Not in a position to judge others. Before I got professional help then when into AA, I said this (now) famous line to my daughter, "I can quit by myself. I've done it lots of times." For me, it's five years and eight months but, like everyone else, I'm just one drink away from relapse. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and restart your journey, one day at a time. Hugs!
Thanks Mulder. Yeah, I've done it lots of times too. Or the tee-shirt that says 'I'm not an alcoholic, they go to meetings' or 'I'm not an alcoholic, I'm not a quitter' or some such crap.
I have looked into AA, and while I don't think that particular organization is right for me, I do agree I need SOMETHING. Possibly Rational Recovery or something like that. I keep reading (of course I'm researching, it's whut I do) that people drink to mask pain, and I suppose that's possible in my case, but honestly? It's just fun. I like the buzz. I'm like a college kid or something - I don't know. I don't drink when I'm sad or upset, it's always just happy-fun times (har)
I do know I'm buying a bicycle - I need to get out with a new interest. I'm telling people I'm not drinking anymore (today, always for today). I'm looking into groups *shudder* (I couldn't even hang with a ladies bunco group for an hour. Groups drive me underground).
I was sober for 18 months without AA but in a program provided (free of course...it's Canada!) by the local health dept. Problem was I "graduated". I avoided AA because I couldn't get past all the "god" shit in the steps. Turns out to be a non-issue. Your "higher power" can be whatever you want it to be. My daughter chose paperclips and her friend chose her favourite belt buckle! I chose the fellowship of AA cause damn I've made some genuine friends in there from biker gals to hookers, lawyers, doctors, guy who live in their cars...you name it! In one way or another we're all misfits who have finally found a place where we fit in. HEY!! Maybe your bobby pins are begging to be your higher power!
Bess, I started by going to meetings in nearby towns because I was afraid someone would recognize me. Didn't take me long to realize, if they were there they must be a drunk just like me. Doesn't matter if you're rich, poor, stupid or smart anyone can be taken down by booze, There's no shame in getting dragged down. It's getting back up that's important. Now, I don't give a crap who knows I'm in AA b/c I'm proud to be sober.
That's why they tell you to take it one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm finding out those bumper sticker sayings are actually rather DEEP, you know?
DeleteNot in a position to judge others. Before I got professional help then when into AA, I said this (now) famous line to my daughter, "I can quit by myself. I've done it lots of times."
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's five years and eight months but, like everyone else, I'm just one drink away from relapse.
Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and restart your journey, one day at a time.
Hugs!
Thanks Mulder. Yeah, I've done it lots of times too. Or the tee-shirt that says 'I'm not an alcoholic, they go to meetings' or 'I'm not an alcoholic, I'm not a quitter' or some such crap.
DeleteI have looked into AA, and while I don't think that particular organization is right for me, I do agree I need SOMETHING. Possibly Rational Recovery or something like that. I keep reading (of course I'm researching, it's whut I do) that people drink to mask pain, and I suppose that's possible in my case, but honestly? It's just fun. I like the buzz. I'm like a college kid or something - I don't know. I don't drink when I'm sad or upset, it's always just happy-fun times (har)
I do know I'm buying a bicycle - I need to get out with a new interest. I'm telling people I'm not drinking anymore (today, always for today). I'm looking into groups *shudder* (I couldn't even hang with a ladies bunco group for an hour. Groups drive me underground).
I'm not drinking. That's the main thing.
I was sober for 18 months without AA but in a program provided (free of course...it's Canada!) by the local health dept. Problem was I "graduated". I avoided AA because I couldn't get past all the "god" shit in the steps. Turns out to be a non-issue. Your "higher power" can be whatever you want it to be. My daughter chose paperclips and her friend chose her favourite belt buckle! I chose the fellowship of AA cause damn I've made some genuine friends in there from biker gals to hookers, lawyers, doctors, guy who live in their cars...you name it! In one way or another we're all misfits who have finally found a place where we fit in.
ReplyDeleteHEY!! Maybe your bobby pins are begging to be your higher power!
You just made me laugh out loud for the first time in DAYS. Thank you!! Bobby Pins of Power. I LIKE IT.
DeleteGlad to be of assistance!
DeleteI'm not judging. :) At one point, I considered AA , but I pussed out because I knew I would be in meetings with people who used to party with my ex.
ReplyDeleteBess, I started by going to meetings in nearby towns because I was afraid someone would recognize me. Didn't take me long to realize, if they were there they must be a drunk just like me. Doesn't matter if you're rich, poor, stupid or smart anyone can be taken down by booze, There's no shame in getting dragged down. It's getting back up that's important. Now, I don't give a crap who knows I'm in AA b/c I'm proud to be sober.
Delete