I noticed the past couple of weeks I have been feeling just a bit off kilter, nothing major, but more emotional than usual.
Then it hit me. It seems every year around a month or so before I celebrate another year milestone in recovery, I get the squirrely Shirleys!
At least I can say it isn't nearly as severe as in my earlier years of recovery, and the emotions this time around are a lot of gratitude for the blessings in my life, and an sense of awe at what I have been able to weather thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous over the years.
What an incredible journey it's been, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world! That which did not kill me made me stronger! I have known joy like I never thought was possible prior to finding AA.
This morning I went out to refill my squirrel feeder on the big oak tree. My furry little residents were up high in the tree, scolding me for intruding on their territory, and please hurry up and restock their food! I looked up at them and told them I could relate to their world right now!
Thank God for Alcholics Anonymous, thank God for my sponsor and recovery friends, thank God for love, life, laughter, tears and joy in sobriety!
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguements and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
~Herbert Spencer
Wow! It's going to be 17 years if your info and my math is correct??!! Congratulations (a bit soon)!! Just don't get too squirrely between now and then...Tim
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"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
Yes, 17 years, God willing and the creek don't rise. For now, I'll just continue to take it a day at a time because that's worked for me so far!
I visited with my sponsor this afternoon, which is always a positive experience, and helps keep me grounded.
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguements and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
~Herbert Spencer
Wow congrats! I was asked tonight by someone I knew if I was quitting drinking forever or just taking a break... I told him I did not like the forever word because not many people - even those that are not alcoholics - can't say that at 24 they will never have a drink for the rest of their lives... I am hoping that is how it is going to happen... but I said well for today I will not have a drink... I will repeat that tomorrow and the next day... it is def too scary to say that "forever" word.... even when it comes to other things in life! Before coming here I never figured out the 24 hour saying... one day at a time... now I live by it!!!
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"Advice is what you ask for when you already know the answer but wish you didn't"
A very big congratulations on your forthcoming AA birthday!!! 17 years is an amazing achievement of 'one day at a time'. Thanks for being a great inspiration to me and many others.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
