In the life of each AA member, there lurks a tyrant. His name is alcohol. He is cunning, ruthless. And his weapons are misery, insanity, and death. No matter how long we may be sober, he always stands at each man's elbow, ever watchful of an opportunity to resume his destruction. Like an agent of the Gestapo he ever threatens each AA citizen with torture or extinction.
- Bill W., July 1946.
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"LOVE" devoid of self-gratification, is in essence, the will, to the greatest good...of another.
Amen Phil: I was checking out a new restaurant "Sammy's Sausage and Beer" I had a Grilled Polish on a bun and it was very tasty. But they served the Micro-Brews that I used to love and the thought went through my mind after almost 11 years sober that I could have just one. Well where did that come from. cunning, baffling, powerful indeed. Have a great day. Bob.
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Work like you don't need the money
Love like you've never been hurt, and
dance like no one is watching.
Sometimes it is very hard to be tough in the face of adversity. Way to go, Phil, not allowing the temptations to override the sobriety! Stay strong, our friend! Wanda
Aw, yes, other temptations. The chapter on Spouses....in the Big Book.....where often the alcohol has obscured the otherwise good sense of those we love came to mind. I read it often to remind myself not be judgemental in coping with AH/other alcoholics. Under the influence it is soooo easy to give in. It as well keeps me "in check". Has kept me from the "get even" mentality and stopping myself from trying to control things that I cannot. Everytime it is read or heard that one has walked away from a potential downslide, there is felt a hope for everyone who has realized the benefits of sobriety, as well as, for those of us who have had to cope with the horrors of the disease in others. You are an inspiration!! As you would say, "Keep on truckin'." Wanda
Thank you for the reminders, Phil and all. This time sober (coming up on ten months in a few days or so) it has been a seemingly simple and enjoyable cruise. I mean, I haven't even really been tempted. I believe I've posted before about this...that it seems TOO easy. I know in my mind that I have had more than enough alcohol and experiences with it, both good and bad, to last my lifetime. That's how I feel. It's in my past...kind of like a previous marriage or something of that nature. Time together is over.....
....BUT I AM ALWAYS ON GUARD as you were in that strip joint my friend. Congratulations on recognizing the temptation before it caused damage...Tim
-- Edited by timverton at 22:20, 2007-05-28
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"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
Hey Bob! I'm with you there! I can remember that the first one with a good meal tasted GREAT! The second one was even better, cause the first one heightened the tastes and the appetite! The third one was kind of flavorless, but was for the heightened need to keep the 'buzz' on........etc, etc, etc........YIKES!
Man, do we ever have to always keep our guard up! (I seem to recall a story about some guy who thought he could handle the whiskey ok if he just had it with a glass of milk!)
YIKES!
!)