AA Forum Talk

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AA Forum Group

AA Forum Talk

The AA Forum Talk is intended for general discussion on any topics not necessarily relating to alcoholism including: jokes, greetings, announcements, chatting back and forth, business meetings, etc., so that the meetings can stay focused on the topics.

Please check the top of the AA Forum Talk every week as this is where we will post important notices relating to the operation of the Site.

Please view the Posting Instructions before continuing.

Please comment on our meeting site, give suggestion, use it as a Group Conscience Meeting. Thank you for your comments.

aasymbol.gif (3496 bytes)

AA Forum Group

AA Forum Talk

The AA Forum Talk is intended for general discussion on any topics not necessarily relating to alcoholism including: jokes, greetings, announcements, chatting back and forth, business meetings, etc., so that the meetings can stay focused on the topics.

Please check the top of the AA Forum Talk every week as this is where we will post important notices relating to the operation of the Site.

Please view the Posting Instructions before continuing.

Please comment on our meeting site, give suggestion, use it as a Group Conscience Meeting. Thank you for your comments.

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.69.199
Date: 12/21/2006
Time: 04:38 PM

Comment

Hi All; I would like to extend my best wishes for all who recognize the Winter Solstice. Today is the shortest "Day" of the year and tomorrow will see the sun coming back! I would also like to extend Christmas greetings, to those who celebrate this holiday and a Happy Hanukah, to those who recognize this manner of celebration. Sobriety has given me the Gift of being able to meet people of a variety of backgrounds and Spiritual paths. What we have in common, as alcoholics, makes it possible to relate to everyone in a meeting room, with Respect. It is a festive time of year, for many people, and a stressful one, as well. I hope that all of us use the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions and work with others, in order to enjoy another Sober 24 hours. My Prayers are with all those, who have a desire to stop drinking, and to those who are working on recovery! Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Deborah
Location:
Remote Name: 69.223.45.78
Date: 12/21/2006
Time: 05:15 PM

Comment

Hi All. I'll take the easy way out and extend the above sentiments to all. Thanks Ric. At last. The days will be getting longer. We live on a hill and watch the sun set further and further down the horizon. Now it will come up the other way till it's behind the barn in summer. We had to put our last cat to sleep last Mon. I was a basketcase all day,but he had a good life and would have been 16 on March 17th. Not bad for an outdoor cat. But it was still hard. I have many consoling friends and my husband and relatives who helped me get through it.Many joys to all whatever holiday you celebrate or not. Best in the New Year!!! Thanks Dee for the new screen. That was a surprise to see.

Firstname: Deborah
Location:
Remote Name: 69.223.45.78
Date: 12/21/2006
Time: 05:17 PM

Comment

Forgot to say you're a great bunch of loving,caring friends!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.127.18
Date: 12/21/2006
Time: 07:05 PM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 21 - 2006 - LISTEN, SHARE AND PRAY - When working with a man and his family, you should take care not to participate in their quarrels. You may spoil your chance of being helpful if you do. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 100 - When trying to help a fellow alcoholic, I've given in to an impulse to give advice, and perhaps that's inevitable. But allowing others the right to be wrong reaps its own benefits. The best I can do - and it sounds easier than it is to put into practice - is to listen, share personal experience, and pray for others. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Barbara B.
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.39.23
Date: 12/22/2006
Time: 07:47 AM

Comment

Christmas Greetings one and all!!! I see we have a new slate. Thanks to whoever is responsible. Just wanted to repeat my good wishes to all of you for a wonderful, happy, healthy, SOBER NEW YEAR. I have experienced something of a setback recently - financial, that is. A week ago today my hot water hester "went out", and since my furnace is dependent upon hot water, I had no heat. (This could not have happened in Summer, could it?) I was able to use the propane fireplace and the oven until the new unit was installed day before yesterday (to the tune of $1,600.00 - OUCH!!! Oh, well, at least I did not have to DRINK over it, and am grateful to be able to pay for it, even though it does deplete my emergency fund. The shower certainly felt good after 4 days of sponge baths. I had to think of all the peoplein the world who live under those conditions (or worse) and realize how blest I truly am. I will be heading out to a meeting shortly. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Barb P.S. CHOPPER - you e-mailed me something yesterday and I inadvertently deleted whatever it was because I had such a stack of stuff accumulated after several days of non-cyber space attention. Can you re-send???

Firstname: Barbara B.
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.39.23
Date: 12/22/2006
Time: 07:47 AM

Comment

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.68.39
Date: 12/22/2006
Time: 06:06 PM

Comment

Hi All; Barbara- I just had to repair our heating system, as well, although it was much cheaper, since I can do the work myself. I, too, wondered why it didn't break down, in summer, till I realized that we don't use our wood heating system, in summer. As we live in the bush, we often have power interuptions, so have had to make sure that we have many "back up" systems, such as a generator and a spare wood stove in the house. Right now, we have a few of the grandchildren visiting and more to come, tomorrow. We will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day travelling to B. C., where we will spend a couple of days, visiting my mother. I hope to attend a few face to face meetings, while on the road and in Penticton. I will continue to Pray for all those who walk with us, as well as those who will come along, at a later date. I am so very grateful to have found Sobriety, and have tried to give back some of what was freely shared with me. Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.127.18
Date: 12/22/2006
Time: 10:07 PM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 22 - 2006 - PRINCIPLES, NOT PERSONALITIES The way our "worthy" alcoholics have sometimes tried to judge the "less worthy" is, as we look back on it, rather comical. Imagine, if you can, one alcoholic judging another! - THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 37 - Who am I to judge anyone? When I first entered the Fellowship I found that I liked everyone. After all, A.A. was going to help me to a better way of life without alcohol. The reality was that I couldn't possibly like everyone, nor they me. As I've grown in the Fellowship, I've learned to love everyone just from listening to what they had to say. That person over there, or the one right here, may be the one God has chosen to give me the message I need for today. I must always remember to place principles above personalities. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Sharon
Location: MI
Remote Name: 24.180.97.144
Date: 12/23/2006
Time: 04:07 PM

Comment

Greetings gang- Sharon, alcoholic. Great to catch up on the forum. Merry Christmas to all. I took a temp position in my field for the past 4 months and I am grateful for the experience and to have all the blessings I've been granted. It's funny, by returning to work, I found that I really want to be home with my family while they're still here. I'm lucky I'm able to do that. For Christmas, we're getting the kids their passports and renewing ours since its now a requirement to enter into Canada. I've been to lots of meetings lately and we had our annual women's meeting Christmas party. It's held at our local recovery house and its always such a powerful experience. It's humbling actually, to see that I've been given the gift of sobriety. All the best for 2007! love, Sharon

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/23/2006
Time: 08:22 PM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 23 - 2006 - RECOVERY, UNITY, SERVICE - Our Twelfth Step - carrying the message - is the basic service that AA's Fellowship gives; this is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence. - THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART, p. 160 - I thank God for those who came before me, those who told me not to forget the Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity and Service. In my home group, the Three Legacies were described on a sign which said: "You take a three-legged stool, try to balance it on only one leg, or two. Our Three Legacies must be kept intact. In Recovery, we get sober together; in Unity, we work together for the good of our Steps and Traditions; and through Service - we give away freely what has been given to us." One of the chief gifts of my life has been to know that I will have no message to give, unless I recover in unity with A.A. principles. OO - roo Chopper 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Serenity
Location: Today
Remote Name: 63.230.142.15
Date: 12/25/2006
Time: 04:02 AM

