Rob B was right (sort of)

[justanothrdrunk]

I started paying a little more attention during introductions in meetings and discovered that not nearly as many folks identify as drug addicts as I originally thought. There are still a few in the meetings I attend, but not "half" like I thought. It's more like one in fifteen, if not less.

So, based on this, and some things I've read that Rob has posted in the past, I no longer identify as an alcoholic/addict during meetings.

Why am I posting this? I'm not sure.

I'm not trying to convince anyone else of what they should or should not be doing. I think my point is that I'm still learning.

I think for a while there I thought I was some sort of AA pro. Been involved with the program for several years and I figured I had it all covered. Not that there still wasn't anything to learn from others' experiences. But when it came to the program of AA in general, I thought I had it all figured out.

Another thing that I recently learned (or re-learned) is the importance of the newcomer and the even greater importance that I reach out to them.

I heard a speaker on Wednesday that really drove this home for me. I've been guilty of sort of ignoring the newcomer. I might shake hands and say hello - welcome. But that was it.

This disease caused me to isolate. And I know how hard it is to reach out for help. This attitude of others being responsible for their own recovery has become somewhat twisted.

As the saying goes, and I'm paraphrasing here, I want the hand of AA to always be there, and for that, I am responsible.

[RufusACanal]

Excellent post!

[Tazman53]

justanotherdrunk great post, one that I benefitted from, that I need to remain teachable and open minded.

[ananda]

I like the "sorta" part myself

[miss communicat]

where is Rob B???

[Rob B]

I'm around, I just have not been moved to post, or frequent SR as much as my ego used to enjoy it,
more and more I am being guided to silence. I am in the middle of a large inventory which includes several members of SR, and a bunch of other garbage I dont need to carry around anymore ( I really should have better things to do than resent people I don't know).

God has a plan for me, I need to face and be rid of the things that are blocking me so I can hear him clearer. Thank you for thinking of me, it is appreciated.

[BP44]

It was not until I was sponsored by someone who showed me how to be a member of alcoholic's anonymous that I would begin to understand and respect tradition. If you really want to know what your group thinks of the
5th tradition, lead a discussion on singleness of purpose. Better yet, arrange a singleness of purpose workshop and see how many folks participate.

[GrouchoTheCat]

"I really should have better things to do than resent people I don't know"

Rob,
I am in the process of writing my inventory right now, and what you said really hit home!

Thanks,

Ted

[navysteve]

I am an alcoholic and a drug addict, and an independent who leans slightly to the republican side of politics, I am also left handed and do not tan well. I am in the military. Every one of these labels other than alcoholic have the potential to separate me from others in the room. Why would I do that????

I am in the rooms to be one of many, not a special case