How to get through the Christmas season?

[George &The Dragon]

I'm hoping it won't be too difficult this year. I'm a solitary drinker, and
when there are lots of people around I find it easier. Of course New Year
might be a bit more awkward, since I'm an exiled Scot.....

George



& the Dragon

[rosie]

george,
your sober these days, right?
don't worry about NEW YEARS............................i use to tell
myself, that i might die in my sleep, and i wasted a lot of time
worrying about the future!
:)





"George &The Dragon" <george@dragon.ca> wrote in message
news:ssjFb.390$d%1.181186@news20.bellglobal.com...
> I'm hoping it won't be too difficult this year. I'm a solitary
drinker, and
> when there are lots of people around I find it easier. Of course
New Year
> might be a bit more awkward, since I'm an exiled Scot.....
>
> George
>
>
>
> & the Dragon
>
>

[JB]

"George &The Dragon" <george@dragon.ca> wrote in message
news:ssjFb.390$d%1.181186@news20.bellglobal.com...
> I'm hoping it won't be too difficult this year. I'm a solitary
drinker, and
> when there are lots of people around I find it easier. Of course New
Year
> might be a bit more awkward, since I'm an exiled Scot.....
>
> George
>
>
>
> & the Dragon

Hi George,

About a week ago, I began worrying about whether I'll be OK on
Christmas Eve. We have people who love to drink and whose company I
do not greatly enjoy coming for the evening. I have to act as hostess
and part of my job will be refilling my husband's and our guests
glasses as often as they want them refilled.

A couple of days ago I decided to stop worrying about how I'll cope
and adopt the view that if the going gets tough, I'll find a way to
manage it :^)) I'm grateful to have an AA meeting to go to at
lunchtime. I have to go not only for my own sake but, LOL, because
all those who I know are going, are expecting me to provide them with
coffee, mince pies and Christmas cake :^))

Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.

JB

[Blue Moon]

On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 11:00:20 -0500, "George &The Dragon"
<george@dragon.ca> wrote:

>I'm hoping it won't be too difficult this year. I'm a solitary drinker, and
>when there are lots of people around I find it easier. Of course New Year
>might be a bit more awkward, since I'm an exiled Scot.....

For me, "One day at a time" is equally applicable at Christmas or New
Year as any other day in the calendar. I didn't need any further
excuses to drink on any other day, so I don't need any further excuses
to stay sober either.

--
Blue Moon

[Blue Moon]

On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 18:27:02 -0000, "JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote:

>About a week ago, I began worrying about whether I'll be OK on
>Christmas Eve. We have people who love to drink and whose company I
>do not greatly enjoy coming for the evening. I have to act as hostess
>and part of my job will be refilling my husband's and our guests
>glasses as often as they want them refilled.

I'd suggest keeping your own filled as well from your own private
stock :)

Since getting sober, the first time I was at a family gathering my
parents made this kind of fruit juice cocktail (non-alcoholic). It
had been made with me in mind given my new "recovering alcoholic"
status, but everyone else liked it so much that the booze got pretty
much left alone.

You could try something similar. You might be surprised at the
outcome. Just be wary that no drunken fool decides to "spice it up"
by adding ingredients :)

--
Blue Moon

[Robert McGregor]

"Blue Moon" <mfoco@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:60ff8428bba5723b5561af91fe571236@news.teranew s.com...
> On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 18:27:02 -0000, "JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote:
>
> >About a week ago, I began worrying about whether I'll be OK on
> >Christmas Eve. We have people who love to drink and whose company I
> >do not greatly enjoy coming for the evening. I have to act as hostess
> >and part of my job will be refilling my husband's and our guests
> >glasses as often as they want them refilled.
>
> I'd suggest keeping your own filled as well from your own private
> stock :)
>
> Since getting sober, the first time I was at a family gathering my
> parents made this kind of fruit juice cocktail (non-alcoholic). It
> had been made with me in mind given my new "recovering alcoholic"
> status, but everyone else liked it so much that the booze got pretty
> much left alone.
>
> You could try something similar. You might be surprised at the
> outcome. Just be wary that no drunken fool decides to "spice it up"
> by adding ingredients :)
>
> --
> Blue Moon

Even without their secret non alcoholic "energy boost" (20c extra is too
extravagant;-) the fresh juice of mixed berries, at a mall near where I
live; is possibly the best drink I have ever tasted.