Comment

Merry Christmas friends of Bill W. I am up early to bake pie's for desert for my ham dinner so they are freshly baked and there will still be room to use the oven later. I had a frantic phone call from a friend in the program lastnight that was at a family gathering surrounded by alcoholic beverages. I prayed The Lord's Prayer with them, and for some reason when I got to the "and lead us not into temptation" part, my next words were, but deliver (Their name) from alcohol. They were able to gracefully excuse themselves and leave the party early. I saw firsthand how this program can be put into action. I feel blessed to have this fellowship of friends during this season of Holiday "CHEER". I was doing some last minute shopping at Walmart lastnight when I noticed amid the crowds of frantic last minute shoppers a tiny display on a rack in the middle of the store. It was a lit up glass and golden ball, and within it was the manger scene, with baby Jesus in the manger. It was tiny and brilliant, and for a moment I was mesmerized. All around were people buying the latest modern gadgets to give loved ones for Christmas, and there sat the greatest gift of all. Merry Christmas!!!! May His Love for you live within, and shine for all to see! :o)God Bless! :O)Serenity

Firstname: Chopper
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/25/2006
Time: 07:40 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – December – 25 - 2006 - AT PEACE WITH LIFE - Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee - Thy will (not mine) be done." - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85 - I read this passage each morning, to start off my day, because it is a continual reminder to "practice these principles in all my affairs." When I keep God's will at the forefront of my mind, I am able to do what I should be doing, and that puts me at peace with life, with myself and with God. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/25/2006
Time: 07:41 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 26 - 2006 - ACCEPTING SUCCESS OR FAILURE - Furthermore, how shall we come to terms with seeming failure or success? Can we now accept and adjust to either without despair or pride? Can we accept poverty, sickness, loneliness, and bereavement with courage and serenity? Can we steadfastly content ourselves with the humbler, yet sometimes more durable, satisfactions when the brighter, more glittering achievements are denied us? - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 112 - After I found A.A. and stopped drinking, it took a while before I understood why the First Step contained two parts: my powerlessness over alcohol and my life's unmanageability. In the same way, I believed for a long time that, in order to be in tune with the Twelve Steps, it was enough for me "to carry this message to alcoholics." That was rushing things. I was forgetting that there were a total of Twelve Steps and that the Twelfth Step also had more than one part. Eventually I learned that it was necessary for me to "practice these principles" in all areas of my life. In working all the Steps thoroughly, I not only stay sober and help someone else to achieve sobriety, but also I transform my difficulty with living into a joy of living. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/26/2006
Time: 05:38 PM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 27 - 2006 - PROBLEM SOLVING - "Quite as important was the discovery that spiritual principles would solve all my problems." - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 42 - Through the recovery process described in the Big Book, I have come to realize that the same instructions that work on my alcoholism, work on much more. Whenever I am angry or frustrated, I consider the matter a manifestation of the main problem within me, alcoholism. As I "walk" through the Steps, my difficulty is usually dealt with long before I reach the Twelfth "suggestion," and those difficulties that persist are remedied when I make an effort to carry the message to someone else. These principles do solve my problems! I have not encountered an exception, and I have been brought to a way of living which is satisfying and useful. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname:
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/26/2006
Time: 06:11 PM

Comment

Babs Your email address keeps bouncing back to me as "Undelivered" ********************************************************************* This message was created automatically by mail delivery software (Exim). A message that you sent could not be delivered to one or more of its recipients. This is a permanent error. The following address(es) failed: patchandxxxxxxx.com retry time not reached for any host after a long failure period

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/28/2006
Time: 12:11 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 28 - 2006 - SUIT UP AND SHOW UP - In A.A. we aim not only for sobriety - we try again to become citizens of the world that we rejected, and of the world that once rejected us. This is the ultimate demonstration toward which Twelfth Step work is the first but not the final step. - AS BILL SEES IT, p. 21 - The old line says, "Suit up and show up." That action is so important that I like to think of it as my motto. I can choose each day to suit up and show up, or not. Showing up at meetings starts me toward feeling a part of that meeting, I can talk with newcomers, and I can share my experience; that's what credibility, honesty, and courtesy really are. Suiting up and showing up are the concrete actions I take in my ongoing return to normal living. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Barbara B
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.243.242
Date: 12/29/2006
Time: 08:12 AM

Comment

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! CHOPPER - My e-mail address is the same as always - patchandbarb@msn.com Have no idea why it cannot get through. Love and prayers. Barb

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/30/2006
Time: 02:14 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 29 - 2006 - THE JOY OF LIVING - . . . . therefore the joy of good living is the theme of A.A.'s Twelfth Step. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125 - A.A. is a joyful program! Even so, I occasionally balk at taking the necessary steps to move ahead, and find myself resisting the very actions that could bring about the joy I want. I would not resist if those actions did not touch some vulnerable area of my life, an area that needs hope and fulfillment. Repeated exposure to joyfulness has a way of softening the hard, outer edges of my ego. Therein lies the power of joyfulness to help all members of A.A. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/30/2006
Time: 02:15 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS DECEMBER 30, 2006 - "HAVING HAD A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING AS THE RESULTS OF THESE STEPS, WE TRIED TO CARRY THIS MESSAGE TO ALCOHOLICS, AND TO PRACTICE THESE PRINCIPLES IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS." - PARAGRAPH 48.- These little studies of A.A.'s Twelve Steps now come to a close. We have been considering so many problems that it may appear that A.A. consist mainly of racking dilemmas and trouble shooting. To a certain extent, that is true. We have been talking about problems because we are problem people who have found a way up and out, and who with to share our knowledge of that way with all who can use it. For it is only by accepting and solving our problems that we can begin to get right with ourselves and with the world about us, and with Him who presides over us all. Understanding is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right action is the key to good living; therefore the joy of good living is the theme of A.A.'s Twelfth Step. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/30/2006
Time: 02:17 AM

Comment

Babs your email address beats the hell outta me as well - 1 thing for sure it wil not accept my emails. OO - roo Chopper

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.69.215
Date: 12/30/2006
Time: 11:25 AM

Comment

Hi All; We've just returned from BC, where I was able to attend some face to face meetings. It was very gratifying to be at a meeting, where one person had just decided to be Sober, for Christmas and not wait untill afterward. On Xmas Day, he had achieved two days without a drink. It's also nice to know that there are other human beings, with stories that are very similar to mine, as well as those who chose to come to AA who have quite different experiences, than mine. It was a struggle coming home, with windstorms and many accidents, but it is beautiful here and "there is no place like home!" Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/30/2006
Time: 07:52 PM

Comment

You will get a kick out of this......cracked me up..... Dean Martin & Foster Brooks - Airline Pilot

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/30/2006
Time: 07:53 PM

Comment

Sorry folks link did not work.

