PJ fans in 12 step Recovery

Remember folks, if tomorrow or this weekend becomes overwhelming, go to a meeting or reach out. AA doesnt take a holiday. Neither does alcoholism or drug addiction.

ok, I promised a story a couple pages back. Here goes.

When I started this thread I was in year 2. My step work to that point was minimal. Seemed it was just enough to allow me abstinence. Had little appreciation for the very good things I had in my life at that time. I was newly married, had a good job , making more than I ever had. I was miserable. The thread was started in part to kinda leach sobriety from folks here. I never expected or thought others might seek help for themselves as a result of posting. I was selfish.
Not long after , in may of 09 my wife at the time said I need to talk to you. just about 3 1/2 months later the dissolution was finalized. I was devastated. I made the decision during the brief separation I wanted something better for myself than I had been getting in AA. So I worked the steps again. This time more fully as they are suggested. I was walking through the most intense emotional time of my life. It hit me hard. I had more relief from the steps but I hurt and hurt bad. Some around me then couldnt believe I was still sober. But i had made a promise to myself when the separation first happened , that I wasn't running from this. That I was going to stand and take it as it came. It sucked big time. Turned out to be the best thing thats ever happened FOR me.

On Sept 9 of that year I received a PM. A member had read the thread through at that point and determined he might have a problem with alcohol. He was a Brit, living in Poland. It forced me into the book , to give him a more textbook interpretation , rather than my personal opinion. Very helpful to me in that regard. Him too. Over the course of the next 7 years and counting , we would "meet" sometimes here via PM, sometimes on FB chat , or other times via Skype or other video chats. He is the only one I really "sponsor" right now. That was in part due to my work as a truck driver and also because none have really asked. I do try to be as helpful and attentive to what is said during meetings. I am often given a different insight than others about an underlying issue relative to the actual topic a person may bring up. It works for me.

What strikes me the most about all of this is how mysterious and fascinating the universe is in this. How is it exactly, that I an average drunken crackhead in Columbus Ohio can connect with someone half way around the world and we can find the common ground necessary for each of us to stay sober and live fuller , richer lives as a result? That former member has started a meeting in his town for english speakers. Its 5 or 6 years on now? The Inside Job Group. In my small way I had a hand in helping that group. Utterly amazing to me and I stand in awe and wonder at it all. Still.

For those who may or think they may have a problem with drugs and or alcohol, truly, you do not have to live that way any longer if you dont want to . AA or another more appropriate 12 step program can help you. But its also not the only way to freedom. We see that here. I see that elsewhere too. we understand you because we have been there. Some of the finer details may be different , but we have walked in your shoes. However you may choose to seek the help that should be available to all who seek it, you are most certainly welcome here.

Thanks for "listening"