SOBER & NOT unhappy about it!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,539
SOBER & NOT unhappy about it!
On May 2nd, 2001, I walked into an AA meeting sick & tired of drinking, using and an unmanageable life.
While I had no idea what I was getting into or what to expect, it felt like I was coming home. IT WAS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE.
I have been to meetings around the country and the world.
I know of no other organization where you can walk in, feel at home and relate to so many, get help & recover.
Today, I have built a whole new life, could care less about drinking and got back into long distance running & participating in cycling endurance events. I dropped over 40 lbs., and I'm in the best shape of my life.
I have developed a spiritual life I never could have imagined. I have more inner peace & serenity than ever.
I met the lady of my dreams through this website.
Oh, and I have never felt the need to take another drink, ever again, as of today.
It has been my experience there is a very distinct difference between being sober & recovery/recovering. It's NOT just life w/o a drink or drug, it's building a WHOLE NEW CHARACTER, A NEW LIFE. It's changing everything, my attitudes & action, my thought life.
It's being happily & usefully whole......
I wish you the very best in whatever journey you choose.
Thomas
P S I should note: while I never took another drink again, I did continue smoking pot for another 14 months, thus my sobriety date of July 4th, 2002.
While I had no idea what I was getting into or what to expect, it felt like I was coming home. IT WAS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE.
I have been to meetings around the country and the world.
I know of no other organization where you can walk in, feel at home and relate to so many, get help & recover.
Today, I have built a whole new life, could care less about drinking and got back into long distance running & participating in cycling endurance events. I dropped over 40 lbs., and I'm in the best shape of my life.
I have developed a spiritual life I never could have imagined. I have more inner peace & serenity than ever.
I met the lady of my dreams through this website.
Oh, and I have never felt the need to take another drink, ever again, as of today.
It has been my experience there is a very distinct difference between being sober & recovery/recovering. It's NOT just life w/o a drink or drug, it's building a WHOLE NEW CHARACTER, A NEW LIFE. It's changing everything, my attitudes & action, my thought life.
It's being happily & usefully whole......
I wish you the very best in whatever journey you choose.
Thomas
P S I should note: while I never took another drink again, I did continue smoking pot for another 14 months, thus my sobriety date of July 4th, 2002.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,539
I'm very pleased to have helped just one person, not to mention each of you!
SO many people have been there for me during the last few yrs.......good times, and not so good.
One message that has really helped me is "hidden" in the Forward of the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions on page 15, the 3rd paragraph. (they say, a good place to hide something from an alcoholic is to put it in the Forward, as most alcoholics will never read anything there.......lol)
"AA's 12 steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink (and think) and enable the sufferer to become happily & usefuly whole"
When I 1st read: happily & usefuly whole.......I KNEW that is really ALL I've ever wanted!!!!
Thomas
SO many people have been there for me during the last few yrs.......good times, and not so good.
One message that has really helped me is "hidden" in the Forward of the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions on page 15, the 3rd paragraph. (they say, a good place to hide something from an alcoholic is to put it in the Forward, as most alcoholics will never read anything there.......lol)
"AA's 12 steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature, which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink (and think) and enable the sufferer to become happily & usefuly whole"
When I 1st read: happily & usefuly whole.......I KNEW that is really ALL I've ever wanted!!!!
Thomas
uʍop ǝpısdn
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: California
Posts: 422
Thomas, just as I am 25 days sober I am thinking about joining the gym again, and your thread pops up, sign or what? Immediately I starting stretching, I am going to get back into shape, thanks for the inspiration!
Forum Leader
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, one big happy dysfunctional family!
Posts: 23,047
Thomas, thank you for sharing and carrying the message of recovery, for your inspiration and support.
I just recognized 4 years of sobriety, it's been an amazing journey. Your post encourages me to stick with diet and exercise program, I'm half-way to my target weight!
I just recognized 4 years of sobriety, it's been an amazing journey. Your post encourages me to stick with diet and exercise program, I'm half-way to my target weight!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,539
CONGRATS ASTRO!!!
Developing an exercise program was certainly part of what saved my life.
Not all that long ago, I could not run around the block.
Next month, I will, God willing run 2 marathons in 2 weeks.
Anything is possible: RFP
Relentless Forward Progress.........one foot in front of the other.
Thomas
Developing an exercise program was certainly part of what saved my life.
Not all that long ago, I could not run around the block.
Next month, I will, God willing run 2 marathons in 2 weeks.
Anything is possible: RFP
Relentless Forward Progress.........one foot in front of the other.
Thomas
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,539
Today, I'm in the best shape of my life, and have completed numerous marathons, ultra marathons & 100+ mile cycling adventures.
I am now certified as a ChiRunning instructor to help myself & others.
I say this, not to impress you, but impress upon you, what we can accomplish in recovery, is simply amazing!
CONGRATS to each and everyone of you!!!!!!!
Thomas
I am now certified as a ChiRunning instructor to help myself & others.
I say this, not to impress you, but impress upon you, what we can accomplish in recovery, is simply amazing!
CONGRATS to each and everyone of you!!!!!!!
Thomas
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 602
Hey...I remember you 
Way back when I first came here you wrote me and said you liked my name...because it's so much like yours...lol.
Glad to hear your still doing great.
I'm only on day 3 (again).
Better than no days I guess.
Keep up the great work,
Way back when I first came here you wrote me and said you liked my name...because it's so much like yours...lol.
Glad to hear your still doing great.
I'm only on day 3 (again).
Better than no days I guess.
Keep up the great work,
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,947
Hey...
Another cyclist on board... Me too... Not in peak condition, but coming back... I've done a few century rides and 2 double century rides (the doubles were a few years back...).
Glad to see another enthusiastic sober and happy person!
Welcome (back)
Mark
Another cyclist on board... Me too... Not in peak condition, but coming back... I've done a few century rides and 2 double century rides (the doubles were a few years back...).
Glad to see another enthusiastic sober and happy person!
Welcome (back)
Mark
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