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/31/2006
Time: 08:34 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - DECEMBER 31 - 2006 - Daily Resolutions - The idea of "twenty-four-hour" living applies primarily to the emotional life of the individual. Emotionally speaking, we must not live in yesterday, nor in tomorrow. - As Bill Sees It, p. 284 - A New year: 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes--a time to consider directions, goals, and actions. I must make some plans to live a normal life, but also I must live emotionally within a twenty-four hour frame, for if I do, I don't have to make New Year's resolutions! I can make every day a New Year's day! I can decide, "Today I will do this . . . Today I will do that." Each day I can measure my life by trying to a little better, by deciding to follow God's will and making an effort to put the principles of our A.A. program into action. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 12/31/2006
Time: 10:38 PM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - JANUARY 1 - 2006 - "I AM A MIRACLE" - The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25 - This truly is a fact in my life today, and a real miracle. I always believed in God, but could never put that belief meaningfully into my life. Today, because of Alcoholics Anonymous, I now trust and rely on God, as I understand Him; I am sober today because of that! Learning to trust and rely on God was something I could never have done alone. I now believe in miracles because I am one! OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 01/03/2007
Time: 03:08 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 2 – 2006 In sobriety all that we can expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only a bare beginning. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 8 Practicing the A.A. program is like building a house. First I had to pour a big, thick concrete slab on which to erect the house: that, to me, was the equivalent of stopping drinking. But it’s pretty uncomfortable living on a concrete slab, unprotected and exposed to the heat,cold wind and rain. So I built a room on a slab by starting to practice the program. The first room was rickety because I wasn’t used to the work. But as time passed, as I practiced the program, I learned to build better rooms. The more I practiced, and the more I built, the more comfortable, and happy, was the home I now have to live in. Oo – roo Chopper - 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 01/03/2007
Time: 03:10 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - JANUARY 3 - 2006 - POWERLESS - We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21 - It is no coincidence that the very first Step mentions powerlessness: An admission of personal powerlessness over alcohol is a cornerstone of the foundation of recovery. I've learned that I do not have the power and control I once thought I had. I am powerless over what people think about me. I am powerless over having just missed the bus. I am powerless over how other people work (or don't work) the Steps. But I've also learned I am not powerless over some things. I am not powerless over my attitudes. I am not powerless over negativity. I am not powerless over assuming responsibility for my own recovery. I have the power to exert a positive influence on myself, my loved ones, and the world in which I live. 00 - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.69.81
Date: 01/03/2007
Time: 06:12 PM

Comment

Happy New Year All! The year started out fairly well, with beautiful weather and lots of company. We spent some time in BC, but came back when the weather cleared enough for us to travel. Good thing too, since avalanches have closed the main passes, only opening again, today. I would like to wish everybody a very productive and Sober New Year! Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australisa
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 01/04/2007
Time: 09:26 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 4th – 2006 BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demostration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 19 It’s usually pretty easy for me to be pleasant to the people in an A.A. setting. While I’m working to stay sober, I’m celebrating with my fellow A.A.s our common release from the hell of drinking. It’s often not so hard to spread glad tidings to my old and new friends in the program. At home or at work, though, it can be a different story. It is in situations arising in both of those areas that little day –to-day frustrations are most evident, and where it can be tough to smile or reach out with a kind word or an attentive ear. It’s outside of the A.A. rooms that I face the real test of the effectiveness of my walk through A.A’s Twelve Steps. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 01/05/2007
Time: 03:29 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - JAN 5 - 2006 - TOTAL ACCEPTANCE - He cannot picture life without alcohol. Some day he will be unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it. Then he will know loneliness such as few do. He will be at the jumping-off place. He will wish for the end. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p.152 - Only an alcoholic can understand the exact meaning of a statement like this one. The double standard that held me captive as an active alcoholic also filled me with terror and confusion: "If I don't get a drink I'm going to die," competed with "If I continue drinking it's going to kill me." Both compulsive thoughts pushed me ever closer to the bottom. That bottom produced a total acceptance of my alcoholism - with no reservations whatsoever - and one that was absolutely essential for my recovery. It was a dilemma unlike anything I had ever faced, but as I found out later on, a necessary one if I was to succeed in this program. OO - roo Chopper 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.47.170
Date: 01/06/2007
Time: 12:02 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 6 – 2006 THE VICTORY OF SURRENDER - We perceive that only through utter defeat are we able to take our first steps toward liberation and strength. Our admission of personal powerlessness finally turns out to be firm bedrock upon which happy and purposeful lives may be built. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21 - When alcohol influenced every facet of my life, when bottles became the symbol of all my self- indulgence and permissiveness, when I came to realise that, by myself, I could do nothing to overcome the power of alcohol, I realized I had no recourse except to surrender. In surrender I found victory – victory over my selfish self – indulgence, victory over my stubborn resistance to life as it was given to me. When I stopped fighting anybody or anything, I started on the path to sobriety, serenity and peace. Oo – roo Chopper - 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.223.133
Date: 01/07/2007
Time: 02:46 AM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - JAN 7 - 2006 - AT THE TURNING POINT - Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59 - Every day I stand at turning points. My thoughts and actions can propel me toward growth or turn me down the road to old habits and to booze. Sometimes turning points are beginnings, as when I decide to start praising, instead of condemning someone. Or when I begin to ask for help instead of going it alone. At other times turning points are endings, such as when I see clearly the need to stop festering resentments or crippling self-seeking. Many shortcomings tempt me daily; therefore, I also have daily opportunities to become aware of them. In one form or another, many of my character defects appear daily: self-condemnation, anger, running away, being prideful, wanting to get even, or acting out of grandiosity. Attempting half measures to eliminate these defects merely paralyzes my efforts to change. It is only when I ask God for help, with complete abandon, that I become willing -- and able -- to change. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.223.133
Date: 01/07/2007
Time: 11:53 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 8 – 2006 - AN ACT OF PROVIDENCE - It is truly awful to admit that, glass in hand we have warped our minds into such an obsession for destructive drinking that only an act of Providence can remove it from us. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21 - My act of Providence, { a manifestation of divine care and direction], came as I experienced the total bankruptcy of active alcoholism – everthing meaningful in my life was gone. I telephoned Alcoholics Anonymous and, from that instant, my life has never been the same. When I reflect on that very special moment, I know God was working in my life long before I was able to acknowledge and accept spiritual concepts. The glass was put down through this one act of Providence and my journey into sobriety began. My life continues to unfold with divine care and direction. Step One, in which I admitted I was powerless over alcohol, that my life had become unmanageable, takes on more meaning for me – one day at a time – in the life saving, life giving Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Oo – roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname:
Location:
Remote Name: 203.49.223.133
Date: 01/08/2007
Time: 07:22 PM

Comment

Sorry folks head in the clouds again - went serveral days before I noticed that my reflections were posted 2006 and should have been 2007 ha ha ha

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.223.133
Date: 01/08/2007
Time: 07:23 PM

Comment

DAILY - REFLECTIONS - January 9 - 2007 - DO I HAVE A CHOICE? - The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink.Our so called will power becomes pratically nonexistent. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p 24 - My powerless over alcohol does not cease when I quit drinking. In sobriety I still have no choice - I cant drink. The choice I do have is to pick up and use the "Kit of spiritual tools" {Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 25} When I do that, my Higher Power relives me of my lack of choice - and keeps me sober one more day. If I could choose not to pick up a drink today, where then would be my need for A.A. or a Higher Power?

