Am I a Dry Drunk?

In addiction recovery, complacency breeds old behavior, which can quickly lead to unnecessary problems, including relapse. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains complacency on page 85. It says, “It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for …

Finding My Serenity

I just saw that it has been four months since I have posted here! I can't believe it. I don't have any excuses, nor have I decided to stop blogging. I guess life just gets in the way sometimes. It was a busy, but good, holiday season -- one of the best that I have …

Mostly whiny, moderately bossy

  Before my husband and I got married, I described myself to him as "mostly whiny, moderately bossy".   I was trying something new, putting it all out there from the beginning, giving him every chance to get away while he still could.  Thank God he doesn't scare easily!  Growing up, those words, whiny and …

A long period of reconstruction

Step 8 of the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous says: "Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all." As I have completed steps six and seven, the time has come for me to begin work on step eight.  After working on step seven for the …

Turning over my will

  Step Three of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous says: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him." This week I am working on step three as I go through the steps with my sponsor.  I think that of all of the …

Connections

Boy, these past few weeks have really kicked my butt.  I have been working a lot of hours (thank God I'm an hourly employee and the paychecks almost make it worth it), and have been feeling a lot of stress at my job.  I haven't had the motivation to do anything but eat and sleep …

Keeping the Faith

Today's AA meeting was much better than the one last week.  I wrote about the drama last week when an old-timer told a newcomer to shut the fuck up during his emotional share.  (Update:  I haven't seen that newcomer all week.  I hope that only means that he has chosen to go to different meetings …

Don’t Throw The Baby Out With The Bath Water

On Sunday mornings I chair my home group's AA meeting.  I just started doing so at the beginning of this month, and it's a three month commitment.  Other than showing up for meetings, occasionally sharing, and talking program with other alcoholics, this is my way of doing service.  It is outside my comfort zone though, …

Follow the rules, or change your thinking?

This morning, on our way home from a meeting, my husband and I were talking about a woman that we know in the program.  She has been sober for a long time, over 30 years, I think, so she is obviously doing something right.  But to hear her in meetings, you would think she was …