Latte

I'm talking to everyone. AAers, Al-Anon, NA etc. Everyone who is in recovery, what have you achieved due to your sobriety? A new job? A new hope? I would love to hear even the smallest things, because those things, keep me coming back, attract new comers and enlighten the old timers (I think...or so I've heard).

Latte

I've began to live a life that serves others, not just myself.

My children trust me and I can look people in the eye again.:ghug2

CAPTAINZING2000

I'm debt free today

free of my dependency of drinking

CAPTAINZING2000

Still doing most of the same things I did in the past and having a memory of it in the morning

Got any hobbies?

nandm

I am actually living and participating in my life rather than just sitting around drinking, dreaming, and watching the years roll by.

Dreams I would have never followed through and done while drinking:

• Took a trip to Maui
• Learned to drive a motorcycle---although since I wrecked I no longer drive, but love being a passenger
• have a relationship based on mutual trust and respect......while drinking my picker was broke, I spent most of my time in abusive relationships
• have real friends rather than drinking buddies....... people I know I can count on when the going gets tough
• Will be going on an Alaskan Cruise this July for a week
• have a beagle.....never would have been able to afford her or been able to truly spend the time to care for her.
• Have a true relationship with my children. They finally trust me and respect me. I am able to be there emotionally for them now.
• No longer carry the guilt and shame I had for so many years of my life.
• actually understand the word gratitude and am truly grateful for the life I have been given through sobriety
• The list could go on and on endlessly but rather than overwhelm anyone I will end it here.

Astro

Well, I'm in AA and the Promises have all come true for me. Sometimes I've heard it shared that if we started to name all the gifts we've received as a result of our sobriety there wouldn't be enough paper to write them on. Here's a few of mine-

I'm in a relationship with a woman in recovery that's based on honesty, openness, and truth. That's a first for me.

I have a relationship with my children that I used to only dream of when I drank. That's priceless.

After my ex booted me out of our home I was able to purchase a small home to share with our children.

Last year I purchased a motorcycle, a dream of mine since I sold my first one in 1992.

I have more true friends in recovery than I ever dreamed of having. I know they support me. Before I only had drinking buddies.

AA has given me a home, family, and a new way of life.

Most of all, my life has purpose. I'm finally able to be the father my children deserve to have, and I enjoy being of service in recovery.

That's enough to keep me coming back! Thanks for starting this thread, Latte!

Latte

I wish I could go to a meeting everytime I needed it, but I don't. I do have people to call but sometimes my multitasking can be much easier from the computer. I can post between doing homework with children, etc.

If one other person reads this when they can't make a meeting and it inspires them, then we've passed the word. :bounce

Astro

Hey if I wasn't clean and sober I wouldn't be on SR almost every day, and that's a huge gift in itself!

kelsh

Hi Latte,

I went to AA every night for one solid year...
I got counseling for my depression/and still take medication for it...
I went back to college to get my BA Degree in Psychology....
I got a job at the local Mental Health Agency as a Mental Health Tech...
In two years I was promoted to a Geriatric Mental Health Counselor...
I attended AA Meetings three to four times a week...
I retired with a good pension...
I enjoy a sober life with my husband, kids, and grandkids...I remarried my first husband after I was sober several years...

Now I should add that this all took work on myself at the same time as helping others....it wasn't a free ride...I wanted to be sober and stay sober more than anything else in my life.

I had to learn to like myself and love myself and trust myself before I could help others..... :day4

kelsh :ghug2

Latte

These are the things that everyone in recovery needs to read. I'm trying to keep this on the first few pages.

I'm doing my service online this week as I have a busy time with kids, etc. right now.

Thank you so much for sharing, everyone.

lovingseren

I got sober with a program called "Women for Sobriety", it has online support and chat meetings.
I attended twice daily chat meetings for the first few months.
I applied the program to my life.
I also checked myself into a 28 day treatment program, just to be sure to have a solid foundation to my recovery, this was after I had three weeks sobriety.
I read and listened to all I could on sobriety and recovery.
After two years of sobriety,I sold my house, moved towns, went back to school, got my dream job.
I volunteer my time with addicted women and with the homeless.
I got involved in labour management committee at work.
I found all kinds of new hobbies and interests.
I am living a full life, no longer half a life in the shadows.
Sobriety and recovery just keep giving back.
I have come across some of the most caring and giving people since I got into recovery, and now the see the world in a much different way.
I see myself in a different way now too.

Seren