Bob

[Gail]

"JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote in message
news:bs4p3t$b0v$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> "George &The Dragon" <george@dragon.ca> wrote in message
> news:ssjFb.390$d%1.181186@news20.bellglobal.com...
> > I'm hoping it won't be too difficult this year. I'm a solitary
> drinker, and
> > when there are lots of people around I find it easier. Of course New
> Year
> > might be a bit more awkward, since I'm an exiled Scot.....
> >
> > George
> >
> >
> >
> > & the Dragon
>
> Hi George,
>
> About a week ago, I began worrying about whether I'll be OK on
> Christmas Eve. We have people who love to drink and whose company I
> do not greatly enjoy coming for the evening. I have to act as hostess
> and part of my job will be refilling my husband's and our guests
> glasses as often as they want them refilled.
>
> A couple of days ago I decided to stop worrying about how I'll cope
> and adopt the view that if the going gets tough, I'll find a way to
> manage it :^)) I'm grateful to have an AA meeting to go to at
> lunchtime. I have to go not only for my own sake but, LOL, because
> all those who I know are going, are expecting me to provide them with
> coffee, mince pies and Christmas cake :^))
>
> Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
>
> JB
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hi JB. You appear to be doing really good. I am so glad. Thanks for your
post.

Merry Christmas!

Gail

[JB]

"Gail" <serenity6850_2000@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vubu0dkj83oj2d@corp.supernews.com...
<snip>

> Hi JB. You appear to be doing really good. I am so glad. Thanks for
your
> post.
>
> Merry Christmas!
>
> Gail
>
Hi Gail,

Thank you.

I hope that you and you family will have a great Christmas and much
joy, happiness and good health in the coming year.

Best regards

JB

[rosie]

when i quit drinking, i STOPPED being the
bartender.....................and wasn't a martyr about not "being
able" to drink.
figure out a way to NOT be serving drinks, (ask one of your guests
to be in charge of it) for pity's sake!

[Robert McGregor]

"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:qPoFb.154499$Vu6.16647@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>
> when i quit drinking, i STOPPED being the
> bartender.....................and wasn't a martyr about not "being
> able" to drink.
> figure out a way to NOT be serving drinks, (ask one of your guests
> to be in charge of it) for pity's sake!
>
"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:e4hFb.174654$M02.115450@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> Daily Reflections
>
> LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY

> When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I've given in
> to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that's
> inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong
> reaps its own benefits. The best I can do - and it
> sounds easier than it is to put into practice - is to
> listen, share personal experience, and pray for others.
>
HaHAHAHAHAHAHA

Bob

[JB]

"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:qPoFb.154499$Vu6.16647@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>
> when i quit drinking, i STOPPED being the
> bartender.....................and wasn't a martyr about not "being
> able" to drink.
> figure out a way to NOT be serving drinks, (ask one of your guests
> to be in charge of it) for pity's sake!

I remember you telling us that in your early sobriety, you and your
husband banished alcohol from your home:

In order to acheive the periods of sobriety that I have, thankfully,
I've not had to go to such lengths.

JB

[rosie]

>
> In order to achieve the periods of sobriety that I have,
thankfully,
> I've not had to go to such lengths.
>
> JB




go to such lengths? SURE!
that's a big deal? NO!
to us it was a matter of priorities, and the safety of my early
sobriety was our first priority!
YMMV and probably does.


rosie
(readandpostREMOVE@yahoo.com)

the main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the
bad
girls live.
................................. anonymous







"JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote in message
news:bs5fdt$cgi$1@news5.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> "rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
> news:qPoFb.154499$Vu6.16647@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> >
> > when i quit drinking, i STOPPED being the
> > bartender.....................and wasn't a martyr about not
"being
> > able" to drink.
> > figure out a way to NOT be serving drinks, (ask one of your
guests
> > to be in charge of it) for pity's sake!
>
> I remember you telling us that in your early sobriety, you and
your
> husband banished alcohol from your home:
>
> In order to acheive the periods of sobriety that I have,
thankfully,
> I've not had to go to such lengths.
>
> JB
>
>

[Blue Moon]

On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 00:47:42 -0000, "JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote:

>
>"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
>news:qPoFb.154499$Vu6.16647@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>>
>> when i quit drinking, i STOPPED being the
>> bartender.....................and wasn't a martyr about not "being
>> able" to drink.
>> figure out a way to NOT be serving drinks, (ask one of your guests
>> to be in charge of it) for pity's sake!
>
>I remember you telling us that in your early sobriety, you and your
>husband banished alcohol from your home:
>
>In order to acheive the periods of sobriety that I have, thankfully,
>I've not had to go to such lengths.

