this reading saved me more than once. it comes from Hazelden 24 hour a day book for January 6th.

I love those kind of books!!!! Keeping sober is one of the most important things in my life, but only one thing. There are other things that are just as important.
I refuse to define myself by Alcoholism, or to think about it 24/7. I'm Bipolar too, and am agoraphobic, and have generalized anxiety, too. They intrude upon my life as much as alcoholism, but I refuse to be defined by those either. I think about that stuff as much as need to. Being on this support board , and other boards, keeps me more than enough mindful as I need to be!!!
Take good care!! (((((Hugs)))))

It is the most important thing in my life G. Keeping that in the forefront of my mind Is an important reminder to do the work to stay sober SO I can focus my attention on what I'm responsible for in my life. Not just myself but being part of the community, work, and more importantly, doing my job as a parent. Without my sobriety, none of that would be possible today. I've seen what my alcoholism has done, and I've seen what it's done for others. It leaves a wake of destruction and death in it's path and I don't want to go back to that life. This one needs to be revived more often than the 6 Jan G. Thanks :}

That's a great reading - I thought you wrote it until I got to the end - clearly written by an alki, not a D&A worker.

Right now, keeping sober is the most important thing in my life. I am hoping that as life goes on (and I remain sober) that it'll slide down the list. Not because it will be any less important, but because hopefully someday I won't have to focus on it as much am I have to now!

it is truly my life depends on my sobriety....

Ditto G -

I have a priorities in my life now, My God, My sobriety, My health and my children - many people slam with about not putting my children first -

My God comes first as with out him NOTHING will fall into place, My sobriety is next - if I starting using again, I will go back to a Godless life and life of destruction, My health is next (not very good at this) as I have to stay healthy to help my children and then my children -

I refuse to risk anything, including my eternal life for a drink - it's just not worth it in my book - i very seldom struggle with the cravings or things anymore, i think about it now and then, but my choice is not follow through on any thoughts - it's just not worth it.

Peace!

I like Coogee's take on this. Sometimes I see "sobriety as #1" an excuse for not accepting responsibility for other parts of our lives...home, family, work and even health. It is close to being narcissistic unless we understand the important reason for sobriety to be number 1. We live better, more useful and joyous lives.

Well said, poohbear.

For the first month, sobriety was my number one priority and everything else took a back seat.

Now my sobriety is no longer "front of mind," but I know it is an absolute necessity and an integral part of who I am and need to be. My life and taking care of my responsibilities does depend on it.

I think the way it has happened for me is yes, in the first few years, AA was above all else and I simply had to adjust my life around it. I totally immersed myself in it. Then it evolved, it is still that level of priority, but I can have other things in my life - things I never would have had had I not gotten sober, but AA and sobriety is like a thread shot through the whole tapestry of my life. It's not a compartmentalised part of my life - it's part of everything. And at the same time I never become complacent about that - I have watched too many tragedies, and I continue to work the program on a daily basis, naturally, organically, mindfully.