Length of Time Sober - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

EdLova · 04-21-2005, 12:53 PM

people with the longest time sober have the tightest noose around their neck..

Their knowledge of their past experience

Dan · 04-21-2005, 12:56 PM

The amount of time I've spent sober is less important than what I am doing with that time today.

EdLova · 04-21-2005, 01:02 PM

yes dan..

get current get current get current

I wish there was a better word for "current"

Havent we all said time and time again "IF I COULD JUST START AGAIN!"

Alot of people with specific length of time sober so easily forget their "eductaional variety" spiritual experience..Because the spiritual experience is not educational..You dont graduate from the Grace of God or get a diploma..I'm down with the fact that people can learn and obtain information and knowledge about themselves enough to see some truth about themselves they didnt see before..

But whatever spiritual experience you have, it will be so F**ing profound you can't stand it..

Your thought life and attitude and outlook upon life will CHANGE..

But just like I cannot live off the food I had two weeks ago I cannot live off the spiritual experience I had two weeks ago either because I am unable at certain times to remember the consequences of even a week or a month ago..I need to get in touch with a Power that will continually hit my refresh button every time

Andy F · 04-21-2005, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdLova

people with the longest time sober have the tightest noose around their neck..

Their knowledge of their past experience

Dear Ed

If I read right previously you are around 17 months sober? This is a long time sober.

I am unsure why you make this point about the 'longest' people sober. Afterall, it doesn't really apply to you? Why make the point?

mackat · 04-21-2005, 01:27 PM

There are two rules on the spiritual path:
Begin and Continue.
Sufi saying

Dan · 04-21-2005, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mackat

There are two rules on the spiritual path:
Begin and Continue.
Sufi saying

That's cement slab stuff Mack.
Amen.

nutz · 04-21-2005, 02:40 PM

Time helps
becuase there's only so much one can process, reflect, or grasp from experience in a short period of time.
kind of like just going thur the motions.
plus there's the learning cruve thing.
plus our minds, bodies, and spirit is bankupt at first.
over loaded with fears, losts, perceptionds destorded. How can we
comprehend anything when we're all over the place blinded
in fogs of fears ?

but you can so also have time without experience, growth or change.

an act , done enough times become a habit.
habits over period of time becomes a charector.
A person with time that identified ,applied the program is more apt to
have a habit of staying in the moment, keeping it simple
stay focus, stay open,trun it over and accept that we're all
just alcoholic,we all need help and we can't do it alone, no
matter what. That includes with length of sobiety or lack of it.
The disease is powerful ,kills, and incurable.

It's not a rat race or competition. it's life and death,
misery and sobiety.
Not mine is better than yours. We did that already when we were drunks.

Music · 04-21-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdLova

Havent we all said time and time again "IF I COULD JUST START AGAIN!"

I do start again!! Every morning when I wake up and realize God has given me another day.

Ed, I'd love to see just one post of yours without you using the "Y" word.

Sober time does matter, otherwise it wouldn't be worth working for. People with long time sobriety drink because they forget they can get drunk just as good and just as fast as a person with one day.

BikerBill8 · 04-21-2005, 03:40 PM

Hi Ed, I have today and tomorrow never comes and yesterday is gone. I have over 4 1/2 years and i keep it green.

Wilky · 04-21-2005, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdLova

people with the longest time sober have the tightest noose around their neck..

Their knowledge of their past experience

Clarify that statement a little more for this old man! Long sobriety=noose?
No comprende amigo.

Their knowledge of their past experience.....WHAT? Yes, I have knowledge of my past experience....so???? What does that have to do with the noose?

Maybe I am just too old.

Wilky

nutz · 04-21-2005, 06:13 PM

long sobiety= deciplin, proactive, work, action, perceived as noose.
not putting hands into fire any mOre seems restrictive or not free.
short term memory from killing brain cells.

life not fun
sobiety not fun
why change, life dosen't
nothing new, have all the answers already, can tell future
all die at the end so why do anything differnent.
Mmmmm might as will get drunk !!!.lol

a luaghter of a child has no meaning
a hugh from a friend has no meaning
helping others in need has no meaning
love of a love ones has no meaning
dancing in the rain has no meaning
making a snow angle has no meaning
reading a funny joke has no meaning
wacthing an eagle fly has no meaning
falling in love has no meaning
compasion for self and others has no meaning
happiness has no meaning
tears has no meaning

mentally, pyhically, spirtaully bankrupt

***-on....we were all like that...sometimes old farts forget.
they have noose around their neck.lmaf

EdLova · 04-22-2005, 01:03 AM

What does length of time sober have to do with a relationship with the Power that is already keeping recovered alcoholics (like most of us?) sober?

