CarolD

Fantastic Life...

I had a PM from a member who asked me
"Why don’t you share the truth on here....no one can have a fantastic life for 16 years?"

So...I will clarify for any interested

In sobriety my parents, only sibling,,, a daughter in law and my only aunt died.Alcohol was not a factor in their deaths

However...I have also lost at least 25 alcoholics I was close to.
My addict son has been missing from us for 10 years.

I am dealing with arthritis.... diabetes and an incurable retina disease
I can no longer read or drive or work.
I live on Social Security in a government funded apartment project.

Those are the realities of my fantastic life.

I have also regained the close and loving relationships of a son and
several other family members
Greeted 2 Great Grandsons into life and celebrated new marriages.

I went back to college...learned a new career and relocated twice.I do volunteer activities in my community
I Am a busy AA member.

God and I are close friends.
I am serene and full of joy and purpose.

Those are also realities of my fantastic life.

Perception I think it’s all about perception and action.

Thanks for letting me share.

Sugah

Thank you, Carol.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

Cap3

Thanks,Carol,for sharring.You say that God and you are close,and that you are serene and full of joy!!!!.Your helping others,and spreading that joy,and peace to others.
And this is where its all at.Your attitude of grattitude,has really helped me this morning,Thank you.

findingout

You rock CarolD. And thanks for sharing.

Tony

Steve.clarke1-

Thanks CarolD, for that post, showing me that with AA, My life can keep getting better No matter What.
Keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep Coming Back
Steve4372

Music

Thanks Carol. You're right! It's all in the perception and gratitude. I have the choice to stop and smell the roses, or smell the sh*t. Somehow, I prefer the roses. I had enough of the other.

FriendofBill

Sounds pretty fantastic to me.Peace and serenity under those cirumstances is fantastic.

BSPGirl

That's cool, really. But to perfectly honest with ya: I'd not find my life worth living anymore dealing with what you mentioned and with all those physical hinderances. At least I say that now. Perhaps if I reach that point and all I'll look at it differently but for now I say this, sorry to be so honest...I also don't believe in any God/Higher Power other than the power that lies in myself. Perhaps that plays a role too.

luluabel

Thank you for sharing that with us Carol ..........................love to you Lulu xx

Sugasnaps

Carol you are an inspiration. Thank you.

Ya know we all have things in our lives we'd prefer not to have... it is how we choose to live inspite of them (I'm realizing this now that I'm sober) that defines our strength. You, my Queen, are royalty. You made my day with that post. Thank you

Suga

laurie6781

Absolutely Carol!!!!! I too have a fantastic life.

I have lost both my parents, my wonderful sponsor and grand sponsor, dear friends some in AA some not, I have been up and down financially, I too went back to school in sobriety and changed professions and absolutely loved my work.

Today I live in a single wide older (but kept up) mobile home. I too have diabetis, neuropathy (constant pain), arthritis, numerous other health problems. These do not deter me, slowed me down some, but I'm like the energizer bunny I just keep going. I too am on disability so lived on a fixed income.

Now, because I no longer work, I have the time to work with others when needed, to walk around outside and see the new baby lambs and goats, to see new kittens, to watch a foal being born. And yes Music, I stop to smell the roses. lol I still do my visits the nursing home. I have wonderful friends. Whats left of my family I are very close to today.

My life is fantastic, peaceful, serene and calm.

I believe this would not have been possible had I not been taught how to work and then LIVE the 12 steps of AA. As a matter of fact when I walked through the doors of AA almost 25 years ago I never dreamed I could have the life I have today.

JMHO

Love and (((((to all))))),

Phinneas

((((Carol))))

You are my hero.

Turtle

You're a true inspiration!

Cathy31

(((Carol))) and (((Laurie)))
True examples of the AA program, and just wonderful women!
Really inspirational!
Thank you for sharing
Cathy31
x

Chy

Sounds pretty darn fantastic to me girlie! *hugs*

jpeace2

Gratitude, humility and an unwillingness to sit on the pity pot.....sounds like a winning recipe to me! Our meeting last night talked about Step 2 and your Higher Power....I see yours at work in every word, Carol. Makes me sad for those who do not have one, of any sort. I'm grateful for mine as well. I should qualify that by saying that for years I didn't want to have anything to do with religion or any of that "holy roly nonsense" as I called it. I find it no coincidence that I was also extremely miserable back then, and what do you know....things changed once I accepted a HP into my life and started working the program.

Perspective indeed....thank you so much for sharing....you too Laurie! You ladies ROCK!

Love Genie

Linda C.

Carol.. thanks for sharing that and I AGREE ( smile )..

Me too.. 25 years of sobriety and working the AA program brings about something I am unable to describe with mere words.. My life now -- in comparison to my drinking life is definately fantastic..

We all have "life".. Ups and downs, trials and tribulations. Due to what I have learned I am able to live life. Take it as it comes. Deal with situations, make decisions and still have a fantastic life.

Someone mentioned they could not feel that way if they had the same problems as you. They also mentioned they did not beleive in God/Higher Power. I can sure understand how those two things would go together.

Think I will stick with a higher power and continue with my fantastic life.

Linda C.

Little Missy

((Carol and Laurie)) Amazing, simply amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us here!! Thank you for showing me the way. It really means alot to me. I have lots to learn!!

Justme57

Fantastic share carol Thank you !

Even for me , 2 1/2 years on, I have had some of the promises come true for me . My present life bears no resemblence to the existence I had prior to quitting.

I have found a peace and happiness INSIDE me that i never knew existed. I have learned, by WORKING my programme and the 12 steps in my life, that I am indeed a worthwhile person, I have opinions, and likes and dislikes, independant of others and their affect on my life. I was always looking for something OUTSIDE me, LOL

I am a work in progress, and I am very excited at the growth I have experienced .

If I keep doing what I am doing, I will keep getting what I am getting !

HUGX
Lee

AndrewBeen

Carol,
You are the star of my day. Thank you for witnessing. You brought tears of joy.

BSP,
You are the one I am sorry for. Just being honest.