| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/1/2005 5:18:06 PM | | To merickk thanks for the positive comment i have all of 449 highlighted very good reading for me but to each his own Some of these people act like i went in their favorite bar and passed out AA literature I guess i shouldnt have even started this thread due to the press radio and film thing so sorry to everyone i offended | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/2/2005 6:39:17 AM | As far as the tradition thing, you didn't "advertise" not against the traditions to openly admit you belong to AA and on a forum where almost anything goes there is nothing wrong with talking about a legitimate problem even if it concerns peoples reactions to AA. If someone was offended then that was their choice to be, no one made them click on your topic and actually take the time to read your post.
I am proud to be a recovering alcholic for several reasons. First off I'm doing something today that is extreemly difficult. The experiences I've lived through has opened my eyes to the world and the way it works. The people around me that know are proud of me as well, especially the people that knew me when I was activly drinking. Through AA I've learned a better way to live, and belive that alcholic or not the principles of any 12 step program can be applied in anyones life for the betterment of society in general.
Staying sober is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. Even after all these years it is still hard at times. For that alone I saulte you, for anyone who don't understand just how difficult that is and think its all a joke oh well they're welcome to their opinion don't mean I have to listen to them or be around them. Bottom line is if someone really cares and wants to get to know you they'd be supportive and not use that as an excuse to bail. | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/2/2005 8:26:41 PM | To merickk thanks for the thumbs up buddy and your right This is the hardest thing i have ever done and in proud of it Its the most important thing in my life right now and if a woman cant accept it well i dont need her and she dam sure doesnt deserve me As long as i stay sober i dont care if i stay single the rest of my life And sweetie from california thanks for the compliment Charlie | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/2/2005 11:09:04 PM | Aloha, beachboy.
A good friend who I'd not seen in years invited me 2 weeks ago to an AA meeting. The 'realness' just hits too hard for some.  specially when much of what they say is relating to issues most of us aren't prepared to face yet I went again 2 days ago, and I'll be d*mned if again, 3 'shares' hit on my own personal issues i'm avoiding. It can be too much - especially for a new relationship. Never had a problem with drink, but lost everything to 'smoke'. (meth) Not sure about going again (to AA), but I'm sure you'd be gyping yourself if you hooked up with one of those running scared types anyway.
Best luck, bud...
Sam | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/3/2005 4:37:27 AM | | Thanks Sam Good for you giving it a try,its not for everyone but it works for me. When i first started it scared me too,some of the people speaking said things that really hit home for me like they were reading my mind. But its more like we all been there and done that they seemed to be telling my story for me but i stuck with it and my life changed for the better and it will work for you too if you keep going back.And i dont mind saying i broke a few light bulbs myself so i know exactly where you are coming from. I lost almost everything myself but what i gained from the program is priceless and is worth more than what i lost so dont give it up after just a couple meetings,you already did the hard part of showing up just once so good luck and God bless Charlie | |
|
| |
RitzNB
|
Joined: 3/16/2005
Msg: 32 | |
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/29/2005 7:41:35 PM | | beachboy : Congratulations on your sobriety. Keep up the good work. I'll probably get beaten up for my response. I wouldn't date a man with a prior history of drug or alcohol abuse. I would always be afraid that somewhere down the line he might start using again. It could be the onset of depression, loosing a job, love one dying, money problems, increased stress ... whatever the cause. I know alot of people relapse. On the other hand some people stay clean forever. I'm sure the urge to drink will always be there. The temptation will always be abundant. Anyways, that's just how I feel. Just being honest. It's nothing against you personaly. I've witnessed too many people hook up with an alcoholic. Their life was a nightmare. | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 3/30/2005 9:17:10 AM | | I have dated guys in AA and don't have a problem with it. I think they're so focused on it, like you said because its constantly on their mind and they need to avoid temptation and they spend a lot of time involved in meetings. Yes, its always a concern someone will relapse but the meetings are the best way to counteract that. I respect people who have given up substances and are learning from their mistakes. Personally, I hate people who try to force a person to drink to "be sociable". Compatibility is about matching your habits, and drinking (to me) is not an attractive one; and one that will always be a bone of contention if one person does and the other doesn't. | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 12:10:54 PM | | Thanks for all the positive responses ive been off line a month or so but still sober and coming up on 1 year so thanks again and God bless | |
|
mack
|
Joined: 1/7/2005
Msg: 35 | |
| |
| |
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 1:22:13 PM | I say kudos to you for doing what you need to to stay sober and for being honest enough about it that you share the info when you are interested in someone. Better to be informed I would think.
I have a friend that has been "sober" for 15 years and he still goes to AA 3-4 times a week. He tells me although he hasn't had a drink in all those years the DESIRE to do so is still there and by attending the meetings and feeling that support he is able to stay on the path he has chosen.
Don't let anyone undermine what you need to do to feel good about yourself, Charlie. If they have issue with someone that is trying to keep himself clean n sober that's their issue not yours.
Keep on keepin on......hugs to you.
