I met a newcomer on his first day Wednesday. He had the stench of alcohol seeping through his pores. After the meeting I introduced myself, got his number, talked and then called him at home a few times (3) including this morning.
He's been in and out of the program in LA. He's recently moved to my neck of the woods and wants to start again. He's on day 3 and I'm taking him to a stagg meeting tonight. I told my sponsor I'm not ready and am looking for someone to take him on as a sponsee. We are close to 2 generations apart. I'm 35 he's 64.
I feel good that he said he's greatful for me helping him, and that if the people in our fellowship are as nice as me, he's going to get through this.
I know I can't really do a good step 12 yet, but I think I've done a good thing.
Yes it feels GREAT! I'm getting the swing of things. I call 3 alcoholics a day, my sponsor at least twice and 1 meeting per day. I pray in the AM now and always before bed. These simple changes do wonders. Today was the first time I prayed in the AM. My day seems much more serene regardless that my marriage is a mess.
When I first came to AA, I didn't think I'd ever be able to help anyone. But, I quickly found that we all have something to say which will help somebody else, no matter how long we have been sober or in the program. That's part of the beauty of AA for me.
I'm so pleased that you are having a good day.
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
Well,, thinking aabout this now,, the Step 12 that we do at 27 days is not the same as the Step 12 we do at 27 months, or 27 years,,,, but,, it is true that we can all give something in some way. There are people who only do Steps 1 and 12, but it is really good to do all the STeps,,, including 4, 7, 9, 10, 11 before we try to be a sponsor. The blind can walk with the blind and we can help each other,,, but it is good to ask somebody who has been that way before to lead the way.
I learn from your shares here too. When we start developing our selves, we find that God created a lot more, in us, than we realized.
oh,, by the way... Ironman,, have you read the chapter on Step 12 in the 'Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradition' book? It has a good section on the marriage relationship. I think the chapter on Step 10 does too, if I remember correctly.
love in recovery,
amanda
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do your best and God does the rest, a step at a time
Step 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Here's how I see it: It says "tried" so it doesn't matter 27 days, months, years or minutes, if you can carry the message to another please do so to the best of your ability. We ALL have something we can contribute starting the first second we decided to put the plug in the jug.
Sometimes for some of us the Step can be in TWO parts.
Time lines are only suggestions, and yes they do come from those who have come before us, however, I know plenty who have 10 times the amount of sobriety that I have but don't have a clue as to how to carry the message....... You just keep practicing staying sober and the steps to the best of your ability and you can ride that pink cloud forever....... You're doing great!
-- Edited by Doll at 08:00, 2006-12-24
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Very interesting. This is making me think. Anyone can have something positive to contribute, and anyone can share e, s & h. But is that the same as doing a 12th Step and carrying the AA message and principles if we are so new that we don't really know what that is yet? hmm
I know some people who are fairly new that think they know the AA principles and more,, so that they know how to interpret it better than the seniors,, and even know how to make improvements on it.
hmmm... interesting.. was the reaching out the Bill did before he and that first group drew up and organized AA a 12th STep? There wasn't a 12th Step yet. Or was that some real valuable general reaching out and trying to be constructive and postive and helpful?
If I reached out and gave winter clothing to the homeless.. is that 12th Stepping? or is that another type of good deed? Are all good deeds the 12th Step? or only the more specific passing on of learned and applied AA principles?
amanda
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do your best and God does the rest, a step at a time
If I reached out and gave winter clothing to the homeless.. is that 12th Stepping? or is that another type of good deed? amanda
If that person has the desire to get sober and has asked for your help also, then I'd say yes to both questions.......Jen
Our Primary Purpose "Our 12th Step, carrying the message, is the basic service that the AA fellowship gives. This is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence. Therefore, AA is more than a set of principles. It is a society for alcoholics in action. We must carry the message, else we ourselves can whither and those who have not been given the truth may die" - Bill W. from "What is the Third Legacy" AA Grapevine July 1955
-- Edited by Doll at 08:48, 2006-12-24
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Okay,,, somebody sent me a nasty message complaining that I 'cross-talked' and criticized her post. Not true, I just shared my perspective. But this last post is definitely personal to me, and arguing. I have no desire to go through what we went through before. I'm having a good Christmans, while being stressed and working my Steps hard. I don't need more stress of personal attacks, and bs.
I am going to back off from the board, and enjoy my Christmas.
God bless you all,
love in recovery,
amanda
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do your best and God does the rest, a step at a time
Nothing will insure us against that first drink so much as intensive work with other alcoholics.
When all else fails I have to help people in and out of the program. Such is life. The only thing is I actually enjoy doing it today. I'm not on step 12 right now. If someone was to ask me to sponsor them I don't think I'd be able to say no right now. I actually believe in my ability to help others in good, productive ways. It's one day at a time with high hopes and low expectations.
Today was the first time I prayed in the AM. My day seems much more serene regardless that my marriage is a mess.
