NewMe11109

Hi SR -

I've been feeling a bit off recently and I wasn't quite sure why. Last night at my AA home group, I figured it out and learned something helpful.

One of experienced guys said:

Watch out for this progression ...

Fear leads to ..
Anger leads to ..
Resentment leads to..
Self-Pity leads to ..
Drink.

He continued: many newcomers are bouncing between self-pity and drink, but even for those of us who have been sober a long time, we need to be aware when we are in this progression and take action immediately.

This "clicked" with me as I knew I was starting down a wrong path, but wasn't close to relapsing, so what was happening? With enough sobriety under my belt, I now can recognize when I am becoming less spiritual and getting further into myself, so I needed this message last night.

It was fear. I am very afraid right now. Fear of not living up to expectations (my own), fear of letting others down, fear of ... blah blah blah... All about me.

I got angry at one of my kids last night - and that anger was about me and not him.

So, I have started my day with an amends to my son. I am writing up my experience to SR with the hope that someone will find it useful. And, I'm going to (try) to give that fear away to my higher power. I'll let my HP worry about it.

For me, I will just focus on today. I'm grateful to have the SR family to be here with all of your. Not every day is easy, but every challenge in life now gives me a chance to grow as a person. Thanks.

NEOMARXIST

Thanks for the post, much appreciated.

peace

Dee74

That progression is familiar to me - it was my life for many years.
Great self awareness tool - thanks for sharing NewMe

D

LexieCat

Good job! It's nice when we hear at a meeting exactly what we need to hear.

Funny how often that happens, too.

FrankBarone

Recognise that all too well.

Good luck.

Anna

I lived in fear for a long time, and made most of the decisions in my life based on fear.

Finally, I was able to step into the light.

Good for you for recognizing this!

julez

NewMe I feel like you just switched on a lightbulb in my head. Thank you very much.