Raven | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 1:31:33 PM | My suggestion to you is to not mention it until you reach a level in the friendship/relationship that requires you to disclose that part of your life. If asked why you don't drink, just tell them it's not your thing and that you have as good a time going out as everyone else regardless. People can be very judgemental, even on a subconscious level and they don't even realize it. They hear AA/NA and picture a homeless person drinking out of a paper bag or having a dirty needle sticking out of their arm just like I did when I was naive. So, I say until you're at that level where they "need' to know about that part of your life, just say you're going out for coffee with friends whenever it's meeting time.
Oh, and it's good to see you're here and not in there 13 stepping ;) | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 1:32:45 PM | HEY DUDE!
SAME HERE I WILL HAVE 5 YRS IN MAY. WE ARE NOT MUCH GOOD TO ANYONE IF WE DRINK. HONESTY OPEN-MINDED AND WILLING. IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT. GOOD JOB ON ONE YEAR! | |
|
| |
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 1:49:13 PM | My header says No BS Accepted or Distributed, this is a real world, with real problems.
It is Alcoholism, not Alcoholwasm..When I was out I would "Lie to you for your love"
Had women left and right, but I was a different person at every bar, as are some of the women I know/knew that changed their name at every bar they went to.
I am also honest up front, I don`t want to ever deceive another human being as long as I live, and the program of AA has taught me this. And God willing, and the creek don`t rise,
I won`t ...
Some woman have a predescribed image of an alcoholic, nothing you can do, or they dated one..
again, nothing you can do. I personally, get to know them, talk awhile..then let them know I`m in the program, your actions will tell the story of your demeaner, and if they can`t accept honesty of the fact you are trying to help yourself, as well as others..so be it.
I ain`t lost a quart of blood yet over a rejection..lol.
Good Luck..and Keep it Simple.
Tonyintexas. /  | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 3:51:04 PM | | Beachboy stay true to yourself and keep up the good work with AA. Disassociate yourself from negative infulences and stay on the right path. GOOD LUCK! | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 4:48:36 PM | | Hey i really appreciate all the positive input here ive been offline a couple months until today and sometimes you take the simple things in life for granted until there gone Ive been in sort of a slump funk depression lately and it was great to hear that UPS truck beep in my driveway with my new unit I really missed everyone here They say if you have negative thoughts you will have a negative day and if you have positive thoughts you will have a positive day Well just hearing a few positive things from you guys really made my day so thank you and God bless you all Charlie | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/28/2005 5:33:11 PM | beachboy,
You jsut stick to the AA meetings! They are great & have helped me in the past. If they judge you then, you really do not want them in your lifde. You are doing a positive life change. That is a great thing.
I know I lost most of my friendships when I stopped drinking. I do not concider them friends anymore . They were just drinking buddies! | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/29/2005 5:07:52 AM | Hey Charlie,
I think you are just awesome for being as upfront and forthcoming as you are. Also, I am truly sorry for your loss of your Dad, and for the pain that you had to deal with afterward.
You've come out alive and much more wise. You are an incredibly strong person, even stronger for your ability to point out your faults and weaknesses and seeking help for it. THAT is strength.
However, I do believe that many of us carry past hurts and struggles. Your's happens to be alcohol abuse. I really do believe that such personal and close things in our lives should be told on a need-to-know basis. See, before the person has even gotten to know you, they are given the image of AA...and all the negative and ignorant stereotypes that go along with it. So, it's goodbye Charlie and hello stereotypical alcoholic. Your uniqueness is lost and the first impression is of someone you are NOT. See what I mean?
We've all had struggles in our lives and personally, I wouldn't want someone who has never been 'broken in' by life because there would be nothing to relate to. From adversity we grow.
Do think about who you are baring your soul to. Yes, your experiences shape who you are, but they are NOT you.
 | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/29/2005 5:26:16 AM | | Sorry about your dad. But dont get discouraged not everyones a shallow ****. :) | |
|
| |
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/29/2005 2:27:25 PM | | Some people just don't want to deal with that issue. I don't know you, but I respect that your willing to help yourself by going to meetings. Not every woman will feel it's a bad thing, but they are being honest when they head for the hills. They just don't wan't to deal with that. Not much you can do, though. Ask yourself if you'd be willing to date a recovering crack addict. If so, good for you. If not, well, I wouldn't blame you for it. You're in a tough spot, but at least you're upfront about it. Good luck. | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/29/2005 2:48:40 PM | | Oh no im not in a tough spot im in the best spot ive ever been in my life Key word Life High quality life and love it Ive got it goin on and nobody can take that away from me unless i let them I would rather be happy single and sober than drunk hooked up with the wrong person ANYDAY so thanks to all you positive people out there If i get bashed for being honest whatever its an open forum and everybodys entitled to their own opinions so youall just have a wonderful day i know i will God bless | |
|
| Say AA and watch them run
Posted: 4/29/2005 5:34:36 PM | Man way to go I been around AA my whole life and I my self am just starting to take control of my life....... I an tsomething more than being the fun guy to hang with I want a real life so my self have started AA I went on my self.... Trust me I grew up around rock concerts and the lime light my whole life and theirs still hot beautiful women out there looking for men like us to be with and beleive me they love the fact that we don't drink.....
I'm still learning the hard way but I'm getting better so to answer you **** them alll it's your life.......... lol later bro | |
|
Home
login 
