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Old 04-16-2011, 09:17 AM
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I understand....

(I posted this several years ago, but I wanted to let the new people know that they are not alone)

.....this is something I wrote when I had about two years sober, it was mostly intended for other women in recovery, but I think it applies to everyone here.....

.... You know me, I am your Sister, your Niece, your Cousin, your Aunt, your Daughter, an in-law, possibly your wife. My name isn't important, what is important is that we share a common bond. We are spiritually connected by our addiction, just as we are spiritually connected by our recovery. If you don't quite understand that, one day, it will all make perfect sense.
..... I guess what I am trying to say, is that when you are feeling down or confused, when the outside world just isn't making any sense, or it seems like everyone is out to get you.....I understand.
..... When the overwhelming urge to use hits, and you think the only way out is to get so high or drunk that you forget everyone that has hurt you...or you have hurt.....I understand.
..... When you see some of your family members and friends getting a "buzz", and it seems like they are having a good time.....when you start to think "maybe I don't have a problem, maybe I can have just a few" .....then you get that sick feeling deep in your gut, because you know you are just fooling yourself, and if you take just one drink/hit, all is lost....I understand.
..... When you are having a really good day, and eveything is going right...but you feel like it could be a little better if you had a few.....I understand.
..... I understand all this, because I feel it too. Oh, not all of the time, but it will creep up, when I least expect it. I have found, that when I am surround by people who are like me (in recovery) it is easy to pull someone aside, or pick up the phone and tell them how I feel....because when I do, and they say "I understand" I know that they really do!!!
..... I know that no one person's story is better or worse than mine. I know that I am no better or worse than anyone else....and there are people willing to help me in recovery........just for the sake of helping another person in recovery achieve a better life. WOW....sometimes, when I think about that, it really blows my mind!
..... Let me assure you of this.....I DO understand and I DO care, I am here if you need me, all you have to do is ask. Someday, you will be telling a newcomer these things. Until that day comes...I am here for you....and remember, as long as there are people in recovery...we are NEVER alone.

Cathy
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Old 04-16-2011, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Surlyredhead View Post
(I posted this several years ago, but I wanted to let the new people know that they are not alone)

.....this is something I wrote when I had about two years sober, it was mostly intended for other women in recovery, but I think it applies to everyone here.....

.... You know me, I am your Sister, your Niece, your Cousin, your Aunt, your Daughter, an in-law, possibly your wife. My name isn't important, what is important is that we share a common bond. We are spiritually connected by our addiction, just as we are spiritually connected by our recovery. If you don't quite understand that, one day, it will all make perfect sense.
..... I guess what I am trying to say, is that when you are feeling down or confused, when the outside world just isn't making any sense, or it seems like everyone is out to get you.....I understand.
..... When the overwhelming urge to use hits, and you think the only way out is to get so high or drunk that you forget everyone that has hurt you...or you have hurt.....I understand.
..... When you see some of your family members and friends getting a "buzz", and it seems like they are having a good time.....when you start to think "maybe I don't have a problem, maybe I can have just a few" .....then you get that sick feeling deep in your gut, because you know you are just fooling yourself, and if you take just one drink/hit, all is lost....I understand.
..... When you are having a really good day, and eveything is going right...but you feel like it could be a little better if you had a few.....I understand.
..... I understand all this, because I feel it too. Oh, not all of the time, but it will creep up, when I least expect it. I have found, that when I am surround by people who are like me (in recovery) it is easy to pull someone aside, or pick up the phone and tell them how I feel....because when I do, and they say "I understand" I know that they really do!!!
..... I know that no one person's story is better or worse than mine. I know that I am no better or worse than anyone else....and there are people willing to help me in recovery........just for the sake of helping another person in recovery achieve a better life. WOW....sometimes, when I think about that, it really blows my mind!
..... Let me assure you of this.....I DO understand and I DO care, I am here if you need me, all you have to do is ask. Someday, you will be telling a newcomer these things. Until that day comes...I am here for you....and remember, as long as there are people in recovery...we are NEVER alone.

Cathy
oh my gosh cathy...i seriously got the chills reading that...just in the nic of time too....i have already posted about it...but the line of that that stood out to me was..when you think you could have a few...my boyfriends' sister in law brought up that she used in her past life and she wanted and talked about using with me....it made me sick but i wasn't prepared to deal with it or strong enough to turn her down right over the phone...but i later found the strength to call her the next day and tell her it would def. not be happening with me!!! she agreed but hasn't called since....i hope somehow i have helped her in a way...by not giving in to her old demons coming to light now. I got right online after that...now i feel at peace with my decision and actually really proud of myself which i def. wouldn't had i gone through with those plans....thank you so very much for your lovely post...gives me hope and peace:ghug3
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Old 04-16-2011, 09:34 AM
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That is what I like to refer to as "bringing it". Good stuff.
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Old 04-16-2011, 11:01 AM
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Very nicely said.
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Old 04-16-2011, 11:05 AM
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Thanks, Cathy!
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Old 04-16-2011, 11:11 AM
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Perfect for me today...thanks.
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Old 04-16-2011, 11:20 AM
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Thank You Kathy !



:ghug3





Best Wishes To You!
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Old 04-16-2011, 02:05 PM
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brilliant post - thanks Cathy!

D
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Old 04-16-2011, 02:13 PM
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That hit the spot! Thanks Red!
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Old 04-16-2011, 02:34 PM
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Thanks for the post!
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Old 04-16-2011, 03:33 PM
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Awesome, meant so much. Thank you, I'll read it every time I get the 'no-one in the world has EVER felt like this....' mood.

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Old 04-16-2011, 04:19 PM
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Great stuff Cathy... Thanks...
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Old 04-16-2011, 04:57 PM
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Thanks so much for your post Cathy, it really means a lot to me. I have printed it out and placed it in my binder of papers that are important to my recovery.
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Old 04-16-2011, 05:06 PM
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Thanks Cathy....and an early

17 on the 27 I think?
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Old 04-17-2011, 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by CarolD View Post
Thanks Cathy....and an early

17 on the 27 I think?
Yes, 17 years sober on the 27th of this month, thank you for remembering..

However, I always think of you this time of year, 22 years sober on the 25th!!! You have always been a huge inspirtion to me, you are kind and giving, I have never even sensed anything other than friendliness in your posts...I will raise a glass of Diet Pepsi to you in your special day...I want to be just like you when I grow up (if I ever do!)

Cathy
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Old 04-17-2011, 10:11 AM
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What a great post. Thanks for sharing. Very, very well said. I like the part about how when things are going great we feel we could make them a little bit better by having a few. I can relate to that completely.
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Old 04-17-2011, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by reggiewayne View Post
What a great post. Thanks for sharing. Very, very well said. I like the part about how when things are going great we feel we could make them a little bit better by having a few. I can relate to that completely.
missed ya reggiewayne...you are so nice and had great things to say when i got here...thanks dude
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