It's the knowledge and memory of a historic and past spiritual experience that will keep you sick..

Did you taste God today?

Music · 04-22-2005, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdLova

What does length of time sober have to do with a relationship with the Power that is already keeping recovered alcoholics (like most of us?) sober?

It's the knowledge and memory of a historic and past spiritual experience that will keep you sick..

Did you taste God today?

Ed,
It's been said that "we're human beings on a spiritual journey." I don't believe that! I believe we're "spiritual beings on a human journey." This means that from day one, since I took my first breath, God as I understand Him has been there through the whole history of my life. Ever read "Footprints"? My length of time sober has a direct connection with the God who gave me the desire to get sober and today, gives me the desire to stay sober. There have definately been days in my sobriety, when there was only one set of footprints, and they weren't mine.

3legacy · 04-22-2005, 09:15 AM

I just love the Footprints piece. My Mom used to have it on a wall in our livingroom as I was growing up.(Us kids were not allowed in there except on special occassions)

I had a really good relationship with my Grand Mother. She used to talk about me having my own little set of foot prints running away from God like a bat out of hell. She told me that eventually I would return from my solitude. I too would be washed ashore back upon the beach from the Ocean of personal destruction and be lifted up in the arms of God with many other of His wayward children.

My Grandma Petra had great vision. She had led a pretty darned rough life herself. She suggested I HALO everyone around me in her sweet old Norske accent. She said I would then be surrounded by angels. LOL I chuckle again as She always did have to add -- that of course I would never be one - then she would wink and give me a kiss with a loving smile that melts the toughest of hearts.

The longer the "time" I have in sobriety, the more practical experience I have in much more than just not drinking. Not drinking was only the first of many gifts my spiritual experiences have provided. My first spiritual experience was conception. Second was probably the Doctor paddling my butt. Many of the early spiritual experiences I have had I was not even aware of. Thank God I have cleared a bit of the garbage through Step work and am much more receptive than I once was.

Promises mention something about God doing for us what we could not do for ourselves, but that in no way abdicates my personal responsibility in doing for myself what I am able to with His many gifts bestowed. Nor, I believe, does it abdicate our collective responsibility if we call ourselves members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I used to ask my sponsor and a few other oldtimer friends of his if their Spiritual Awakenings had happened to have fallen asleep. After initially getting a little upset at my even asking the question of them with so much TIME, they got off their butts and joined with me in brotherly and harmonious action in carrying A.A.'s message to the still suffering alcoholic, instead of our own individual ones. They even sometimes thanked me a bit later for the Wake Up call. Hoping to see some of these same folks this next weekend at our 12 Annual Spring Ring Campout locally.

The only "noose" this past experience in Sobriety has for me is firmly fixed to the
:aasmile
my sponsor suggested I place around my waist. It's become my life-preserver! It's also our responsibility as members to provide to those coming in the doors. It was the Gift from God Bill W. and the Alcoholics Anonymous Foundation passed on to WE the fellowship 50 years ago in St. Louis. The same one which Ken S. passed on to me when I entered the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous with an honest desire to stop drinking and a willingness to go to any lengths.

Spiritual Experience was the aim and still is and I'm hoping to continue awakening in the process of a wonderful sober experience. Sure beat the previous experience of trying to just not drink on my own.

:sink

1 What was my choice to be? I think a few may understand. That in itself really does not even matter. I am grateful today that I've found a greater understanding. Much greater than when I first came to.............A.A. and ohhh ........so much more.

