What brought you to this board......
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| Wed, 05-17-2006 - 3:08pm |
When I found this board, I was on the verge of losing my sanity. I knew I was drinking too much.
I had tried several different "plans". I planned what days I would drink. I planned what I would drink. I planned how much I would drink. I planned not to drink....still, my mind and body betrayed me, and my best friend alcohol.
Even during the periods that I didn't drink, I was a mess. The only difference was that I was a sober mess.
I felt like a freak, what was wrong with me?????????
I surfed the net, goggled alcohol, alcohol abuse and alcoholism every which way I could.
One day, I found Ivillage., and this board.
I started reading the posts. I COULDN'T STOP READING!!!There were people, women (and Paul) who had suffered like I was. They had stood, where I was standing. Yet, somehow, they were sober, and living life on lifes terms.
Their stories, experience, strength and hope are what kept me going. I wasn't successful the first time I REALLY tried to quit, and I felt hopeless. Then, Carol shared with me that the average women attempts sobriety four times before achieving long term success. Karen, one of the CL's back then, would be on the board every day, asking me how I was doing, counting my days, cheering me on. Leslie was right by her side and has shared her pearls of wisdom, always asking how I was doing. Deb was here too suffering, yet, she was here for me too. In the early days, I really didn't feel that great. Not good, not bad, just kind of "here". But, I was sober. With everyones suppport, I realized that was the most important thing..I was SOBER!!!How awesome!!Jolene was here, with a 2 1/2 week lead on the sober highway. She and I were able to share so much of what we were feeling, and support each other. Needless to say, Jolene is so supportive and awesome, she became a CL. Then, Brenda joined us. I can read, and re-read her posts over and over. What a gift she has, and she shares it with all of us!!!!Even while facing her own health troubles, she gave to us, to me. What an angel.
I was told it would take time for me to feel better, feel more myself, but, to hang in there, because it would happen...and it did.
I continued to learn about this disease, and about growing up in an alcoholic household. The more I learned, the more I understood. The more I understood, the more I was able to move forward and live a wonderful sober life.
This board was my saving grace and road map to a new life.
Thanks for letting me share...and please, share with us, what brought you here.
Peace,
Rose

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I miss you!
Love Karen
(((Rosebud))) Thank you for such a beautiful post. I remember those early days of the AP board - has it been 4 years since I stumbled across this place?
I had been sober about 7 years when I came here. I attend AA meetings regularly, as many of you know, and still do. The friendships I have gained there have enriched my life, kept me sober, and helped me to grow up. Since I spend so much time on the computer for school and work, I wanted to have another source of support. I found I-village and quickly became endeared to the people here. We get so many newcomers - I don't think newcomers realize how important they are to recovering people. In helping others, we help ourselves. What we give we get back 10-fold. The miracle of recovery is the fact that I care about others more and I am self-centered a little bit less. I love the fact that I can check in here whenever I am at home - and that keeps my recovery going. When Brenda was so sick, I shared her story with my AA Women's meeting and they all prayed for her. When something is bothering me at home, I can share it here. My life is fuller and richer for coming here.
Thank you all for being here. Alcoholism is a strong enemy, but together we are stronger. One day at a time!
God bless,
Leslie
Thank you, Rose, my cyber buddy.
"OMG, I got engaged, the world will never be the same!...."
&nbs
I came on line in ‘92.... looking for a way to
supplement and enhance my AA recovery.
I really don’t recall when I joined I Village.
I do know Paul, Max and Linda C were here
to share with me.
Max drifted away
Linda and I now stay connected on SR
and Paul remains here as my inspiration.
Members have come and gone
Formats and leadership have switched
Heck..we even had a board name change!
But...
The scope of information...the hope and
concern has remained a huge part of my
recovery...Thanks!
Each Day Sober Is A Victory!!
HI Rose and Good Evening Readers,
This board had a mother board, if my memory serves(and it may not), along time ago but not in a place faraway(in fact I was right here). The name of that board was the General Addictions Board. There was, also, a chat by the same name. I cannot remember how long ago it was. Maybe 8 years. The founder was a lady from Arkansas, Ellie was her name.
Ellie was the CL of the chat and the board. Does anyone remember? One night I was simply surfing for any chatter about alcoholism and quite by accident came upon Ellie running her General Addictions Chat Room. (Ellie was recovering in AA same as me). I think my screen name back then was sealionnj. For my kayak and state of residence. I honestly had no idea it was a site fashioned for women and I am cerrtainly not effiminate (chuckle).
The room that night was not crowded but was lively and active. A few were in search of help. I tried to do that. Ellie said, "I could use your help here." She asked me to become a member of the ivillage and got the ivillage community representative on who
approved. Kinda like a battlefield commission. I becme a co-CL there and soon on the
message board and the kick butt stop smoking board. I was a busy old bugger. But I
enjoyed every minute. I was a recently retired EAP(Employee Assistance Program Manager)
from AMTRAK. I fit in like a glove. I think it was meant to happen.
I've been hanging around in a little reduced capacity ever since. Always warmly
welcomed. Sometimes warned about being disruptive by the ivillage staff. But always candid and a straight shooter. I think I am one lucky guy to have, at 73, more "sisters"
than anyone in the world.
Service in recovery,
Paul
Castaway
A Friend in Recovery
Paul
Your "Sister"
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
Thank you for your kind, thoughtful post, Leslie.
Regards,
Paul
Castaway
A Friend in Recovery
Paul
All:
I'll just say that I found AA through Al-Anon, and it was a blessing!
My bottom was actually after I realized I was an alcoholic. I felt very suicidal... But I'm still here, so I'm going to fight for it!
I'm 28 days sober, god willing I'll get to 30!
In these 28 days I've learned more about myself and what it meant to grow up than I have in my 21 years.
I feel blessed to have recognized my disease so young in my life. I hope that I will be able to be a positive influence on other young people. I also hope to get a job helping others.
Thank you for listening,
Carmen
Carmen,
Congrats on your 28 days of sobriety and the self-realization your are gaining!!!
Once we hit bottom, the only way to go is up. Sharing our own experiences and
reaching out others will help to keep us on the upward journey.
Glad you are here with us. I look forward to hearing me from you.
Peace,
Rose
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