I was three weeks sober when I traveled to Colorado to visit my family for Thanksgiving. I was excited, but scared. I was going back to a town filled with old drinking buddies and favorite watering holes. I drove over with my dad, whose company helped keep me out of my head. We talked about my drinking a bit, but mostly … Read More
Tradition Six – Annabel C_Lifeline 2016
My favorite part of Tradition Six is the idea of devotion to a primary purpose. In Tradition Five, we’re told that our primary purpose is to stay sober and carry the message. Tradition Six reminds us to protect that purpose above everything else. This speaks to me because, when drinking, I had no direction to my life. I just drifted … Read More
The Maid in My Mind – James K_Lifeline 2016
I was asked to share my experience, strength and hope concerning Step 6. We all arrive in Alcoholics Anonymous from different experiences so I’ll let you know a bit about my past as it led to my experience with Step 6. When I was young I often felt different, alone. I remember alcohol giving me the power to be social … Read More
29th Recovery Birthday Facebook Post (7.15.2015) – Anne L_Lifeline 2016
29th Recovery Birthday Facebook Post (7.15.2015)—Anne L On July 7, 1986, 29 years ago, I woke up sick, shamed, hungover, and in deep animal confusion. I woke up this way most mornings. Why couldn’t I stop after 6 or 7 drinks? Why didn’t I have an “off” switch when I had that first drink every day? Well, “Why?” is not … Read More
A Pre-Fifth Step Prayer – Lifeline 2016
God, please help me to complete my housecleaning by admitting to another human being the exact nature of my wrongs. Please remove any fears I have about this step and show me how completion of it will remove my egotism and fear. Help me to see how this step builds my character through humility, fearlessness and honesty. Direct me to … Read More
No Tourists Allowed: Seeking Inner Peace and Sobriety in War-Torn Sudan (Excerpt) – Shannon E_Lifeline 2016
No Tourists Allowed: Seeking Inner Peace and Sobriety in War-Torn Sudan (Excerpt) by Shannon E. As I sit here soaking in lavender oil and the ease of Sunday morning, I reflect fondly on the irreverent way I left war-torn Sudan. I was, in every sense, a heartbroken girl fleeing in a panic, and due to my PTSD I was headed for the … Read More
A Long Way Home – Veronique L _Lifeline2016
The first time I admitted to another human being, and probably to myself, that I was an alcoholic was to my then husband. We were at one of his friend’s wedding and I had to stay in the car because I was so drunk and was having a meltdown. A couple of weeks before, I had spent five nights in … Read More