The power I need to stay sober comes from a power greater than myself. I maintain conscious contact with this power through practicing the principles of the AA program which includes - inventory, amends, meditation, personal, emotional and spiritual growth, intensive work with other alcoholics.

Honestly G? Aside from the steps & meetings (which I do as well), I am inspired to keep goin because I want to keep the happiness that I have now.

The happiness is from the love in my life....

I want to keep feelin the love from those around me and the only way to do that is to keep being the friendliest & caring, honest person that I can be...and I can't do that if I don't continue with the steps...it's a cycle and for me, it all starts with living the steps, or at least trying to to the best of my ability.

I am seeing an addictions counselor and getting to the root of why I was doing this to myself. I, too, want to maintain the peace, self respect and being truly present for my family/friends/myself.

Ya know what just occurred to me? I've never given myself the CHANCE to live a "normal" existence.

I had been drinking daily since 1993. Honestly, every moment that I had at home alone or not, was drunk. I never had the opportunity to be at home sober.

Maybe that's why I'm so happy with my life now....my home is clean and pretty and I've decorated and found things that I forgot I even had and dusted them off. I genuinely enjoy my home...maybe I'm all giddy & childish cause it's alllllll new to me.

Give yourself a chance to experience life like this, that's what's helping me to want to keep it....I am happy!!

working and living the aa program, having a hp around GREATER than myself and professional help outside of aa to help me look at the stuff that aa cant help me with..

You know me....I just go fishing a lot!

I have to connect with people. I am an extrovert. If I ever feel lonely, that is when I have the most difficult time staying sober. This is going to have to be something I learn to manage I know.

I also have to keep reminding myself what an ass I am when I drink. I get hurt and I hurt other people and I generally just make an ass of myself.

I remember how great I feel now compared to the days following a binge. I try to fully appreciate the time I spend with loved ones and try to notice the appreciation on their faces when I spend the time and am really present.

Can't believe I forgot to mention my HP without that I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be sitting here @ 6a with a clear mind & looking forward to the day.

To Recovery

Everyday, I do the five things suggested to me when I began to fellowship in AA
Pray
Read the BB
Call my sponsor
Go to a meeting
DONT DRINK!!!!

I use AA too. i know a lot of people here though that the church works for too.

I try and maintain some rules in my daily life-something I never have done before, to stay balanced and progressing. I meditate daily, work out (swim), and try to eat right. Rather than avoid situations now that seem negative or threatening-I look at them as just a part of life and see it as a challenge-will I meet it with courage and strength or negativity and fear?

Gratitude!

I am very conscious of my cognitive processes, and if I see myself going in the direction of unrealistic, negative "alcoholic" thinking patterns of old, I re-direct myself.

I live in the NOW. It is all we have-and once I really and truly realized this, what sweet relief to only have to deal with what is in front of me! If I get off track-I just look at my dog, how she is so "present".....gets me in line.

I do not let people tell me what to think of myself anymore. That is so relieving. I use to be ruled by what others thought-be it rebelling or conforming. Now, I make a conscious effort to listen to that small voice within threw prayer and medition.

God is working in me. Sobriety is a gift, I think and I am grateful to have had the grace of God working in my life today. I admit wholeheartedly that I am not the most vigilant guy in the world. I can spin off on emotional tangents at any given moment. However, God is there keeping me all togther; from falling all together. As a result of this I get the priviledge of doing 5 things
I go to meetings.
Work the steps; work my sponsor; work with other alcoholics.
I ask God to keep me sober/ I thank him for doing it.
Read Recovery literature/I like intervention too.
I dont drink.

Thanks for letting me share.
Darrell

I follow AA's design for living. My daily routine involves calling my sponsor so he can check me on my shit. Checking my shit involves making sure of my meeting attendance and asking what step I am presently working on. On my knees every morning to relinquish power(ego). Follow the directions page 84para2 through page 88 para3 of the big book.
3-5 meetings/ week so I can hang out with frineds that are just like me.

Darrell it sure is a gift my friend.
KK I can relate to listen to that small voice and pay attention & about gratitude absolutely.

Oh, I don't think I can answer briefly gjm. AA gave me pretty solid foundations and provided me with the tools to take action needed in life. Whenever I'm faced with a hurdle, I confront it and do the legwork needed to get to the otherside. I have faith that these things will pass, if I keep moving forward. And I know that I need not travel my journey alone. There is always help.

I lay down at night and reflect on my day, and wake in the morning eager to see what the next one will bring. I surround myself by people that make me happy. Listen, learn and remain subject to change without notice. And today I make a solid commitment to stay sober and trust in God above all else.