Redmayne

After a drinking history, as what is referred to as a 'high functioning alcoholic', now followed by well over eight years of sobriety and due to celebrate my 70th birthday in Sept.

I got to thinking what suggestions might exist for, shall we say, more senior citizens in recovery?

An obvious one might be, do not regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many...

Ay other constructive comments would be welcome ... I look forward to reading them and offer my thanks in anticipation of any contributions from members of all ages.

SoberCAH

Great topic, Red.

I just turned 59.

The key for me is to be more of a student of AA and less of a teacher.

AA will outlive me.

I just want to be a small (but sober) part of its history.

FarToGo

I'd like to think of older age (though I'm not saying 70 is old anymore) might be about passing on wisdom and guiding others in whatever way, by example, by giving time, by saying something supportive, or just listening............ things I'd like to do more of anyway.
I love to be a student of those with more experience than me and at 50, maybe my time is coming to be more of a guide too, though I don't intend to stop learning.
Great thread!
xx

zerothehero

I'm too old for rules. The fewer the better. It makes it easier to comply. So, as a proud AARP member in recovery, my only rule is don't drink and don't get high. Period.

Redmayne

My grateful thanks to all those who've responded to my post thus far not least because I and I'm sure others have learned have learned something from each of you ...

I have recently taken an interest in Stoic philosophy, with particular reference to Jacob Needleman and John P. Piazza's excellent book, 'The Essential Marcus Aurelius' the last part of which, coming under the heading 'Book 12'. It's actually only a slim volume ...that itself is like a blueprint for life in recovery of whatever age, which I keep close to hand and read daily ...

Redmayne

Perhaps I should've added, by way of explanation, that my interest in the principles and practices in Stoic philosophy, stems from the fact that its' basic tenets can be found in the words of 'The Serenity Prayer' ...

MIRecovery

For me it is continuous growth to become a better person. I know the person I don't want to be so now it is time to become the person I do. I am of the belief that if I'm not moving forward I'm moving backwards

Boleo

Rules stopped working for me at the height of my drinking career. I broke the "Don't drink" rule thousands of times and the "Don't drink & drive" rule hundreds of times. It seems that once I started drinking or even thinking of drinking, all rules went out the window.

What does work for me now are; principles, boundaries & commitments.
I don't think of them as "rules" but rather as good Karma and Dharma.

IvanMike

It's hard to add to that list. (Be sure to check out quotes with an ellipsis for the entire quote in context).

I'm only 48, but I've been assured that not using is an excellent way to get old.

Carpathia

the golden rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Redmayne

My thanks once again to all those who've contributed to this thread, reflected in 'Carpathia's' post, really great and more than I, certainly expected in their constructive and positive nature ... a real boost for me and I'm sure all others, of whatever age, who read them...thanks

Redmayne

Staying with the theme of this thread, I sometimes find myself taking life, including me,to seriously ...

Fortunately an email I received today from my son, whom I raised, from the age of ten, not me him, ok! As a single, unsupported parent a timely reminder of the old saying, 'The value of a good son , including daughters, is best displayed in their ability to give you a kick up the ass!'....

On which basis I am currently reading Bill Bryson's (one of the USA's best exports) ' The Road to Little Dribbling', subtitled 'More Notes From A Small Island', full of funny, observational humour on the eccentricities of life here in the UK.

I always think, in recovery, repeating the words of Carl Sandburg,' A society (or individual, my words) that forgets where it came from, will destroy itself.'

Db1105

Don't drink
Don't die

oldsoul1122

"Wear the world like a loose overcoat"......as in relax and
don't take it all/self so seriously.

Time2Rise

Rule 1) - Don't be an old guy who goes around making rules.

Gottalife

Practicing gratitude seem to be a good thing to do.