Firstname: Richard S.
Location: Central FL
Remote Name: 66.13.159.190
Date: 01/09/2007
Time: 07:55 AM

Comment

A man was at the country club for his weekly round of golf. He began his round with an eagle on the first hole and a birdie on the second. On the third hole he had just scored his first ever hole-in-one when his cell phone rang. It was a doctor notifying him that his wife had just been in a terrible accident and was in critical condition and in the ICU. The man told the doctor to inform his wife where he was and that he'd be there as soon as possible. As he hung up he realized he was leaving what was shaping up to be his best ever round of golf. He decided to get in a couple of more holes before heading to the hospital. He ended up playing all eighteen, finishing his round shooting a personal best 61, shattering the club record by five strokes and beating his previous best game by more than 10. He was jubilant.... then he remembered his wife. Feeling guilty he dashed to the hospital. He saw the doctor in the corridor and asked about his wife's condition. The doctor glared at him and shouted, "You went ahead and finished your round of golf didn't you! I hope you're proud of yourself! While you were out for the past four hours enjoying yourself at the country club your wife has been languishing in the ICU! It's just as well you went ahead and finished that round because it will be more than likely your last!" "For the rest of her life she will require 'round the clock care. And you'll be her care giver!" The man was feeling so guilty he broke down and sobbed. The doctor snickered and said, "Just screwing with you. She's dead. What'd you shoot?"

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.69.215
Date: 01/09/2007
Time: 12:16 PM

Comment

Hi All; Winter seems to have finally found us! It is 25 below, Celcius and a storm is on it's way, today. We were fortunate that my wife's son in law came to visit, and advised us that he has just completed a treatment program and celebrated one of the first drug and alcohol free Christmases, in a long time. This is what this fellowship is all about! Ric

Firstname: Richard S.
Location: Central FL
Remote Name: 66.13.159.190
Date: 01/09/2007
Time: 02:14 PM

Comment

25 below, Celcius !?!?!? I was standing at my daughter’s bus stop this morning complaining that it was all the way down in the 50’s Fahrenheit. Sometimes I just need to shut up. Great news about your son in law. Hope springs up around us. Richard

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.91.7
Date: 01/09/2007
Time: 09:58 PM

Comment

Hi All; Richard, it even gets better, since he came with our granddaughter, who has also chosen to take a serious look at her own drinking and has sobered up, with her father. As to our weather, we have now gotten a blizzard, which came with up to 80 km/hr winds (50 mph) and travel is not recommended for the next day or so. Being "bush" people, we have lots of fire wood and are very well prepared for this. There is a definite beauty, in the extremes that our weather comes into, which I can now fully appreciate, although I didn't see it, when still drinking. Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/10/2007
Time: 12:23 AM

Comment

Ric - great family news bro! Also glad to hear you have plenty of wood to weather out the snow Blizzard. Richard - I appreciate your sick sense of humour ha ha ha OO - roo Chopper

Firstname: Serenity
Location: Today
Remote Name: 63.230.142.15
Date: 01/10/2007
Time: 09:08 AM

Comment

Cool news Ric! I too have a prodigal son (20) that showed up 3 days ago admitting he has a problem with alcohol and wants to go to a meeting. Requesting prayers, as he was here 3 days and took off with buddies lastnight and didn't return. I'm doubling my alanon meetings this week! This boy has lost his job and is hitting a bottom I hope not to cushion for him. Being a mom I fear my allowing him to crash here although he is sober is enabling and thus harming him rather than helping. Praying for knowledge of God's will in this and the power to carry it out! Weather here is rather el ninio -like!!! Below zero with winds followed by a couple of 30's highs. Expecting more below zero's this weekend... Had 10 inches of snow last weekend!!! Good thing we only have to take it one day at a time!!!! http://web.icq.com/friendship/swf/0,,16961_rs,00.swf :o)Serenity

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/10/2007
Time: 10:41 PM

Comment

DALIY - REFLECTIONS - JAN 10 - 2007 - UNITED WE STAND - We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed. - Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 30 - I came to Alcoholics Anonymous because I was no longer able to control my drinking. It was either my wife's complaining about my drinking, or maybe the sheriff forced me to go to A.A. meetings, or perhaps I knew, deep down inside, that I couldn't drink like others, but I was unwilling to admit it because the alternative terrified me. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women united against a common, fatal disease. Each one of our lives is linked to every other, much like the survivors on a life raft at sea. If we all work together, we can get safely to shore. OO - roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time! - Peace.

Firstname:
Location:
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/10/2007
Time: 10:49 PM

Comment

Serenity - Hope the mess with your son works out for the best - all my love Chopper

Firstname: Barbara B.
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 65.54.154.146
Date: 01/11/2007
Time: 07:23 AM

Comment

Hello, dear friends. My computer has been giving me a hard time, so I have been trying to avoid it altogether. I was happy to learn from Ric and Richard that family members are opting for help. Serenity - My heart goes out to you> We "Moms" worry so about the courses our children choose and, since we can nolonger exercise any control over them (as we could when they were toddlers) we fell pretty helpless. I have practiced tucking my son under the protective wings of God (as I understand Him), especially when he was in Afghanistan, and more recently when he decided that he would buy a motorcycle. Being a former Green Beret, he is safety oriented (he took a motorcycle safety course prior to purchasing the conveyance) so it is likely that my concerns were (are) unfounded. But we Moms cannot help worrying about our kids,(mine is 41, as he sometimes reminds me) but it makes no difference, they are , and will always be, our babies. I had reason to be sad for a woman that moved here 4 months ago - she has been in and out of AA for over 20 years. She went OUT again, picked up a DUI (driving under the influence), had to surrender her license and because she has had 3 prior DUI's would have been facing jail this time. Fortunately, ther is a real terrific lawyer in one of my regular groups, and this is his branch of law. So there is a chance that he can get the court to allow her to go to a special treatmebt center in lieu of jail. We will see what develops. If this does not work out, I believe it would be due to the fact that God considers the jail time to be more in her best interest - a wake-up call. In any event, I am sure as hell glad that I don't have to deal with problems like that any more. And I don't feel at all guilty for being grateful that it is not ME. We can only help those who will help themselves, our own individual power being limited to choice over our own actions. CHOPPER - Are you able to receive my e-mails?? I sure do miss getting yours. Love and prayers for all. Barb

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.91.245
Date: 01/11/2007
Time: 08:53 PM

Comment

Hi All; Serenity-my Prayers are with your family. For what it's worth, in my own situation, my family treated me with "Tough Love" and would not bail me out or otherwise help me, until I showed them that I was serious about Sobriety. This took almost two years after I Sobered up, but we have since built up a very Loving and strong relationship. They told me that they continued to Pray for me, even though they would not even let me into their town, let alone their house. I am very glad that they took that approach, now, since I had caused a great deal of heartache and grief, when they would give me the opportunity. We are now through one of the worst storms in our history and it has settled down, but is now 35 below and getting colder tonight. I brought the dogs into the house for the night, which I only do when it is extremely cold. The storm has claimed at least three lives, of people who drove, got stuck and froze to death. I thought of myself and how I would have made every effort to feed my alcoholism, and was very lucky that I never died when travelling in bad conditions, looking for a drink. Thank you all for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/11/2007
Time: 11:48 PM

Comment

Babs - I am still receiving your emails but I always get a return message when I try to reply it has happened that many times I just gave up trying. All my love Chopper