"If you want what we have and are willing to go to any lengths to get
it ...."

There might be some merit to the suggestion of letting guests sort out
their own drinks.

--
Blue Moon

[George &The Dragon]

"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:NikFb.171578$Eq1.127967@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> george,
> your sober these days, right?

Since May. But the Dragon's always prowling around. I guess I know what I
have to do. It just gets harder at certain times.

Aye,
George



& the Dragon

[George &The Dragon]

"JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote in message
news:bs4p3t$b0v$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk...

> A couple of days ago I decided to stop worrying about how I'll cope
> and adopt the view that if the going gets tough, I'll find a way to
> manage it

Both my daughters and their families (2 grandchildren) were over for supper
this evening. I always marvel at how little they drink. One glass of wine
lasts them all evening. Maybe it's watching their father as they grew up.
When I was growing up I heard my parents cough their lungs up every morning
and I never touched a cigarette my whole life. Funny thing, life, isn't it?

Aye,

George


& the Dragon

[George &The Dragon]

"Blue Moon" <mfoco@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:93748a1f124e83172c80fbf275aeefaa@news.teranew s.com...

> For me, "One day at a time" is equally applicable at Christmas or New
> Year as any other day in the calendar.

The "One day at a time" philosophy is definitely the most valuable piece of
advice I ever picked up from AA. When the Dragon is breathing down my neck I
sometimes just ask for a few minutes at a time. That can be enough to choose
a glass of water from the fridge rather than a beer.

Aye,
George


& the Dragon

[George &The Dragon]

"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:rDrFb.175969$Eq1.35987@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...

> to us it was a matter of priorities, and the safety of my early
> sobriety was our first priority!

In my profession I entertain a lot. Like JB, I have many acquaintances, some
of whom drink quite heavily. (almost as much as I did). Not having alcohol
in the house is not really an option. Besides, my wife says, quite correctly
I think, that this is MY problem. She's willing to support me but not to the
point of asking our guests to drink water instead of wine. Even if she's not
right I'd still like to keep her, so the alcohol stays.

For me it's not a big deal. The liquor store is only 3 minutes away anyway.
And they deliver. So the Dragon says.

Aye,
George



&
the Dragon

[George &The Dragon]

"Robert McGregor" <robert_mcgregor@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:bs4s8d$9i8se$1@ID-49289.news.uni-berlin.de...

> (20c extra is too
> extravagant;-)

Bob,
this Christmas you will be visited by three spirits......

Aye,
George


&
the Dragon

[Robert McGregor]

"Blue Moon" <mfoco@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2f328e4047860f7dc18124456bef9529@news.teranew s.com...
> On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 00:47:42 -0000, "JB" <JBCatRB@coldman.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
> >news:qPoFb.154499$Vu6.16647@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> >>
> >> when i quit drinking, i STOPPED being the
> >> bartender.....................and wasn't a martyr about not "being
> >> able" to drink.
> >> figure out a way to NOT be serving drinks, (ask one of your guests
> >> to be in charge of it) for pity's sake!
> >
> >I remember you telling us that in your early sobriety, you and your
> >husband banished alcohol from your home:
> >
> >In order to acheive the periods of sobriety that I have, thankfully,
> >I've not had to go to such lengths.
>
> "If you want what we have and are willing to go to any lengths to get
> it ...."
>
> There might be some merit to the suggestion of letting guests sort out
> their own drinks.
>
> --
> Blue Moon

Although I believe it absurd to rely on God for abstinence, it seems Bill W
was correct about getting down to fundamentals.

Bob

http://www.anonpress.org/bb/Page_120.htm
"We never, never try to arrange a man's life so as to shield him from
temptation. ................

.............. God has either removed your husband's liquor problem or He has
not. If not, it had better be found out right away. Then you and your
husband can get right down to fundamentals."