((((((((((SR A-Z #'s included))))))))))
Kiss Heart of Spirit In Love & Service,
3 Legacy

**Phinneas** · 04-22-2005, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3legacy

My Grandma Petra had great vision. She had led a pretty darned rough life herself. She suggested I HALO everyone around me in her sweet old Norske accent. She said I would then be surrounded by angels. LOL I chuckle again as She always did have to add -- that of course I would never be one - then she would wink and give me a kiss with a loving smile that melts the toughest of hearts.

Awwww....

And, Music, those one set of footprints in the sand were not mine, either.

--phinny

BlueMoon · 04-22-2005, 09:00 PM

Quote:

people with the longest time sober have the tightest noose around their neck..

When I got clean/sober (13yrs ago if you're counting), HP *removed* the noose that I had placed around my neck.

light + love
Blue

Millwallj · 04-23-2005, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Music

Ed,
It's been said that "we're human beings on a spiritual journey." I don't believe that! I believe we're "spiritual beings on a human journey." This means that from day one, since I took my first breath, God as I understand Him has been there through the whole history of my life. Ever read "Footprints"? My length of time sober has a direct connection with the God who gave me the desire to get sober and today, gives me the desire to stay sober. There have definately been days in my sobriety, when there was only one set of footprints, and they weren't mine.

I like that Music - spiritual beings on a human journey.

that comforts me because I dont like the idea that somehow your bog standard alky "turns into" a spiritual one. not really a humble notion, to think we have to be different to much of the world. AA lets my spirit grow - that has been my experience. it certainly hasnt given me a spirit, its just free'd it. i know that spirit is in everyone. just like the 'idea of god' is within us all.

Kahlia · 04-23-2005, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueMoon

When I got clean/sober (13yrs ago if you're counting), HP *removed* the noose that I had placed around my neck.

light + love
Blue

When I got clean 5 years ago....the noose around my neck loosened and the KNOT was gone.......Kahlia

04-21-2005, 12:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
EdLova Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laredo, Tx Posts: 90	Length of Time Sober people with the longest time sober have the tightest noose around their neck.. Their knowledge of their past experience

04-21-2005, 02:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
nutz doing the inside job Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: planet happy Posts: 544	Time helps becuase there's only so much one can process, reflect, or grasp from experience in a short period of time. kind of like just going thur the motions. plus there's the learning cruve thing. plus our minds, bodies, and spirit is bankupt at first. over loaded with fears, losts, perceptionds destorded. How can we comprehend anything when we're all over the place blinded in fogs of fears ? but you can so also have time without experience, growth or change. an act , done enough times become a habit. habits over period of time becomes a charector. A person with time that identified ,applied the program is more apt to have a habit of staying in the moment, keeping it simple stay focus, stay open,trun it over and accept that we're all just alcoholic,we all need help and we can't do it alone, no matter what. That includes with length of sobiety or lack of it. The disease is powerful ,kills, and incurable. It's not a rat race or competition. it's life and death, misery and sobiety. Not mine is better than yours. We did that already when we were drunks. __________________ practice, practice, practice What had been the source of devastation became the seed of a new me.

04-21-2005, 03:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
BikerBill8 Greatful Sober Biker Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cottonwood AZ. Posts: 494	Hi Ed, I have today and tomorrow never comes and yesterday is gone. I have over 4 1/2 years and i keep it green. __________________

04-21-2005, 06:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
nutz doing the inside job Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: planet happy Posts: 544	long sobiety= deciplin, proactive, work, action, perceived as noose. not putting hands into fire any mOre seems restrictive or not free. short term memory from killing brain cells. life not fun sobiety not fun why change, life dosen't nothing new, have all the answers already, can tell future all die at the end so why do anything differnent. Mmmmm might as will get drunk !!!.lol a luaghter of a child has no meaning a hugh from a friend has no meaning helping others in need has no meaning love of a love ones has no meaning dancing in the rain has no meaning making a snow angle has no meaning reading a funny joke has no meaning wacthing an eagle fly has no meaning falling in love has no meaning compasion for self and others has no meaning happiness has no meaning tears has no meaning mentally, pyhically, spirtaully bankrupt ***-on....we were all like that...sometimes old farts forget. they have noose around their neck.lmaf __________________ practice, practice, practice What had been the source of devastation became the seed of a new me.

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04-21-2005, 12:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dan Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,723	The amount of time I've spent sober is less important than what I am doing with that time today.

