[2009Dutch]

Hello all,
I just wanted to share that today, Thursday, I am sober for 6 months. If you'd have told me that 7 months ago, I think I could'nt imagine.
I've been drinking for almost 10 years, it started just like that... No, not just like that, it was b/c I thought I felt more relaxed with wine.
How wrong was I. But that's one of the steps. I lost control and had 2 choices; keep on drinking untill I might have died, or recovery. I choose the latter, and the first weeks were really really hard. I joined AA almost immediately, and look at me now! Volunteering again in a Fair Trade Shop, not scared anymore for ...the phone (they might hear it), the doorbell (they can smell it), money (do I have enough for today, tomorrow...) . So life is pretty relaxed and uncomplicated.
And you know what; this is only the beginning. In my AA group are members over 20 years of sobriety. I wanna catch up with them

[Leed]

This is WONDERFUL!!! Congratulations!! And I'll bet I know how you did it too --- one day at a time, right? LOL

Everything I ever gave up had scratch marks all over it. I don't give up things easily. lol I remember those early days in AA -- boy, they were fun, but they were also a lot of hard work too! My home group kept me so darned busy, that I didn't have TIME to think about drinking!!!

You should be very proud of yourself. I didn't know I could do 6 hours, let alone 6 months! LOL And now, it's hard to believe I have 17 years. Time has really flown!

You're doing great - just stay away from slippery people and places and keep on keepin on. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

[splitimage]

Congratulations. That's really awesome. Do they give out chips in your first year at the meetings they go to. They do in my area, and I loved picking up my 6 month chip - I carry it in my purse.

It's hard, but it's really worth it, I'm finding. So keep it up, one day at a time.

--splitimage

[lynn P.]

That's awesome - congratualtions 2009Dutch. I read a thread in Current Events by Byz that talks about a new med they're testing for alcohol addiction. Keep up the great work!!

[madisgram]

YAY! dutch. CONGRATS on your 6 months sober. when i read yr post it made me remember when i drank that i actally unplugged the phone (didn't want it to ring...??, had the tv on but on mute, blinds closed. like why was i scared? alcohol causes some weird behaviors when we're active alcoholics. thanks for "keeping it green" for me.
"keep on keeping on" one day at a time. it only gets better-beyond your wildest dreams.

[DePressMe]

Conrats on 6 mos! It's a good milestone. It sounds like you are making some really good choices in life...keep the ball rolling!!!

Well done, 2009Dutch. A step at a time. A day at at time.

[2009Dutch]

Originally Posted by splitimage

Congratulations. That's really awesome. Do they give out chips in your first year at the meetings they go to. They do in my area, and I loved picking up my 6 month chip - I carry it in my purse.

It's hard, but it's really worth it, I'm finding. So keep it up, one day at a time.

--splitimage

The first chip they give out at one year. I have seen a few now (funny, everyone is carrying it in their purse) and I want one.... It's the same one I think: triangle in a circle with "recovery, unity and serving" (that is a litteraly translation from the Dutch one).

[2009Dutch]

Thank you all for your support. I went to a meeting, I attend AA every week (it's only once a week). I felt so good, allthough someone else shared she relapsed again. That was sad. Nevertheless I could tell my good feelings and we discussed step 6/7.
It's really so important to keep coming back, to stay sharp, and remember that this is a handicap that will stay.

[Gus1234U]

yes, eternal vigilence is the price for sobriety, but it does get easier, with time and practice,,

well done, Dutch, and keep up the good work,, best wishes,, Gus