[George &The Dragon]

PS
By the way, JB, in my experience if you have people coming over who love to
drink, you can always persuade one of them to tend the bar. Always keep your
own glass full of something unrecognisable. In the early part of the evening
say "no thanks, I might have some later". In the later part of the evening
say "No thanks, I've had enough." It works like a charm.

As I say, I'm fine when there are lots of people around. It's when they all
go home that the Dragon comes around.

All the best to you and yours,

George



&
the
Dragon

[rosie]

"George &The Dragon" <george@dragon.ca> wrote in message
news:EDsFb.2205$d%1.474566@news20.bellglobal.com.. .
>
> "rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
> news:NikFb.171578$Eq1.127967@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > george,
> > your sober these days, right?
>
> Since May. But the Dragon's always prowling around. I guess I know
what I
> have to do. It just gets harder at certain times.
>
> Aye,
> George
>
>
>


that's what i thought...........................well, if i can share
any of the tips i was taught, just ask............................

((((((george)))))))))))

[Robert McGregor]

"George &The Dragon" <george@dragon.ca> wrote in message
news:xetFb.2321$d%1.495171@news20.bellglobal.com.. .
>
> "Robert McGregor" <robert_mcgregor@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
> news:bs4s8d$9i8se$1@ID-49289.news.uni-berlin.de...
>
> > (20c extra is too
> > extravagant;-)
>
> Bob,
> this Christmas you will be visited by three spirits......
>
> Aye,
> George
>
>
> &
> the Dragon
>
>

Really? Who are they, and what are their specialties? Do they walk on water?

Bob

[rosie]

>........... Besides, my wife says, quite correctly
> I think, that this is MY problem.

in my years working in an extended treatment center, there were many
times that we would have FAMILY sessions, and "suggest" that as a
form of support, alcohol be taken out of the home for awhile.
we DID run into spouces with your wife's attitude tho-





>Even if she's not
> right I'd still like to keep her, so the alcohol stays.

whatever you choose is YOUR choice.............................

we chose to be VERY STRICT in the beginning about it, and i believe
that it really helped me a lot.
i have been sober for 21 years, and wouldn't change a thing.





>
> For me it's not a big deal. The liquor store is only 3 minutes
away anyway.
> And they deliver. So the Dragon says.



ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, yes, the dragon!


>
> Aye,
> George
>
>
>
> &
> the Dragon
>
>
>

[rosie]

> Although I believe it absurd to rely on God for abstinence, it
seems Bill W
> was correct about getting down to fundamentals.
>
> Bob
>
> http://www.anonpress.org/bb/Page_120.htm
> "We never, never try to arrange a man's life so as to shield him
from
> temptation. ................
>
> ............. God has either removed your husband's liquor problem
or He has
> not. If not, it had better be found out right away. Then you and
your
> husband can get right down to fundamentals."
>
>

i am ALWAYS amused by these quotes, taken quite out of
context...........................

[Robert McGregor]

"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:wDtFb.176051$M02.63807@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> > Although I believe it absurd to rely on God for abstinence, it
> seems Bill W
> > was correct about getting down to fundamentals.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> > http://www.anonpress.org/bb/Page_120.htm
> > "We never, never try to arrange a man's life so as to shield him
> from
> > temptation. ................
> >
> > ............. God has either removed your husband's liquor problem
> or He has
> > not. If not, it had better be found out right away. Then you and
> your
> > husband can get right down to fundamentals."
> >
> >
>
> i am ALWAYS amused by these quotes, taken quite out of
> context...........................
>
>

Yeah, I spose when someone is as drug dependant as you have demonstrated
yourself to be, getting down to fundamentals would be inconceivable.

Bob

[rosie]

> Yeah, I spose when someone is as drug dependant as you have
demonstrated
> yourself to be, getting down to fundamentals would be
inconceivable.
>
> Bob
>
>

ROTFLAMO!
i don't have to time to play with you tonight
hon............................

[George &The Dragon]

"rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
news:4BtFb.176023$M02.119568@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...

> we DID run into spouces with your wife's attitude tho-
>
>
> >Even if she's not
> > right I'd still like to keep her, so the alcohol stays.
>
> whatever you choose is YOUR choice.............................

I can't let it be thought that my wife is not supportive. My wife and I came
from the same town, were delivered by the same family doctor, knew each
other (and liked each other!) as children, went to high school and
university together, and forty years later have three children and two
grandchildren. I will never know or trust another human being better.
Through many years where I was the one with the "attitude" she stayed by me
when many women would have gone. I never - ever- make a major decision in
life without knowing her opinion.