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/11/2007
Time: 11:49 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 11th - 2007 THE 100% STEP Only Step One, where we made the 100 percent admission we were powerless over alcohol, can be practiced with absolute perfection. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 68 Long before I was able to obtain sobriety in A.A., I knew without a doubt that alcohol was killing me, yet even with this knowledge, I was unable to stop drinking. So, when faced with Step One, I found it easy to admit that I lacked the power to not drink. But was my life unmanageable? Never! Five months after coming into A.A., I was drinking again and wondered why. Later on, back in A.A.and smarting from my wounds, I learned that Step One is the only Step that can be taken 100% And that the only way to take it 100% is to take 100% of the Step. That was many twenty – four hours ago and I haven’t had to take Step One again. Oo – roo chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: PharmACT
Location: USA
Remote Name: 221.128.136.222
Date: 01/12/2007
Time: 06:55 AM

Comment

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Firstname: Barbara B.
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.39.153
Date: 01/12/2007
Time: 07:40 AM

Comment

CHOPPER I may have found a way to allow you to get your e-mails through to me. It appears that this goofy new version of Windows thinks it has the right to decide what is and is not "junk mail". I tried to st it straight about you - who knows - I really hate this Big Brother stuff. Love, Barb

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/12/2007
Time: 07:13 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 12th – 2007 - ACCEPTING OUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES - Our very first problem is to accept our present circumstances as they are. This is to adopt a realistic humility without which no genuine advance can even begin. Again and again, we shall need to return to that unflattering point of departure. This is an exercise in acceptance that we can profitably practice every day of our lives. Provided we strenuously avoid turning these realistic surveys of the facts of life into unrealistic alibis for apathy or defeatism, they can be the sure foundation upon which increased emotional health and therefore spiritual progress can be built. - AS BILL SEES IT, p. 44 - When I am having a difficult time accepting people, places or events, I turn to this passage and it relieves me of many an underlying fear regarding others, or situations life presents me. The thought allows me to be human and not perfect, and to regain my peace of mind. Oo – roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 203.49.212.65
Date: 01/13/2007
Time: 07:43 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 13 - 2007 - IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT - We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85 - The most common alcoholic fantasy seems to be: “If I just don’t drink, everything will be alright.” Once the fog cleared for me, I saw – for the first time – the mess my life had become. I had family, work, financial and legal problems; I was hung up on old religious ideas; there were sides of my character to which I was inclined to stay blind because they easily could have convinced me that I was hopeless and pushed me toward escape again. The BigBook guided me in resolving all of my problems. But it didn’t happen overnight – and certainly not automatically – with no effort on my part. I need always to recognise God’s mercy and blessings that smile through any problem I have to face. Oo – roo chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.91.133
Date: 01/14/2007
Time: 07:28 PM

Comment

Hi All; Last night, we went through the great equalizer, when the temperature went to 40 below zero, both Celcius and in Farenheit. I have to travel again tomorrow and hope that it warms up. I will be going a couple of hundred km north and then have to be 50 km south of here, right afterward. Hopefully, my meetings will end, in time for me to attend a face to face AA meeting, in Meadow Lake, before I have to come home. Thanks for being here for me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.109.91
Date: 01/15/2007
Time: 01:20 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 14th – 2007 NO REGRETS We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83 - Once I became sober, I began to see how wasteful my life had been and I experienced overwhelming guilt and feelings of regret. The program’s Fourth and Fifth Steps assisted me enormously in healing those troubling regrets. I learned that my self-centeredness and dishonesty stemmed largely from my drinking and that I drank because I was an alcoholic. Now I see how even my most distasteful past experiences can turn to gold because, as a sober alcoholic, I can share them to help my fellow alcoholics, particularly newcomers. Sober for several years in A.A., I no longer regret the past; I am simply grateful to be conscious of God’s love and of the help I can give to others in the Fellowship. Oo – roo chopper P.S.1 day at a time - Peace! p.p.s. Hope your Ok Ric going out into that weather take care.

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.109.91
Date: 01/15/2007
Time: 06:58 PM

Comment

DAILY –REFLECTIONS – January 15th – 2007 - AN UNSUSPECTED INNER RESOURCE - With few exceptions our members find that they tapped an unsuspected inner resource which they presently identify with their own conception of a Power greater than themselves. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 569 –70 - From my first days in A.A.,as I struggled for sobriety, I found hope in these words from our founders. I often pondered the phrase “they have tapped an unsuspected inner resource.” How, I asked myself, can I find the Power within myself, since I am so powerless? In time, as the founders promised, it came to me: I have always had the choice between goodness and evil, between unselfishness and selfishness, between serenity and fear. That Power greater than myself is an original gift that I did not recognize until I achieved daily sobriety through living A.A.’s Twelve Steps. Oo – roo chopper P.S.1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Barbara B.
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.39.233
Date: 01/16/2007
Time: 01:13 PM

Comment

Hello, Friends. Just have a minute. CHOPPER - Please try to e-mail me again. I issued specific instructions for the computer to NOT block anything coming from your address NO MATTER WHAT. nOT THAT MY COMPUTER PAYS ANY REAL ATTENTION TO ANY OF MY REQUESTS, BUT try. Love to all, Barb

Firstname: liverhoggg
Location: Usa
Remote Name: 207.232.25.34
Date: 01/16/2007
Time: 03:23 PM

Comment

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Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.69.60
Date: 01/16/2007
Time: 06:07 PM

Comment

Hi All; Yesterday was interesting, since I had to drive over 600 km, in very cold conditions, as well as attending two business meetings, in between trips. The weather has improved considerably and today was almost melting. In Saskatchewan, we say that if you plan to go outside, take four seasons worth of clothes. When I travel in winter, I always prepare, by taking an emergency kit, including tire chains, tow chain, axe, chainsaw, food, candles and other potentially necessary things, for survival. I was thinking, while driving, that travelling the trail of Sobriety, I must always take along the tools that are needed, such as Prayer, fellowship and a willingness to work with others. In these ways, I am prepared to travel the often rough trails of Sobriety as well as the northern roads. Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Serenity
Location: Today
Remote Name: 63.230.142.15
Date: 01/16/2007
Time: 07:56 PM

Comment

Neat Ric, thanks for the prayers and ES&H, you too Barb, and Chopper! Thought I posted earlier today but it must not have sent. Having a few computer problems again myself. Things are going well with kids. It's been very cold here too, is still below zero but supposed to warm up some they say. Starting to get used to the extra layers and it doesn't seem so cold anymore. Met with church friends today and it was a very positive experience. I do feel I have tapped into an unsuspected inner resource, and I have both God and AA to thank, plus my sponsor and the 12 steps. They are quite necessary tools for me too! God Bless! :o)Serenity

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.109.91
Date: 01/16/2007
Time: 08:04 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 16 2007 - HITTING BOTTOM - Why all this insistence that every A.A. must hit bottom first? The answer is that few people will sincerely try to practice the A.A. program unless they have hit bottom. For practicing A.A.’s remaining eleven Steps means the adoption of attitudes and actions that almost no alcoholic who is still drinking can dream of taking. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS. p. 24 - Hitting bottom opened my mind and I became willing to try something different. What I tried was A.A. My new life in the Fellowship was a little like learning how to ride a bike for the first time:A.A.became my training wheels and my supporting hand.It’s not that I wanted the help so much at the time.; I simply did not want to hurt like that again. My desire to avoid hitting bottom again was more powerful than my desire to drink. In the beginning that was what kept me sober. But after a while I found myself working the Steps to the best of my ability. I soon realized that my attitudes and actions were changing – if ever so slightly. One Day at a time. I became comfortable with myself, and with others, and my hurting started to heal. Thank God for the training wheels and supporting hand that I choose to call Alcoholics Anonymous. Oo – roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname:
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.109.91
Date: 01/16/2007
Time: 08:07 PM

