20 years ago I set down a half glass of beer. I had no idea at the time that I wouldn't have a drink of alcohol for 20 years. I had no plans to go to AA the next day - but that's where I wound up. That was just a day, and today is just another day, and tomorrow will be just another day. That's a total of 7305 days. I'm sure glad I didn't contemplate that number on day one. I just wanted out of the rut, and was willing to become stupid, boring and glum to get out of it. Thankfully I didn't have to... although not everyone might thing so... LOL.
So some of us pause for a moment to indulge, announce, and be grateful... and I remember the first time I heard about someone with 20+ years. He was at my meeting tonight when I announced my own 20. He has 44 years now. That told me that it works, if you keep coming back. So that's why I share...
Thanks for 20 years and this way of life that has brought so many good things to me, and my family. And the Alanon program that has been a regular part of my life for around 12 years now.
Off topic ??? how can twenty years of recovery be off topic . congratulations , my husb has 20 yrs also . I am sure your post will give hope to many new members here that anything is possible if you want it bad enough . Louise
The line " just wanted out of the rut, and was willing to become stupid, boring and glum to get out of it." made me smile as I connect with it for the reason that in our youth alcohol gave us confidence, I'd rather fight than switch my Tarrytons and all those other stupid, boring and worse than glum results of old wives tales or marketing ploys.
So in other words, you've outsmarted the tales & ploys, found lots of new strengths and now many folks feel you have a lot of wisdom to share. I guess that's the frosting on the celebration cake of 20 years. That's a lot of hope for all and a lot of congratulations being sent to you now. Absolutly wonderful!!
hugs, ddub
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"Choices are the hinges of destiny." Pythagoras You can't change the past, but you can change the future.
Barisax, thank you for sharing your incredible journey here and your perspective and thoughts from that journey. It really is so inspiring, as I have told you before. Thank you for being in recovery AND sharing what you do about it, your own story, your ESH, etc. Hugs and congrats! I hope you did something to celebrate- a nice meal, some kind of treat or gift. You are a walking talking miracle. Jean
Such a wonderful share.......thank you Barisax.......and thank you for sharing your journey of ESH with all of us here at MIP.....I am very grateful! Your friend in recovery shelly
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Put down the magnifying glass and pick up the mirror!
My own hubby is coming up on 5 years and sometimes I fall into the what if fears for the future, especially when he's, um, acting alcoholic. Your post reminds me and reassures me that people DO achieve long-term sobriety, and DO continue working on themselves, and alcoholics can act like a dink, just like anybody else, without falling off the wagon. And meanwhile *I* can concentrate on reducing my own dinky episodes.
Hm. This came out sounding like I was calling you a dink, which wasn't my intention. What I meant was, you have struggles just like we all do, and you have good days and bad days just like we all do, and the more we are all working program, the less those circumstances will whirl any of us into chaos.
Barisax, thank you for sharing your incredible journey here and your perspective and thoughts from that journey. It really is so inspiring, as I have told you before. Thank you for being in recovery AND sharing what you do about it, your own story, your ESH, etc. Hugs and congrats! I hope you did something to celebrate- a nice meal, some kind of treat or gift. You are a walking talking miracle. Jean
Well the treat will be tonight. I had a doctor appointment this morning, which meant fasting after about 8 pm. I deliberately scheduled my quarterly checkup/blood test on my 20 year anniversary. My doctor - who knew my dad before he drank himself to death - has told me many times how glad he is that I don't drink, on top of the diabetes and other stuff.
I will be getting some Singapore noodles tonight... courtesy of my fiance who works close to the best noodle place in town. And later on I'll make my official announcement at my daughter's home group.
with Lady Grey tea, the only DRINK for the occasion in my opinion.
Lady Grey? Never heard of it... Earl Grey's consort no doubt?
I am mostly a coffee drinker. Sometimes I go on a tea kick but not often, I drink hot tea in Chinese restaurants and ice tea plenty of other times. When I do make my own it's Bigelow EG or Constant Comment.
So glad you share your recovery with us. Keep coming back, it works if you work it!
I heard that at my first meeting, and IMO it's the most important - at least to me - of all the AA sayings and slogans. As the suggestions go, it's the one I've done the best at following, and if there's any single factor I consider most important it would be, 1) Keep coming back 2) to a home group.
Aloha Barisax...and Haole La hanau!! (Don't try that with a full mouth) That's Happy Birthday from this neck of the world.
Look what happens when you just "Keep coming back" and following the suggetions, working the steps and traditions and doing service to others in recovery.
20 years sober time!! I'm sure like myself you have heard others ask in awe, "You haven't had a drink in how long?" Some of them might have even asked "Why?" The short and long of your story. You are one of the many sober people in my own Journey and for that I am grateful.
Yay! You are an inspiration! Keep coming back. There are a lot of people like you that have put the plug in the jug! I know a few people in my small area that have 20+ years that have been an inspiration to me. I am so grateful for all of my friends who are sober today. If it weren't for them, I don't think I would see the hope in the program. Take it easy, Kathleen