I am luckier than many of the people on this board. I can't imagine how
difficult it would be to stay away from alcohol when you are on your own all
the time. If she had left me when most "normal" women would have, I would
not be posting today. I simply would have fallen off the face of the earth.

George



& the Dragon

[rosie]

george,
i believe that you and your wife have worked out "what works for
you", i offer a different ES+H.
one that worked for me!

i am happy that you have found your soul
mate.......................i know i have!

--
rosie
(readandpostREMOVE@yahoo.com)

the main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the
bad
girls live.
................................. anonymous







"George &The Dragon" <george@dragon.ca> wrote in message
news:bSuFb.2577$d%1.545068@news20.bellglobal.com.. .
>
> "rosie" <nospam@notmail.com> wrote in message
> news:4BtFb.176023$M02.119568@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>
> > we DID run into spouces with your wife's attitude tho-
> >
> >
> > >Even if she's not
> > > right I'd still like to keep her, so the alcohol stays.
> >
> > whatever you choose is YOUR choice.............................
>
> I can't let it be thought that my wife is not supportive. My wife
and I came
> from the same town, were delivered by the same family doctor, knew
each
> other (and liked each other!) as children, went to high school and
> university together, and forty years later have three children and
two
> grandchildren. I will never know or trust another human being
better.
> Through many years where I was the one with the "attitude" she
stayed by me
> when many women would have gone. I never - ever- make a major
decision in
> life without knowing her opinion.
>
> I am luckier than many of the people on this board. I can't
imagine how
> difficult it would be to stay away from alcohol when you are on
your own all
> the time. If she had left me when most "normal" women would have,
I would
> not be posting today. I simply would have fallen off the face of
the earth.
>
> George
>
>
>
> & the Dragon
>
>

[Christine]

>in my years working in an extended treatment center, there were many
>times that we would have FAMILY sessions, and "suggest" that as a
>form of support, alcohol be taken out of the home for awhile.
>we DID run into spouces with your wife's attitude tho-

Why is "suggest" in quotation marks, Rosie?

[rosie]

i use the " " to indicate that i would suggest it STRONGLY!
;)

--
rosie

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
http://www.heifer.org/











"Christine" <ctbean3@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20031222225742.01726.00001404@mb-m18.aol.com...
> >in my years working in an extended treatment center, there were
many
> >times that we would have FAMILY sessions, and "suggest" that as a
> >form of support, alcohol be taken out of the home for awhile.
> >we DID run into spouces with your wife's attitude tho-
>
> Why is "suggest" in quotation marks, Rosie?

[Blue Moon]

On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 13:19:37 +1000, "Robert McGregor"
<robert_mcgregor@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

>http://www.anonpress.org/bb/Page_120.htm
>"We never, never try to arrange a man's life so as to shield him from
>temptation. ................
>
>............. God has either removed your husband's liquor problem or He has
>not. If not, it had better be found out right away. Then you and your
>husband can get right down to fundamentals."

Until I had recovered from the mental insanity of a desire to drink to
cure "feelings", I found it easier to live without booze around.

Having said that, at the time I was enjoying the luxury of living
alone, so had no excuse to keep booze in the home.

I would actually feel more uncomfortable being treated "special" when
visiting others who knew I had quit drinking. I would much rather
they behaved as they normally did, rather than change to fruit juice
just for my benefit.

When I encountered booze at my ex-'s place, the only surprise to me
was the discovery that it was there - although she's not alcoholic,
the whole time I was drinking she had kept her stash hidden!

--
Blue Moon

[Ron]

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 02:52:31 GMT, Blue Moon <mfoco@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Until I had recovered from the mental insanity of a desire to drink to
> cure "feelings"...

I heard a speaker at a recent AA meeting make a similar remark. It
struck home.

I can also identify with the 'spiritual awakening' thing that people
talk about, although I'm not a spiritual person in any conventional
sense of the word. I just knew, when I opened my eyes in the hospital,
that I had gone as far as I was going to go. I've only been sober a
month, so I shouldn't be so cocky, I suppose. It really felt like a
weight was lifted though.

A funny thing is, that while people in my life are worried about me like
never before, I'm less worried about myself than I've ever been.

