About loving and giving and having expectations in return I realise now that I had been practicing conditional love in my active alcoholism. That did not work very well and could lead to judgement and resentment etc. I came to understand that leads to resentment and a lot of negativity. Not only with people but everything else.

Giving without condition or expectation in a balanced way ensures that life flows much more smoothly and helps greatly toward reaching the serenity most alcoholics crave. I was taught that spiritual people stand up and quietly speak their truth without fear or favour.

These are all tough ideals to live up to but it works as I strive toward them and see gradual improvement. If I want to live a useful and happy life I have to give up my old ways willingly. The old me drank, the old me will drink again. As the illness is progressive so must my recovery be as well.

Too much thought going into this. I'd run from people speaking such babel and keep it simple. My two cents.

Remember, it's YOUR program.

LOLOL -

Are you taking exception to the advice we are giving to Bob?

How do you really feel about what we are saying - itsjustme?

LOLOL - you're pretty blunt - and that's a good thing - there is little doubt of where you are coming from.

I'm a firm believer that
You can only keep what you have by giving it away.

My Kingdom for a horse Richard 3rd said No Horse Noooo Richard the third No Moore. He was willing lol but alas the Horse wasnt hmmm there is a story there Read Shakespeare haha

I don't know. I am holding on to my sobriety and I ain't letting go. It is uniquely mine.

Even if I could give it away, it fits me. I can show others what it looks like and how I found it. But ultimately, each person has to find their own sobriety, no matter how much support and help I offer.

Richard the thirds reign was short and thats all he knew Bob I think that in itself can play into a sense of ease Do something different if it doesn't suit you or Just keep on guessing Of what you could be missin through the lack of Avenues explored . I think that in itself would bring out your creative juices ,cause ignorance aint bliss if your questioning. At least your bubble is being compromised by something Different

Good for You,
Billy

I get out of myself when I help somebody else.

I realize how bad I would shake the day after a binge when I talk to another alcoholic.

I realize how great my sobriety is compared to the other guy that is facing divorce, jail, or the loss of his house.

I count my blessings when I am told by another alcholic that they cant see their kids anymore.

I think about how I have a wonderful wife when another alchy says that their wife just left and took the kids across the country.

I think that the concept of you cant keep it if you dont give it away is basically that you need to stay close to others that are in the bottle still to see just how bad it was.

I hear of many relapses that happened because people thought they were "cured" and got away from other alcholics.

I choose to reach out my hand today so I can stay sober today.

1is2

Its means simply, to help keep yourself sober you must help others stay sober.
To stay sober, you must give yours away...

I have seen both my brother and my brother-in -law reach double digit years in sobriety without having to play the sobriety evangelist. That being said I will help anyone who asks for help in getting sober in my day to day contacts. Nevertheless sobriety is a personal choice and i found I can stay sober bassed on that decision alone.

Sobriety evangelist Aziemus? That's a new one on me but it did make smile.

Working with others - that's all!