So this will be my first post since checking out this site. Since then a lot has happened. Finally did the detox thing which was a walk through hell and back. Amidst all that turmoil, after 17 years I finally laid eyes on my biological Father for the first time in my life. There are no hard feelings between he and I. Just a connection on a totally different level. Found out I am part First Nation Cree which is in and of itself a whole new world to me, though a comforting one.
So now my journey begins. I am not sure how to start, or what I am actually suppose to do. I am willing to take the first step. Right now for me, it is my music and writing that have gotten me to this point after detox, keeping me focused and away from the booze that held me captive for over half my life. Be it that I'm only 17 tells me I've missed a good portion of my childhood already and what I do remember is a blur.
My Father is understanding and has offered his support if and when I need it which makes this transition into sobriety more comforting in many ways. I enter this relationship of Father and daughter with an open mind, knowing that with it will come many questions and perhaps at times not enough answers.
For me, my first question is what do I do now. how do I approach these steps?
I Know it is my journey, but sometimes we all need a little help to get started.
I would appreciate any suggestions you may have that would assist me.
Jazz
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"In every life we must face adversity; it's how you choose to walk away from it that makes the person you will become." Jazzii
Hi and welcome!! Well the first and best thing to do is get to an AA meeting right away! Make contacts, get phone numbers and use them! Even if you dont remember the person call anyway and say you are an alcoholic and it will flow. The steps are strongly suggested to do with a sponsor. A sponsor is very important and you should find one right away. Pick someone who when they share you are glued to what they say. I'm praying for you hun! Keep on this board too. Allison
Hi Jazz, and welcome to MIP. I hope you gain much in our sharing of our different views on experience, strength and hope.
First off, what a blessing to have been united with your Father! I bet he will have much to share with you regarding that side of your family. And another blessing in finding sobriety so soon. This truly is an exciting and learning journey, and discovering it now is awesome.
Doing the steps? I would find a sponsor, someone that you feel trust and alignment with. There is no linear time involved, do things at the pace that is right for you. I've seen people do the steps within weeks of sobriety, and some who took many months----you work it the way that is best for you, and finding others who have been or are in your position to share the steps with would be, in my opinion, a good idea. You'll find these people in meetings. The support is so very important. A suggestion is to look up the AA hotline in your area and see if you can find meetings. Check a few of them out, and see what and who you feel comfortable with. (and listening. I had trouble with listening in the beginning because I thought I had answers for everything.)
Trust in your Higher Power, if you have one, to guide you is the most important thing in my personal program, and it took me a bit to develope that part. I wasn't too sure just what a Higher Power was supposed to be, but eventually, it will be revealed.
In the meantime, keep coming back! You will get all sorts of feedback from others about this. Find the similarities, and welcome to a new life. Chris
Welcome to MIP. I do hope that you'll stay around.
For me, I couldn't stay sober with going to AA meetings. I have met some of the most lovely people in the meetings and I have so many good friends now. You'll find the AA help-line 'phone number in your local 'phone directory. They will be able to tell you where your local meetings are held.
The great thing about AA, for me, was realizing that I wasn't on my own with my alcoholism. I was surrounded by people who knew just where I was and had been there, too. I sat and listened to everything that was said in my meetings as I knew that I couldn't do it on my own and I wanted what everybody else had.
A sponsor is somebody in AA that you can really relate to and whose sobriety you admire. I asked a lady to be my sponsor after I had seen her at about four or five meetings and chatted with her. She has guided me through the twelve steps and is now a very close friend.
If people give you their 'phone numbers, call them. It helps everybody to have contact with another recovering alcoholic. I often give my 'phone number to a newcomer and I would much rather that they picked up the 'phone to me instead of picking up a drink.
Please keep posting and letting us know how things are going for you, won't you?
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
Welcome Alison! I wish you all the best!! What an awesome thing to be in this program at such a young age! I am amazed at all the young people I meet at meetings. It very cool how they all sort of group together and plan activities together! Alot of them were scared because alll their friends were still partying and they felt left out. Go to meetings. Look around. Try to hook up with the people your age and get involved with them! You'll find your not alone and will probably have more in common with them than you would think!
My husband and I are both in the program and we hang out with 3 other couples and play cards or golf in the summer. These couples all have 15 plus years under their belts and were early 20's when they came in. Amazing to me!!! But they have wonderful lives and great families and didnt have to go thru all the stuff I did. Be grateful you got an early start in sobriety!! Ask for help and you'll be amazed!!! Lani
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Welcome to MIP, Jazz. I hope your first few steps have not been too hard. You express yourself beautifully & that is a real gift. Use it to engage with us & let us know how you are each day. For me, getting into a little routine helps to keep me stable & moving forwards. Logging in here each day keeps me on track & helps me to develop my focus & discipline. I spent my formative years with no investment in myself besides wishful thinking & I was never able to put alot into practice. Having AA to come to & meeting others with such a strong desire not to take a drink really spurs me on even when I'm struggling. I've found it beneficial to share all the good & the bad of myself & I hope you find coming to know yourself outside of drink a really enjoyable & stimulating experience. Sometimes I have to deal with alot of things I don't like about myself & I know I can't hide from any of this in the oblivion & irresponsibility of drink & that is at times very painful for me but with 1Step@aTime 1Day@aTime I am able to continue to learn & grow in a good direction as suggested by my peers here & in meetings. I also benefit alot from the unconditional love of a good sponsor. I hope you find this too. One of the most beautiful things I find about fellow alkies here & in meetings is that no matter what I give out, they encourage me to carry on & trust with their faith that I can do better even if I'm not feeling that myself. AA is like a deep friendship that offers me wisdoms when I forget myself what's good for me. Believe in yourself & whatever you feel your Higher Power to be. HP is a rich & personal experience & I hope you find alot of love in your life as a result of working with that. Take good care, Jazz. Whatever you feel you want to know & explore, just ask. We're all here for you, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Okay...after I finished reading all your messages for the third time I find myself compelled to take a breath...and savour the words. It's enlightening and may I say...a tad bit overwhelming. I am just on my first leg of this journey and I'm still standing on wobbly legs.
Your words are beyond powerful and for me a welcome sign I wasn't expecting. So with the grandest of Thank You's I take all of your wisdom and foresight with me as I walk into the shadows of myself and one day hope to find what it is that has led me here...where I once felt alone and forgotten...I now feel acceptance...for once in my life.
Jazz
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"In every life we must face adversity; it's how you choose to walk away from it that makes the person you will become." Jazzii
