Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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nickyj18022002 02/09/2011

"The more you think about your own self, the more self-centred you are, the more trouble even small problems can create in your mind. The stronger your sense of I, the narrower the scope of your thinking becomes; then even small obstacles become unbearable. On the other hand, if you concern yourself mainly with others, the broader your thinking becomes, and lifes inevitable difficulties disturb you less."

- Dalai Lama

Certainly true in my experience.

gjm 02/09/2011

I'm self centered but a hell of a lot better than I was. Something I will always have especially about my recovery coming before anything else. ( If that's being self centered) not sure. I'm pretty sure I will always be in one way or another but as along I'm making progress what more can I ask for. If and when I hear some one say all there defects are going I raise a eye brow and go the other way.

deleted_user 02/09/2011

I would just say that my recovery comes before anything and in that way I am selfish about it. But that's about as far as the selfishness goes regarding AA.

gjm 02/09/2011

* gone, not going,

gr8ful2b 02/09/2011

Nicky, sorry for hijacking your wonderful post. It was wrong of me.

Pat, no problem at this end. We'll carry on. Thanks

deleted_user 02/10/2011

Alone in Arizona said: " I thought that AA was SUPPOSED to be a selfish program. That you have to want sobriety for YOURSELF, and that it won't work if you are doing it for someone else. Aren't you supposed to put YOUR OWN sobriety 1st above all else?

Not understanding, but what's new!"

I am not in AA, but I think that you need to not get sober to please others, as this is fleeting. If you do not put your sobriety first and foremost-you cannot help anyone else. However, in putting your sobriety number one-I have found that one of the best ways of staying healthy and balanced is to focus on helping others. I do this AFTER I have taken care of business on the homefront of my inner life (meditation, prayer, staying healthy, etc)...

For me, by taking care of myself, nd not worrying about what everyone else thinks....actually has made me a more useful and less self centered person. Now, I can finally help others!

We must care for ourselves in basic and loving ways and THEN serve....Make sense?

LindaJean 02/11/2011

That is so cool! Thank you for posting that.

deleted_user 02/12/2011

AIA Carla has a good response as well. I must be healthy in order to help others so until I am I will continue to put MY sobriety first. This does NOT go against any AA "suggestion" that I have read or heard.

The Dali Lama is a very devout person who has spent his life for the betterment of others. I can guarantee you the 1st thing in the AM he does however is in some way refresh himself and re -charge HIS batteries in order to have the strength to carry on.

There is a point in our recovery that we can be of help to others and in all honesty everyone, no matter what stage of recovery they are in, has something to offer. The GIFT is IN the GIVING.

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