Helping each other, not alone anymore

[gravity]

Last night at my AA meeting, I had yet another incredible experience. There were about 25 people there, many from out of town (tourists, summer residents). We read the beginning of A Vision for You, the first 8 pages or so.

I was asked to contribute first and almost passed thinking I didn’t have anything too relevant to say. Instead I shared how my experience this past weekend paralleled Bill’s experience in the hotel lobby – 6 months sober, out of town, repeated urges to sit down in the hotel bar, fear. I also shared that while I stayed sober by praying & trying to keep my focus, I did not reach out to the fellowship for help – didn’t call AA members, didn’t try to find a meeting.

At least ½ of the shares that followed acknowledged how we are just one drink away from losing everything and that the urge can happen at any time. Many shared about their own close calls, the powerlessness, needing their Higher Power. There was also talk of complacency, AA becoming secondary to other “priorities”. I think that it was a bit of a wake up call for the whole group – sobriety is so precious and it can be lost in a flash. After the meeting, a few members approached me (people I had never met), offering phone numbers, schedules, and directions to meetings in their home towns. I went out for coffee afterwards. I felt so incredibly safe, other alcoholics helping me.

Some of the important things that I learned that I want to pass on:

-If you are considering AA or are fairly new and feeling uncomfortable, please be patient. It has taken me a while to get to a point where I can share with some confidence and really listen.

-The benefits of the AA program by far outweigh any apprehension that you may feel about joining. For me it was pride – I can quit on my own, I’m embarrassed that others will find out. It was trying to embrace a Higher Power. It was having to talk to others about my history. I was able to deal with these things and I now have this incredible support network wherever I go. I am not alone.

-The reason why I keep finding parallels in the Big Book to my own experience is because it was written for people just like me. This is why I find it so easy to relate to people in the program – we are the same.

-No matter how long you have been sober, please be careful and stay close to the program. You just never know.

-If you are having difficulties, share it. The support and the solution are right in front of you – other alcoholics and the Big Book.

-Use those phone numbers. There are meetings everywhere. I do get anxious before I reach out but I never ever regret it.

There are times when I feel like the most fortunate alcoholic around. I have a great sponsor and a strong, local program. But you know, it’s not just in my home town – it's everywhere. I can have the same support anywhere and anytime - I just have to reach out. And from now on, that's exactly what I'm going to do.

[Rowan]

Thank you for a very powerful share, gravity.

[CarolD]

As our active alcoholism knew no boundaries
our recovery can also be unlimited.

Thanks Gravity!

[tommyk]

Good stuff.

[RobbyRobot]

smooth and satisfying, rock on, my man Gravity

[jimhere]

Gravity,

Thanks for sharing your experience. It parallels mine. That is why the book speaks of being brought together by a common peril and being united in a common solution.

Here's some food for thought-I used to use the book to validate my experience. Now I find that my experience validates the book.
Jim

[bballdad]

thats a good way to put it Jim

[Tazman53]

Gravity thanks for that share. I always enjoy reading your post, they make me think and remember, they help me and others. You are finding what I found, I have to ask for help before I can get it...... (On occassion I do have my sponsor or an old timer pull me aside and help me see I still have my head where the sun does not shine on some things)