Comment

Babs just sent 2 more emails will let you know if they are returned to me. OO - roo Chopper

Firstname:
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.109.91
Date: 01/17/2007
Time: 02:11 AM

Comment

Babs did you receive my 2 emails as they have not returned to me.... OO - roo Chopper

Firstname: Sharon
Location: MI
Remote Name: 24.247.227.59
Date: 01/17/2007
Time: 11:54 AM

Comment

Greetings gang- Sharon, alcoholic. Good to see the "oldtimers" checking in and sharing their ESH. My 46 y/o brother in-law died of a massive myocarial infarction, aka heart attack on Christmas eve. They should have listed the primary source of death as "Alcoholism" but they didn't. Sadly, he called us while under the influence stating that he had to "change his ways" and that he was "thinking about" going into rehab and BAM! Never got the chance....Interestingly, I've been to 16 1st step meetings since then. I just keep staying connected to the people in recovery and am getting thru this sad loss of a life. Thanks for listening folks...I'm so glad I have a chance to truly live each day one day at a time...love, Sharon

Firstname: Serenity
Location: Today
Remote Name: 63.230.142.15
Date: 01/17/2007
Time: 01:03 PM

Comment

So sorry Sharon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Serenity

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.109.91
Date: 01/17/2007
Time: 09:48 PM

Comment

Sorry to hear the sad news Sharon - 1 day at a time that's all we got. p.s. Babs just sent you the email. OO - roo Chopper

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.68.81
Date: 01/18/2007
Time: 08:26 AM

Comment

My Prayers are with you, Sharon. One of the hardest things that I found, in Living in Sobriety, is watching good people who have the same sickness that I am trying to deal with, continuing to live in the problem, and dying. Love Ric

Firstname: Richard S.
Location: Central FL
Remote Name: 66.13.159.190
Date: 01/18/2007
Time: 10:30 AM

Comment

Sharon… My condolences as well. My brother in law dies last year of the same thing. But he never wanted to go to meetings, and he didn’t want to stop drinking. He picked up a DUI and we were talking about the judge, it seems he had sentenced him to two AA meetings. He knew I was in AA and I asked him if he wanted to go meeting number three with me, and he declined. I never pushed it. And I went to his funeral. I really miss that stupid bastard, and I wish I had tried a bit harder. But Sharon, we can’t get them sober. That power, sadly, is not in us. Richard

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.63.147
Date: 01/18/2007
Time: 04:23 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 18 – 2007 - WOULD A DRINK HELP - By going back in our drinking histories, we could see that years before we realized it we were out of control, that our drinking even then was no mere habit, that it was indeed the beginning of a fatal progression. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.23 - When I was still drinking, I couldn’t respond to any of life’s situations the way other, healthier, people could. The smallest incidents triggered a state of mind that believed I had to have a drink to numb my feelings. But the numbing did not improve the situation, so I sought further escape in the bottle. Today I must be aware of my alcoholism. I cannot afford to believe that I have gained control of my drinking – or again I will think I have gained control of my life. Such a feeling of control is fatal to my recovery. Oo – roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.63.147
Date: 01/19/2007
Time: 07:04 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 19 – 2007 - ROUND - THE CLOCK FAITH - Faith had to work twenty – four hours a day in and through us, or we perish. - ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS, p. 16 - The essence of my spirituality, and my sobriety, rests on a round - the clock faith in a Higher Power. I need to remember and rely on the God of my understanding as I pursue all of my daily activities. How comforting for me is the concept that God works in and through people. As I pause in my day, do I recall specific concrete examples of God’s presence? Am I amazed and uplifted by the number of times this power is evident? I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my God’s presence in my life of recovery. Without this omnipotent force in my every activity, I would again fall into the depths of my disease – and death. Oo – roo chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Sharon
Location: MI
Remote Name: 24.247.227.59
Date: 01/20/2007
Time: 09:17 AM

Comment

Greetings gang- Sharon, alcoholic. Thanks for your kind condolences, you guys are the best....AA has taught me to bring my difficulties out into the open and deal with them so that was my intention when I shared about my brother-in-law. Thanks for being here for me! AA teaches that all beings are the owners of their karma. Their happiness and unhappiness depend on THEIR actions and not MY wishes for them. How often we are reminded of that truth in the program and life! I think no one knows that better than the alcoholic. Take care gang. love, Sharon

Firstname: Barbara B.
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.243.161
Date: 01/20/2007
Time: 03:50 PM

Comment

Good evening friends. Had a few minutes to spend "fighting" my computer, so I thought I'd put it to good use and check into the Forum. SHARON - I am so sorry to learn of your brother-in-law's untimely demise. Richard said it all when he commented to the effect that the "power to get anyone sober is not in us." I suppose ther is somewhat of an up-side to our being made aware of the fate of so many alcoholics who neglect to seek treatment for our otherwise KILLER disease - that being a constant reminder that we keep doing the things our programs suggests, rather than believing we can rest on our so-called laurels. This is not a "been there, done that" recovery program - treatment must be ongoing. CHOPPER - I received a couple of short notes from you - look forward to more now that I seem to have managed to threaten my computer with destruction if it continues to ignore my requests. Love and prayers to all, Barb

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.63.233
Date: 01/20/2007
Time: 09:49 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 20 – 2007 - “WE PAUSE . . . AND ASK” - As we go through the day we pause. When agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87 - Today I humbly ask my Higher Power for the grace to find the space between my impulse and my action; to let flow a cooling breeze when I would respond with heat; to interrupt fierceness with gentle peace; to accept the moment which allows judgement to become discerment; to defer to silence when my tongue would rush to attack or defend. I promise to watch for every opportunity to turn toward my Higher Power for guidance. I know where this power is: it resides within me, as clear as a mountain brook, hidden in the hills – it is the unsuspected Inner Resource. I thank my Higher Power for this worls of light and truth I see when I allow it to direct my vision. I trust it today and hope it trusts me to make all effort to find the right thought or action today. Oo – roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: liverhgold
Location:
Remote Name: 207.232.25.34
Date: 01/21/2007
Time: 03:08 AM

Comment

Firstname: Valentina
Location: USA
Remote Name: 201.243.54.62
Date: 01/21/2007
Time: 11:16 PM

Comment

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Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.63.233
Date: 01/22/2007
Time: 12:01 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 21st – 2007 - SERVING MY BROTHER - The member talks to the newcomer not in a spirit of power but in a spirit of humility and weakness. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE p. 279 - As the days pass in A.A., I ask God to guide my thoughts and the words that I speak. In this labour of continuous participation in the Fellowship, I have numerous opportunities to speak. So I frequently ask God to help me watch over my thoughts and my words, that they may be the true and proper reflections of our program; to focus my aspirations once again to seek His guidance; to help me be truly kind and loving, helpful and healing, yet always filled with humility, and free from any trace of arrogance. Today I may very well have to deal with disagreeable attitudes or utterances – the typical stock –in-trade attitude of the still suffering alcoholic. If this should happen, I will take a moment to centre myself in God, so that I will be able to respond from a perspective of composure, strength and sensibility. Oo – roo Chopper P.S. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.48.235
Date: 01/22/2007
Time: 05:38 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 23 - 2007 - HAVING FUN YET? - . . .we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world’s troubles on our shoulders. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 132 - When my own house is in order, I find the different parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from the guilt and remorse that cloaked my drinking years, I am free to assume my proper role in the universe, but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps I’m taking myself too seriously – and finding it difficult to admit that I’ve strayed from my practice of working the program to keep my house in order. I think the pain I experience is one way my Higher Power has to get my attention, coaxing me to take stock of my performance. The slight time and effort it takes to work the program – a spot check inventory, for example, or the making of amends, whatever is appropriate – are well worth the effort. Oo – roo Chopper P.S. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.48.235
Date: 01/22/2007
Time: 05:42 PM

