Hi everyone,

In my post a few days ago saying that I was eighteen months sober, somebody asked me to share on how I had done it. That got me thinking.

When I first came to AA, I just wasn't ready to really accept that I was an alcoholic. I had to go back out and prove to myself once and for all, that I really was. Then, when I came back to AA I was ready to listen to what was being shared.

Some of the key points for me were to listen to the similarities in someone's share and not look for the differences. I got to as many different meetings as I could and made one my Home Group. I got as involved in AA as I could by making coffee and washing the cups. I would help set up the room and then tidy it up again at the end of the meeting. I had my Home Group's birthday book and was responsible for making sure that there was a birthday card ready for them on their sobriety birthday.

I am very fortunate in having a wonderful sponsor and I appreciate her help, support and guidance. She has helped me to work the steps to the very best of my ability and guided me when I was about to go in the wrong direction.

She also taught me to ask for help when I needed it. I was always really bad at asking for help. But, with practice I learned when I needed to reach out and in AA there is always somebody there for us.

But, for this alcoholic, the most important thing that I did, and still do, is to keep going back to my meetings. Without my meetings I wouldn't be able to stay sober.

The quality of my life is now so very much different from how I thought it would be. Life isn't always perfect, but I can now handle life on life's terms without reaching for a drink.

I have my self-respect and pride back. I am more active and busier than I was when I was drinking. My friends and family trust me once again. No more nursing of killer hang-overs and trying to piece together what I had done the evening before. I have taken up walking and get out into the countryside near where I live as often as I can. I feel so much healthier now and I know that I am.

I just feel a million times better than I ever thought I could.

I have enormous gratitude for AA and for all of the wonderful people that I have met. I now have true friends.

Thanks for being here for me.

Take care,

Carol