04-21-2005, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
EdLova Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laredo, Tx Posts: 90	yes dan.. get current get current get current I wish there was a better word for "current" Havent we all said time and time again "IF I COULD JUST START AGAIN!" Alot of people with specific length of time sober so easily forget their "eductaional variety" spiritual experience..Because the spiritual experience is not educational..You dont graduate from the Grace of God or get a diploma..I'm down with the fact that people can learn and obtain information and knowledge about themselves enough to see some truth about themselves they didnt see before.. But whatever spiritual experience you have, it will be so F**ing profound you can't stand it.. Your thought life and attitude and outlook upon life will CHANGE.. But just like I cannot live off the food I had two weeks ago I cannot live off the spiritual experience I had two weeks ago either because I am unable at certain times to remember the consequences of even a week or a month ago..I need to get in touch with a Power that will continually hit my refresh button every time

04-21-2005, 01:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
mackat Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: a spiritual vortex, Colorado Posts: 844	There are two rules on the spiritual path: Begin and Continue. Sufi saying

04-22-2005, 01:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
EdLova Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laredo, Tx Posts: 90	What does length of time sober have to do with a relationship with the Power that is already keeping recovered alcoholics (like most of us?) sober? It's the knowledge and memory of a historic and past spiritual experience that will keep you sick.. Did you taste God today?

04-22-2005, 09:15 AM	#14 (permalink)
3legacy Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Beaver, WA Posts: 1,350	I just love the Footprints piece. My Mom used to have it on a wall in our livingroom as I was growing up.(Us kids were not allowed in there except on special occassions) I had a really good relationship with my Grand Mother. She used to talk about me having my own little set of foot prints running away from God like a bat out of hell. She told me that eventually I would return from my solitude. I too would be washed ashore back upon the beach from the Ocean of personal destruction and be lifted up in the arms of God with many other of His wayward children. My Grandma Petra had great vision. She had led a pretty darned rough life herself. She suggested I HALO everyone around me in her sweet old Norske accent. She said I would then be surrounded by angels. LOL I chuckle again as She always did have to add -- that of course I would never be one - then she would wink and give me a kiss with a loving smile that melts the toughest of hearts. The longer the "time" I have in sobriety, the more practical experience I have in much more than just not drinking. Not drinking was only the first of many gifts my spiritual experiences have provided. My first spiritual experience was conception. Second was probably the Doctor paddling my butt. Many of the early spiritual experiences I have had I was not even aware of. Thank God I have cleared a bit of the garbage through Step work and am much more receptive than I once was. Promises mention something about God doing for us what we could not do for ourselves, but that in no way abdicates my personal responsibility in doing for myself what I am able to with His many gifts bestowed. Nor, I believe, does it abdicate our collective responsibility if we call ourselves members of Alcoholics Anonymous. I used to ask my sponsor and a few other oldtimer friends of his if their Spiritual Awakenings had happened to have fallen asleep. After initially getting a little upset at my even asking the question of them with so much TIME, they got off their butts and joined with me in brotherly and harmonious action in carrying A.A.'s message to the still suffering alcoholic, instead of our own individual ones. They even sometimes thanked me a bit later for the Wake Up call. Hoping to see some of these same folks this next weekend at our 12 Annual Spring Ring Campout locally. The only "noose" this past experience in Sobriety has for me is firmly fixed to the :aasmile my sponsor suggested I place around my waist. It's become my life-preserver! It's also our responsibility as members to provide to those coming in the doors. It was the Gift from God Bill W. and the Alcoholics Anonymous Foundation passed on to WE the fellowship 50 years ago in St. Louis. The same one which Ken S. passed on to me when I entered the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous with an honest desire to stop drinking and a willingness to go to any lengths. Spiritual Experience was the aim and still is and I'm hoping to continue awakening in the process of a wonderful sober experience. Sure beat the previous experience of trying to just not drink on my own. :sink 1 What was my choice to be? I think a few may understand. That in itself really does not even matter. I am grateful today that I've found a greater understanding. Much greater than when I first came to.............A.A. and ohhh ........so much more. ((((((((((SR A-Z #'s included)))))))))) Kiss Heart of Spirit In Love & Service, 3 Legacy

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