Comment

ALCOHOLICS DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 22 – 2007 - “LETS KEEP IT SIMPLE” - A few hours later I took my leave of Dr.Bob . . . The wonderful, old, broad smile was on his face as he said almost jokingly, “Remember, Bill, Let’s not louse this thing up. Let’s keep it simple!” I turned away, unable to say a word. That was the last time I ever saw him. - ANONYMOUS COMES OF AGE, p. 214 - After years of sobriety I occasionally ask myself: “Can it be this simple?” Then, at meetings, I see former cynics and skeptics who have walked the A.A. path out of hell by packaging their lives, without alcohol, into twenty –four hour segments, during which they practice a few principles to the best of their individual abilities. And then I know again that, while it isn’t always easy, if I keep it simple, it works. Oo- roo Chopper P.S. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname:
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.48.235
Date: 01/22/2007
Time: 05:47 PM

Comment

Sorry the reflections are the wrong way round date wise a bit like my head the morning ha ha ha OO - roo Chopper

Firstname: Richard S.
Location: Central FL
Remote Name: 66.13.159.190
Date: 01/23/2007
Time: 07:24 AM

Comment

Warren ol' buddy, you still out there? Things are good in my neck of the woods, and I was just thinking about you. Hope this post finds you well. Richard

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.48.235
Date: 01/23/2007
Time: 09:31 PM

Comment

Firstname: Warren C.
Location: Carolina's
Remote Name: 69.132.173.248
Date: 01/24/2007
Time: 11:30 AM

Comment

Thanks for the thought, my friend! I miss being here and kicking things around with you daily, but a couple of people and a lot of spammers, sort of killed it for me. Wish you well my good friend.

Firstname: kigumepoy
Location: Russia
Remote Name: 203.68.124.226
Date: 01/24/2007
Time: 02:38 PM

Comment

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Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.80.180
Date: 01/24/2007
Time: 10:55 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 24 – 2007 GETTING INVOLVED - There is action and more action. “Faith without works is dead.”. . . To be helpful is our only aim. - ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 88 – 89 - I understand that service is a vital part of recovery but I often wonder, “What can I do?” Simple start with what I have today! I look around to see where there is a need. Are the ashtrays full? Do I have hands and feet to empty them? Suddenly I’m involved! The best speaker may make the worst coffee; the member who’s best with newcomers may be unable to read; the one wiling to clean up may make a mess of the bank account – yet every one of these people and jobs is essential to an active group. The miracle of service is this: when I use what I have, I find there is more available to me than I realized before. Oo – roo chopper P.S. 1 day at a time Peace

Firstname: liverhgnbn
Location:
Remote Name: 207.232.25.34
Date: 01/25/2007
Time: 03:15 AM

Comment

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Firstname: Barbara B
Location: North Carolina
Remote Name: 4.136.243.254
Date: 01/25/2007
Time: 07:15 AM

Comment

C'mon, Warren and all my other good friends. Surely we will not allow a few nut cases to prevent us from sharing our experience, strength and hope. Love to you all, and God Bless, Barb

Firstname: Richard S.
Location: Central FL
Remote Name: 66.13.159.190
Date: 01/25/2007
Time: 08:22 AM

Comment

I'm with you Barb... I can overlook the crap. But it would be nice to be able to kill it as it shows up. As to peeing contests between folks, that they have to work out between themselves. And Warren, it’s OK that you chose not to show up here as often as you did, just show up somewhere. Don’t isolate. I think that isolation kills more of us than anything, short of resentments that is. You have a powerful message, share it somewhere ol’ buddy. Richard

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.111.125
Date: 01/26/2007
Time: 02:45 AM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 25 – 2007 - WHAT WE NEED – EACH OTHER - . . . A.A. is really saying to every serious drinker, “You are a member if you say so. . . no –body can keep you out.” - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 139 - For years, whenever I reflected on Tradition Three [“The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking”}, I thought it valuable only to newcomers. It was their guarantee that no one could bar them from A.A. Today I feel enduring gratitude for the spiritual development the Tradition has brought me. I don’t seek out people obviously different from myself. Tradition Three, concentrating on the one way I am similar to others, brought me to know and help every kind of alcoholic, just as they have helped me. Charlottte, the atheist, showed me higher standards of ethics and honor; Clay, of another race, taught me patience; Winslow, who is gay, led me by example into true compassion; Young Megan says that seeing me at meetings, sober thirty years, keeps her coming back. Tradition Three insured that we would get what we need – each other. Oo – roo chopper P.S. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.69.169
Date: 01/26/2007
Time: 06:27 PM

Comment

Hi All; I am sorry if Warren has chosen not to participate, due to my views about some of the issues that have come up, in the past. I have always looked at this forum as a "meeting after the meeting" format, which used to be common among AA members. During these after meeting coffee shop encounters, many things were discussed, often related to issues raised at the AA meeting and often general discussion, which included all who were there. These were not governed by any firm rules, but by having Respect for anyone there. There were occasions, where people would carry on personal discussions, about things that did not relate to all of the participants, but usually they would go to a more private setting to deal with these. I hope that Warren is not choosing to isolate and is continuing to attend face to face meetings, Praying and speaking to his sponsor. In my own Sobriety, I have noticed that a SLIP (when Sobriety Loses It's Priority) is more of a process, than an event. In this process, the person, at risk, will lessen their participation in meetings, cease contact with others, in Sobriety, stop Praying and asking for help from a Higher Power of their own understanding and then begin to go to places which are risky. Eventually, if this process is not stopped, the result is losing one's Sobriety. I have personally gone down this trail, since beginning to follow the AA trail, but have always chosen to return to the AA fellowship, before I made the choice to drink again. I thank the God of my own understanding for this, as well as others, in AA, who cared about me. This past week has been busy, for me, with having to spend the entire week, in Saskatoon, where I was able to meet with other people, in AA, while taking care of business. I always like taking the opportunity to attend F2F meetings and carry the messages back home with me, helping me to continue to work on getting more benefits from this life saving fellowship. Winter has returned to our region, so I will now stay home for a while, but may be going to Germany in a couple of weeks, where I hope to attend some more face to face meetings, in English. Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.87.198
Date: 01/26/2007
Time: 06:59 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 26 – 2007 - RIGOROUS HONESTY - Who wishes tb rigorously honest and tolerant? Who wants to confess his faults to another and make restitution for harm done? Who cares anything about a Higher Power, let alone meditation and prayer? Who wants to sacrifice time and energy in trying to carry A.A’s message to the next sufferer? No, the average alcoholic, self –centered in the extreme, doesn’t care for this prospect – unless he has to do these things in order to stay alive himself. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS. p. 24 - I am an alcoholic. If I drink I will die. My, what power, energy, and emotion this simple statement generates in me! But it’s really all I need to know for today. Am I willing to stay alive today? Am I willing to stay sober today? Am I willing to ask for help and am I willing to be a help to another suffering alcoholic today? Have I discovered the fatal nature of my situation? What must I do, today to stay sober. Oo –roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace! p.p.s. Hope you enjoy Germany Ric just don't mention the "WAR" ok ha ha ha p.p.p.s Warren hope your head is travelling smooth and on the AA beam and that your the only tenant inside your head living rent free.

