Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

We are responsible for our disease once we realize we have it. If we sit on our butt and do nothing about it we are at fault! There is extensive medical proof it is a disease, but once diagnosed or recognized it is up for us to do something about. It's not something to mess around with. For me, that meant finding a solution that worked for me, beyond just a few AF days while taking weekends off for "good behavior". That has never worked for me! One person I have talked with over the years, pretty much does that pattern regularly and actually advises others, as if from experience on sobriety, doling out all sorts of advice on the topic...it's interesting, but sad she has a hard time taking the cotton out of her ears for a change! Listening to those who have fully surrendered and work a program, and mustering up the willingness to change seem to be a good start. I had to try and try again until I finally returned to AA and found my path after exhausting so many methods. I pray I stay on it and don't give up after 4-6 months of AF time as my history has shown.

[TheSunFlower]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Mary....I knew about your brother and son....but, did not realize your son did not attend meetings. I too know people who got sober other ways....or used AA for a few years....and then went on to other things. Its definitely an individual path.

I use the wisdom from several individuals and organizations. I may not find every single thing useful....but, I definitely gain wisdom from each.

I am grateful to have learned that the only person who can knock my serenity around is myself. If I let other people bother me....that is my own fault. I certainly do not feel like I have the right to judge anyone else or their behavior. Everyone on this earth is on a journey and rarely is it easy. One person who wanted to be judge and jury is no longer in my life. Sometimes it feels like she still wants to nudge her way in. Its sad because she only knew one part of my life. She never really knew me, nor I her. For me its a great learning experience to watch myself....when I make assumptions about people.

When I am making assumptions...I am usually are wrong.

There is this guy who comes to our office....who has always seemed a bit off. Some people where getting all up in arms about it.....until we were told he has Autism. I have personally watched the transformation how people react to him.

It may have taken me awhile to put it all together, but I am glad that I have freely choosen this path and not forced into it. If I was forced into it....I doubt I would be where I am today. I certainly was not sober the entire time....I was learning all of this....but, once I did....all those teachings came in and came together.

Nice to see some great conversations on this thread.

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Wow, I feel the same way, SF. (Kim, aka...about 10 other names over the 8 years on MWO) You come to this thread, one you have never been a regular on or even post on, 18 minutes after I finally told you I didn't want you in my life (after putting me down once again). And now you immaturely try to bash me more....coincidence? You knock AA and those who do have any time or anyone who says ANYTHING in the least bit harsh about "slips". You post drunk every weekend, then delete the many insane and attacking posts in the morning, then say you are sober. Now you say how you embrace AA. Hmmm. That would be great if was true, but once again, the timing? Who is nudging their way into who's life? Do you really need to follow me here? It feels a bit stalker-ish. Please go troll somewhere else. Please.

[TheSunFlower]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Gina...if you have an issue with me....this is not the place to take it up. Mary worked very hard to keep this as a positive thread. I do not feel the need to respond to your negative statements about me. They simply are not true. Please keep posting here if it helps you. There is an "ignore" button...if you feel the need to use it.

I am sorry if you "Judge and Jury" me. I never did that to you.

[TheSunFlower]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Gina

I will not be reading here or posting here anymore. I thank all of you for your great wisdom and support. Although I may not have always posted...I read....and it kept me going. Except for now....

Gina has decided to post negative things about me that simply are not true....and attack me multiple times though PM.

I know that Gina has been through a lot this past year. And I have no idea where she is coming from. I honestly wish her the best on her path.

All of you have helped me so much...Thank You! I have tremendous respect and gratitude. Thank you for all the great PM's!

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Thank you very much. I tried to keep it on PM which were rudely replied to, but you kept up the public innuendos a bit too long, obviously trying to cause a reaction. There...you got it. I wish the best for you.

[TheSunFlower]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

So what you are saying Gina is that you are glad you drove someone off a thread....WOW...love to be in an AA meeting with you. Its people like you that keep people out of the rooms....and there will people who read this....don't post....and never go to an AA meeting. Silly, Silly girl. I think you missed the entire point of AA or the thread. I have PM's asking me to stay....the one I loved the best...."to not let her bully you"....And you have been nothing but a bully.

One said she was thinking about going to AA, but she "if this was what she was going to experience in the rooms".....I told both to go to AA.

You have made a poor example of AA. I am glad that I know better.

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Well...ok. As I said before, thank you very much.

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

To anyone reading...I am very sorry for stooping so low in previous posts in defending myself against this person. I should have risen above that and handled the situation differently, but I feared never seeing an end to this. This has been going on for 8 years on a private level, and it was not healthy. I tried to keep it private, but she wanted to irritate me more by joining the one thread I post on. think I was a bit too blunt with her and didn't sugar coat things. It's one of those things I am trying to learn to handle differently...letting the resentments go.

Mary, thanks for keeping the thread that brought me back to MWO going. I think I will be a sideline watcher for a while and continue on with the face to face support.

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

I have no idea what to think about all of the above. We have tried to keep this thread positive. I no longer go around this forum & only post here. I've never seen this kind of interaction here. I hope it all works out in a more private manner. I wouldn't want to discourage any newcomers. Mary

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

I apologize for my part in the matter that erupted, Mary. I loved the drama free feeling I have always felt here...it felt safe to share my personal story and daily AA experience. It is the one and only thread I post on or even really look at. It felt very uncomfortable reading the jabs directed at me. I should have walked away.

All I can say is I should have used the "What would love say/do/think?" tool I shared a week or two ago....lol.

Take care.

[cpn1004]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Greetings all,
I returned from a week in Nicaragua Friday. Six days without a meeting, the longest stretch since Sept. 2009. Made it to my 630am meeting today, great to be back home.
AA is not the only way to stay sober, but it is helpful for me.

[porqoui]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Thank you Mary for "chairing" this thread for as long as you have.

I know I posted elsewhere but wanted to post here as well.

As I said, I'm not ready to take up the torch but I'm sure the thread will continue even it takes a little break.

Thanks for all your wisdom and strength, I'll be seeing you around the boards.....PPQ

[GinaCA]

Weekly AA Thread: Sept. 24 - Oct. 1

Hey, Phil!

Great to see you back and doing well. Do you ever try out of country AA mtgs on your travels? I've always been curious what they would be like, as I hear they are pretty much the same everywhere with only minor differences. (although the language thing could be a big issue..). I've been to an out of state mtg once in Vegas and a few out of county and saw a few variances. Maybe once my nursing thing lets up (if ever!), I'll be able to travel and experience that. I have a friend who is a circuit speaker and just spent the past 5 days speaking at meetings in Colombia. He has been able to pick up Spanish quite fluently, so I look fwd to hearing his report about this trip.

I'm glad to see you back safe and town, and hope to see you around the boards. I am just starting to explore other areas and find it quite interesting! I love the diversity on this board alone, without having to travel!