[Christina86]

Roughly two years ago today, I gave up alcohol.

For many, many, reasons.

Maybe permanently, maybe not. Haven't decided yet.

To celebrate this "birthday", I'm going to my regular Tuesday volunteering "thing" where I see a bunch of friends. I baked myself some chocolate chip shortbread squares and will be bringing them, and telling them that it's a special day for me. Later, I'll be seeing one of my other friends and she said she'd bring me a cake.

Last year on my first birthday, I went to AA. Why? Because they did help me stay sober, even if I never was "too far gone" to quit by myself. I got a birthday cake and a medallion (on it, it says "YWI You're Worth It" which is something my first therapist taught me).

That was fun.

This year? My "home group" for AA doesn't do birthday parties beyond first year, and every five years after (5,10,15 etc). Last night (Monday) I went to the regular meeting and told some people there it was my birthday today. I got some congratulations which was nice.

I also was asked to read the "Twelve Steps" in front of the group. I introduced myself as an alcoholic, but not the same kind of alcoholic as many people would understand. I said "alcoholic" because it was a compulsion to drink. It wasn't ever excessive, but it was a nasty compulsion that I'm happy to say doesn't have the same control over me anymore.

And I suppose that's all I'll say about this tonight.

One day at a time, even though going only one day at a time seems realllllllllly slow sometimes

Fantastic, Christina! What an accomplishment, that is awesome.

[splitimage]

Congratulations Christina,

That's really awesome. You should try going to an ICYPAA (International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Annonymous) sometime. I hear they're really awesome.

And I think it's really fantastic that you stopped because you thought you might have a problem before it developed into a really serious problem.

--splitimage

[rartemis]

Happy Birthday!!!

Congratulations, Christina86.

[Christina86]

Originally Posted by splitimage

Congratulations Christina,

That's really awesome. You should try going to an ICYPAA (International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Annonymous) sometime. I hear they're really awesome.

And I think it's really fantastic that you stopped because you thought you might have a problem before it developed into a really serious problem.

--splitimage

Hi! Just looked them up - very cool! Too bad I'm kinda broke at the moment, but something to look into next year (I'm assuming it's a yearly conference ... and the next one is in just over a month in Times Square.) Although it's awesome that the conference is so cheap - but the airfare + hotel ... not so much!!

thanks everyone for your support.

[Sooles]

that is so awesome. i was really happy to read a post like this today.

<3

[heefman]

Congrats Christina -

I have about 3 and a half years sober and don't feel like I can ever pick up again, I am sure I would just end up right where I left off.

[angel12]

congratulations christine
i know how hard alcohol is , wow so proud and happy for you

[eskielover]

Congratulations Christina,

Think it's so wonderful that you were able to see where your obsession was leading you to & were wise enough to stop before it ended up taking over your life. That is really something to be proud about to start with. From my understanding, an alcoholic can't even take a drink or it triggers that drinking all over again. Hopefully your obcession with the alcohol isn't the same, but don't think I would take the chance personally. I am sure that since you were so wise at this point, you will continue to be wise the rest of your life.

Understanding that YOU ARE WORTH IT is important as that self-esteem is what we really need to drive our successful lives.....

Keep up the magnificent work!!!!

[Christina86]

Thanks so much everyone.

[robert belcastro]

Originally Posted by Christina86

Roughly two years ago today, I gave up alcohol.

For many, many, reasons.

Maybe permanently, maybe not. Haven't decided yet.

To celebrate this "birthday", I'm going to my regular Tuesday volunteering "thing" where I see a bunch of friends. I baked myself some chocolate chip shortbread squares and will be bringing them, and telling them that it's a special day for me. Later, I'll be seeing one of my other friends and she said she'd bring me a cake.

Last year on my first birthday, I went to AA. Why? Because they did help me stay sober, even if I never was "too far gone" to quit by myself. I got a birthday cake and a medallion (on it, it says "YWI You're Worth It" which is something my first therapist taught me).

That was fun.

This year? My "home group" for AA doesn't do birthday parties beyond first year, and every five years after (5,10,15 etc). Last night (Monday) I went to the regular meeting and told some people there it was my birthday today. I got some congratulations which was nice.

I also was asked to read the "Twelve Steps" in front of the group. I introduced myself as an alcoholic, but not the same kind of alcoholic as many people would understand. I said "alcoholic" because it was a compulsion to drink. It wasn't ever excessive, but it was a nasty compulsion that I'm happy to say doesn't have the same control over me anymore.

And I suppose that's all I'll say about this tonight.

One day at a time, even though going only one day at a time seems realllllllllly slow sometimes

Hello and Happy birthday and many many more. and One day at a time... wishing you happiness... Bobby

[brittfly]

Congrads!!!!