Firstname: Lily
Location:
Remote Name: 71.61.192.125
Date: 01/27/2007
Time: 03:54 PM

Comment

lily hi all.... I"m at an AA womens winter Jaimacian party... one of those summer in jan, things. All"s the same in a hurry though, got to work at the halfway house at midnight. Hi again,, Chopper,,, Ric etc.

Firstname: Lily
Location:
Remote Name: 71.61.192.125
Date: 01/27/2007
Time: 03:54 PM

Comment

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.87.198
Date: 01/27/2007
Time: 04:59 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 27 - 2007 - FREEDOM FROM GUILT - Where other people were concerned, we had to drop the word “blame” from our speech and thought. - TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 47 - When I become willing to accept my own power- lessness, I begin to realize that blaming myself for all the trouble in my life can be an ego trip back into hopelessness. Asking for help and listening deeply to the messages inherent in the Steps and Traditions of the program make it possible to change those attitudes which delay my recovery. Before joining A.A., I had such a desire for approval from people in powerful positions that I was willing to sacrifice myself, and others, to gain a foothold in the world. I invariably came to grief. In the program I find true friends who love, understand, and care to help me learn the truth about myself. With the help of the Twelve Steps, I am able to build a better life, free of guilt and the need for self – justification. Oo –roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Chopper
Location:
Remote Name: 149.135.87.198
Date: 01/27/2007
Time: 05:00 PM

Comment

G.day Lily great to hear from you again - much love Chopper

Firstname: Warren C.
Location: Carolina's
Remote Name: 69.132.173.248
Date: 01/28/2007
Time: 02:57 PM

Comment

"I hope that Warren is not choosing to isolate and is continuing to attend face to face meetings, Praying and speaking to his sponsor." ##### Ric, I was the person that requested for the return of you "Old-Timers" to this site. About a week later, you were the only one that responded and told us why you chose to stay away. You sited such things as: people posting matters that were not necessarily related to alcoholism and you are subject to dial-up Internet-service and your page loaded very slow. First let me answer your question: Because of my limited physical condition, this site was my only source to continued recovery. Secondly, my suggestion of you switching to the other pages where the RULES of this site are more stringent of cross-talk, was meant as me wanting YOU to participate (as I respect and enjoy your ES&H) in an environment of less bullshit, which is allowed on this page. Some took my proposal as running/ordering/moderating "Forum Talk". Thirdly, the very thing I was trying to be helpful to YOU about, (cross-talk, not related to alcoholism.) which got me in trouble with other members, you engaged in, IE: "...best wishes for all who recognize the Winter Solstice..." "...I just had to repair our heating system..." "Happy New Year All!" Etc; Etc. ##### There seems to be a bit of hypocrisy in play here. I really don't mind it, I just take offense, when I'm belittled for trying to help! Yes Chopper, after 18 years, I haven't learned to not let things "rent space in my head". God has blessed me with the ability to remember posts and things from past years. It may even be a curse! But, "For it is the doom of men, that they forget." Merlin.

Firstname: Ric R
Location: Green Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Remote Name: 142.165.68.115
Date: 01/28/2007
Time: 04:36 PM

Comment

Hi All; Warren, it is unfortunate that you equate a simple well wishing message with the type of religious debate that took up several screens of this forum, and which did not make any attempt at inclusion of all who participate in this forum. I have never said that the only discussion here was about AA topics, only that Respect should be encouraged, in order to include all who are in the "discussion." Although I am not a Christian, I often wish people the best of the season, out of Respect for them, just as I do notice the change that occurs, when the days begin to get longer (an issue of more importance here in the north). I have always tried to read all of what members of this forum have written, out of Respect, even when I do not have the ability to participate in the discussion. I do not limit my choices of subjects, not to bring up, only to specific religions, but also to politics, as I do not believe, personally, that these make good general subject matter, when they are not conducted in groups with a common interest. It is unfortunate that you, like me, do not have the benefit of regular attendance at face to face meetings, but the internet has the ability to reach people with a variety of interests. It is unfortunate that we do not have the benefit of some of the Old timers, who have since passed on, since they had the ability to share, on this forum, their ES&H in ways that encouraged participation from those who had a desire to work on their Sobriety, without alienating anybody due to their particular recognition of a "Power Greater than Themselves." I do hope that you will continue to participate in the forum, since you also have much to add. Thank you all, for paying this very important 12th Step call, on me! Love Ric

Firstname: Chopper
Location: Australia
Remote Name: 149.135.118.203
Date: 01/28/2007
Time: 10:21 PM

Comment

DAILY – REFLECTIONS – January 28 - 2007 - THE TREASURE OF THE PAST - Showing others who suffer how we were given help is the very thing, which makes life seem so worthwhile to us now. Cling to the thought that, in God’s hands, the dark, past is the greatest possession you have – the key to life and happiness for others. With it you can avert death and misery for them. - ALCOHOLICS Anonymous. p 124 - What a gift it is for me to realize that all those seemingly useless years were not wasted. The most degrading and humiliating experiences turn out to be the most powerful tools in helping others to recover. In knowing the depths of shame and despair, I can reach out with a loving and compassionate hand, and know that the grace of God is available to me. Oo- roo Chopper p.s. 1 day at a time - Peace!

Firstname: Robert T
Location: SA
Remote Name: 198.54.202.195
Date: 01/29/2007
Time: 01:15 AM

Comment

Good Morning All Long time since I have posted, but do check in regularly, glad to see things have not changed, we all have perceptions, different ideas and experiences in life. What works for me here does not necessarily mean it will work for anybody else. I must admit to saying things yesterday myself, that are not relevant to my situation today. I believe that that should happen as I am on a path of growth, through my program and through life, and my opinions etc will also change and grow as I do, what was a priority for me yesterday, may not be today. The people that come into my life, bring messages and lessons for me to learn, sometimes I do not like the person or the lesson, but I find that it will continually happen until I have learn't the lesson, so I have to look outside my little comfort zone and life to get the lesson and hence the growth that comes with it. Another saying I believe in is this, yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that is why it is called the present. I hope to be seen and judged by my actions of today, not yesterday or tomorrow, so today I will live and strive to be my best. Now on a lighter side, hope you all enjoy. I do as I am in the process of suing both my ex's, one for maintenance and the other for access to my baby son. Long live Bachelors Every man should get married some time; after all,happiness is not the only thing in life !! --Anonymous --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bachelors should be heavily taxed. It is not fair that some men should be happier than others. --Oscar Wilde ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't marry for money; you can borrow it cheaper. --Scottish Proverb ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I don't worry about terrorism. I was married for two years. --Sam Kinison ( i loved this one ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Men have a better time than women; for one thing, they marry later; for another thing, they die earlier. --H. L. Mencken --------------------------------------------------------------------- When a newly married couple smiles, everyone knows why. When a ten-year married couple smiles, everyone wonders why. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Love is blind but marriage is an eye-opener. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife. --------------------------------------------------------------------- I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps