One day it will be offering advice and reassurance.

You are the reason there are old timers.

Rammy! Thanks for the laugh. LMAO.... There'll be a separate posting for the newcomers. Is that what you are, a newcomer? How does the classification work anyway?

How2,

I've known many old-timers that have relatively short sobriety accumulated. On the other hand, there are self-titled old-timers that need to "keep coming back."

The term "old-timer" implies someone that is wise and insightful in the ways of recovery, as it applies to humanity. It really have to do with spiritual condition; not just length of "dry time."

One key "give away" of a "false prophet" is this. The "old-timer" that has labeled himself that term, probably is not. IOW, a true old-timer will be the last to admit that he has earned that status.

Wayne-

yep, agree with Wayne on this one.

I see lots of self proclaimed "old timers" and it's only them that consider themselves "wise and insightful in the ways of recovery".

Not everyone who has been in AA for 18 years is "wise and insightful" by any stretch of the imagination. They're only a legend in their own mind. :)

I consider myself a newcomer and can't imagine ever being anything but. I got lots and lots to learn before I'm all growed up. hee hee..

I'm not an old-timer, I'm relatively a newcomer. Despite my ramblings I am confused. I am tired. All I can do is pray.

Now, if Les would just GET OFF MY LEG!!! LOL

Correct me if I am wrong-but I think that howtolive means people who are helping her that have extended sober time (like 5, 10 plus or something)? I am all about living in the now-but I see wisdom in people who are older in general-wisdom that comes only with time. This is rare though-as some people just get older,not wiser.

There are people here, past and present, that help me see a light at the end of the tunnel when I have problems too. Reed was one of them-he was wise, and would pm me when he could see that I was hurting with wisdom I did not have. I would get a lot of "talk on another board...what is wrong with you" advice from people with a lot of sober time that was a bit condescending. Not Reed-and a few other folks. God bless you that are like that!

I guess this is an AA term-but I think an old timer is someone who is wise in the ways of life and living sober in general-and helps new folks-warts and all, in sobriety.

I pretty much mean anyone with a "good amount" of sober time that comes here to DS to share and provide support to those of us who aren't "there" yet.

I am just so grateful that those people still come around to help despite some of the drama and such here that comes from me for one. I need people like that to show me the way and I just really really appreciate it.

I agree.. Great post ...(ps, who's leg is this, I suspect a very old timer, and cranky)

We need old timers just as old timers need the newcomer, without that cycle it don't work. You are just as important as someone with 50 yrs sobriety, it's a one day at a time deal.

~ ~ ~ Wayne & Mike hit the nail on right on the head. ~ It's true that there are many self-proclaimed "old-timers" as well as self-proclaimed "humble" people. ~ The give away is that true old-timers and truly humble people don't proclaim themselves as such - they don't have a need to.



~ ~ ~ In recovery, the old-timers need the new-comers just as much as the new-comers need the old-timers. ~ Why - you might ask ? ? ? ~ Many old-timers have listened to new-comers share in order to keep their memories "green" and remember what it was like in the beginning of their recovery. ~ Also, helping another drunk to stay sober helps all of us to focus on someone else and not worry so much about our own personal situations !



~ ~ ~ On the other hand, the new-comers need the wisdom, guidance and stability of someone who has kept sober for a long time and ENJOYS THEIR OWN LIFE WHILE STAYING SOBER ! ~ In those regards, none of us has to do it alone. ~ We can all help each other to stay sober . . . . . . . . . . . One Day At A Time !



Peace,



DavidGoliath

Trust me when I say that even those "old timers" can throw a kickin screamin tantrum that would rival anything even offered by the still active drunk.

ROFL

HOW2 I got 3 years and you help me more than you know. Thanks for the PM.

Haha Jim! I have seen that.

Y'all can really put up a good fight too, but I wouldn't have it any other way :).