Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

[retteacher]

Everyone:

I hope all is well. I think the holidays are keeping us pretty busy. It isn't so bad for me, as I don't do the shopping I once did. We have some parties, but they aren't big bashes w/alot of drinking. Our weekend AA groups are putting on a party next Sun. That ought to be fun.

I'm trying to keep my spiritual practices going during the holiday season...reading, a little meditation, & of course, meetings. It's easy to skip meetings using the busyness excuse. Since I'm still working on the 90/90, I don't have that luxury. I'm grateful for that. I'm actually in the final stages of the 90/90. I'll be glad when I don't have the pressure but will continue to go to as many meetings as possible. I must remember that alcoholism doesn't take time off. It's always there lurking within me.

Take care one & all. Phil, are you on home soil yet?

Mary

[nurdl]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

Morning rettteacher. 90 in 90, that is an impressive goal. With a family I am not able to make that commitment but I have found a wonderful home group that I see every week. It's a women's only group and the gals are so supportive. It was a cryfest last week but in a good way. We seem to "get each other" and laugh more than cry. We all look forward to seeing each other. It's a good support. So I hope you have a great meeting today. Catch you on the threads.
~nurdl

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

nurdl: I wish I could find an all-women's group. So many of the groups I go to are male-dominated...especially young males. I feel like the grandma of the meeting. I do have a network of women friends that I call/see regularly. I like that. Mary

[bettygirl]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

i feel the same way...i wish there were women only groups. i was talking to my husband about that and trying to explain how women just seem to be more open when men aren't around...it would probably be good for men too.

anyway, i've been going to meetings and staying sober...kind of took a break from the board for a bit. i don't like to get too caught up in computer stuff.

hope all us well with everyone, i'm off to the gym.

peace

[cpn1004]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

Greetings all,
I returned to Texas last Tuesday and have been to my 630am meetings everyday since then. Sure feels good to be back in my home group.
Hope you all have a great day.

[Solitaire]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

Good morning friends!
A lovely lady came to share with us last night... She kept mentioning "numbing" herself, as she didn't like reality. I could SO relate to that! Being a "flat-liner" seemed easier than facing life.I then shared in the meeting that today, even being angry/sad/afraid I prefer to that "comfortably numb" state.... Because they are real, and as I am powerless over my feelings, I can acknowledge them and move on...
Stay blessed!
Sol xxx

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

Sol: Numbing out was precisely why I drank. I'm now having to learn, at my advanced age, how to cope w/reality in a mature, thoughtful manner. It isn't always easy, as I'd like my reality to be smooth, but alas, life on life's terms isn't always smooth.

This morning's reading from "Living Sober" was about alcoholic thinking. AA is a program of action & changing our thinking & actions makes a permanent change within. It was good to sit there & listen.

M

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

Again a good meeting this morning. Spirituality was the topic. For many of us pragmatic types who like to think we're in charge, this is a difficult topic. I'm not a naturally spiritual person. I do "fake it til I make it" in that area. I pray, read my spiritual books, & try to meditate. I'm grateful to AA for showing me that I don't have to power through everything on my own. I can leave certain concerns in the hands of my HP & trust they will be taken care of. M

[bettygirl]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

i cried like a baby in a meeting today...it was good...i'm getting a sponsor, as well!
peace

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Dec. 10 - Dec. 16

Last night's meeting was on the "Bermuda Triangle"...Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year. For me, it's about keeping my expectation realistic, because there are going to be upsets, crankiness, etc. as well as joy. These are just days of the years, & I don't have to get caught up in the craziness of them. Yes, in the past, I've drunk on holidays. I'm not even sure how I was capable of putting out a meal...auto pilot I guess. Now, I can take the good w/the bad & know I can go to a meeting, as needed.

Getting a sponsor is one of the first suggestions I heard when I came into AA. It took me a while, but I did it. When I relapsed, my sponsor was the first person I told. It was difficult but necessary. I use my sponsor as a guide through the steps. It's my responsibility to do the steps but don't feel I could do them alone.

Have a wonderful Sunday. It's our annual AA holiday potluck. Looking forward to it.

Mary