I'm a little worried that I'm not worried... :\

So is my wife.. :)

I like the AA meetings. Good folks. The meeting in my hometown is
mostly filled with people that have been sober a year or more. I'm the
greenest one in the room. I find that reassuring - that there are so
many people who have done it, and that they are all right there if I
need them.

Harry, if you're reading this thread, I'm rooting for you. Give it up.
It feels good. I don't know you well enough to really say, but I wonder
if all the badness you keep saying will happen without booze is just you
being afraid of your feelings. You'll be mad sometimes. So what?
You'll be depressed sometimes. So what? Happens to everyone. Maybe
it's not insanity, like you think it is. Maybe that's just what's it's
like to be a normal sober person, and you need to get used to it.

Are you afraid that if you face your life sober, you'll see that it's so
bad that you won't be able to take it? You keep talking like booze
*helps* you function. I'd guess the things you least want to face sober
are the direct or indirect result of your behaviour when drinking. No?

FWIW, I don't think you're going to find a solution in Mexico or
medication.

Anyway, enough ranting for now. I'm tired. Merry Christmas everyone.

--
AB5DB9CC

[Blue Moon]

On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 04:59:27 GMT, Ron <can@the.spam> wrote:

>On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 02:52:31 GMT, Blue Moon <mfoco@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Until I had recovered from the mental insanity of a desire to drink to
>> cure "feelings"...
>
>I heard a speaker at a recent AA meeting make a similar remark. It
>struck home.
>
>I can also identify with the 'spiritual awakening' thing that people
>talk about, although I'm not a spiritual person in any conventional
>sense of the word. I just knew, when I opened my eyes in the hospital,
>that I had gone as far as I was going to go. I've only been sober a
>month, so I shouldn't be so cocky, I suppose. It really felt like a
>weight was lifted though.

If you get hold of a big book, check out Appendix II, "Spiritual
Experience". It describes how "spiritual experience" equates to
"personality change". The Steps are designed to bring about this
change, even for the most hopeless of cases. Key ingredients to bring
to the table are: "willingness", "honesty" and "open-mindedness".

Merry Christmas to you too!

--
Blue Moon

[rosie]

great post ron...................harry, are you listening?



--
rosie

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
http://www.heifer.org/











"Ron" <can@the.spam> wrote in message
news:P29Gb.122309$8y1.386215@attbi_s52...
> On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 02:52:31 GMT, Blue Moon <mfoco@hotmail.com>
wrote:
>
> > Until I had recovered from the mental insanity of a desire to
drink to
> > cure "feelings"...
>
> I heard a speaker at a recent AA meeting make a similar remark.
It
> struck home.
>
> I can also identify with the 'spiritual awakening' thing that
people
> talk about, although I'm not a spiritual person in any
conventional
> sense of the word. I just knew, when I opened my eyes in the
hospital,
> that I had gone as far as I was going to go. I've only been sober
a
> month, so I shouldn't be so cocky, I suppose. It really felt like
a
> weight was lifted though.
>
> A funny thing is, that while people in my life are worried about
me like
> never before, I'm less worried about myself than I've ever been.
>
> I'm a little worried that I'm not worried... :\
>
> So is my wife.. :)
>
> I like the AA meetings. Good folks. The meeting in my hometown
is
> mostly filled with people that have been sober a year or more.
I'm the
> greenest one in the room. I find that reassuring - that there are
so
> many people who have done it, and that they are all right there if
I
> need them.
>
> Harry, if you're reading this thread, I'm rooting for you. Give
it up.
> It feels good. I don't know you well enough to really say, but I
wonder
> if all the badness you keep saying will happen without booze is
just you
> being afraid of your feelings. You'll be mad sometimes. So what?
> You'll be depressed sometimes. So what? Happens to everyone.
Maybe
> it's not insanity, like you think it is. Maybe that's just what's
it's
> like to be a normal sober person, and you need to get used to it.
>
> Are you afraid that if you face your life sober, you'll see that
it's so
> bad that you won't be able to take it? You keep talking like
booze
> *helps* you function. I'd guess the things you least want to face
sober
> are the direct or indirect result of your behaviour when drinking.
No?
>
> FWIW, I don't think you're going to find a solution in Mexico or
> medication.
>
> Anyway, enough ranting for now. I'm tired. Merry Christmas
everyone.
>
> --
> AB5DB9CC