tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post3433349158106357262..comments2023-07-07T00:26:46.146-07:00Comments on No More Merlot: Knowing me, knowing you....drybottomgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10702877045042502693noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-81085349916066180042011-03-23T15:34:10.948-07:002011-03-23T15:34:10.948-07:00The reason my anonymity is important to me is not ...The reason my anonymity is important to me is not because I don't want people to know that I am an alcoholic it's so they won't judge the program by my example (I occasionally have an off day ). This to me is what anonymity means....that no one represents the program.Pammiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00513814300181006348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-28339972583088088662011-03-23T04:27:27.685-07:002011-03-23T04:27:27.685-07:00I am willing to reveal it at any time, though I do...I am willing to reveal it at any time, though I don't introduce myself as such in first meeting people. 1 in 4 people are affected by alcoholism (addiction), whether it be family, friend or personal experience. 1 in 4. <br /><br />I have, over time at work, been very honest with some of my co-workers. I've had coworkers who have struggled with siblings who are drinking to excess and scaring them (affecting them), I've had a co-worker who was affected personally with the problem, came in smelling like a distillery, 'falling asleep' at their desk, going out for lunch and not returning for hours. My boss is a cancer survivor, she is also very honest about her experience and I've watched her participate in programs where she carries the message of recovery from that fatal illness as well. It's pretty cool to know that we all have a very distinct purpose to really share our experience with finding hope and becoming well again. My boss is an amazing person with a very strong spirit. An inspiration. I hope I can aspire to be the same, cause that's what God really wants, for us to be happy, joyous and free (not to fear the negative consequence of me being real and honest) I've not had a negative consequence since I started this program in earnest, even the things I consider negative have become a positive experience in light of the growth and dependence upong God they have provided. God gets bigger and more powerful all the time. <br /><br />I guess I'm placed everywhere I go for a reason, if my story or my expeirence will help someone to be honest with themselves about the affects of alcohol in their lives....<br /><br />I have however learned a great deal about anonymity as it relates to the traditions, through trial, error and willingness to grow in the fellowship and to protect what AA truly is.<br /><br />The traditions and 75 years of successful fellowship experience ask that I not use my full name, I did when I started to blog, they also ask that I not use photos of myself, I did that too. I learned why it's important not to, and I learned that it didn't matter what I thought, it mattered that I followed the direction of the group conscience (I'm a non-conformist by nature so it's important that I become aware of being a part of a whole and being willing to be one of the many)carrying the message of AA not the message of Jessie's idea of AA. I still get it wrong sometimes, but thanks to you people who are so honest and forgiving, pointing out the defects, I find I keep growing and changing and getting better at being honest with myself and others about those mistakes and in that become more what AA (and God) would have me be.Jess Mistress of Mischiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766848582303523764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-43405147881028683022011-03-22T09:30:51.950-07:002011-03-22T09:30:51.950-07:00I'll be honest if someone asks be directly, bu...I'll be honest if someone asks be directly, but I don't advertise it. I help a lot of people in the rooms and if someone outside is struggling and they ask me how I don't drink I would help. Just not something I can openly share in the workplace. Plus, my sister doesn't even know! EEK!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-59474759204629105312011-03-21T20:23:23.101-07:002011-03-21T20:23:23.101-07:00As you know I'm OUT THERE as an alcoholic. And...As you know I'm OUT THERE as an alcoholic. And for exactly the reasons you posted. <br />I spent years hiding from the reality and I think I was extra eager to stop hiding.<br /><br />Oh and the fact that many who knew me before had seen my escapades and MUST have guessed ;)<br /><br />One of the reasons I chose my arm to tattoo the Serenity Prayer was that it was obvious.Sober Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17318097778780146026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-18247147471918867542011-03-21T15:43:31.538-07:002011-03-21T15:43:31.538-07:00Ten years ago when I was sober for the 1st time I ...Ten years ago when I was sober for the 1st time I did not want ANYONE to know. I have come a long way since then. I'm as transparent as a raindrop today and there are so many reasons why.<br /><br />I wasn't who people "expected" to be a drunk; mom of four, director of a church board, lab tech at a busy clinic..... and therein lie one of the biggest testimonial lessons I am today for those who are unfamiliar with this disease.<br /><br />I am proud to be in recovery because I know what courage it takes some days to maintain a healthy recovery program.<br /><br />If I were dismissed by someone because I am an alcoholic, albeit social or work related, I frankly am not interested in having them in my life.<br /><br />My openess about the disease gives me a "reason" for being afflicted with this - I CAN help a new struggling alcoholic; I know her pain!<br />~ddawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15089788992642824340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-83205290185984831732011-03-21T11:05:31.222-07:002011-03-21T11:05:31.222-07:00smiles. i have a hard time (or did) at asking for ...smiles. i have a hard time (or did) at asking for help...it rears its ugly head at times but i have gotten better...the fact you are there wether you feel useful of not does more than you know...Brian Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722940075884718007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-65929922771284659502011-03-21T11:01:38.080-07:002011-03-21T11:01:38.080-07:00OH! No last name or picture--for me, that is!OH! No last name or picture--for me, that is!steveronihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010875412308487592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8274150508216368140.post-17948118777184184792011-03-21T11:00:06.463-07:002011-03-21T11:00:06.463-07:00Hey DBG, I break my own anonymity--unless it might...Hey DBG, I break my own anonymity--unless it might break also whoever is with me. My experience has been 100% positive in one way or another. Of course, discretion is used. There ARE Peeps who disagree with you and me, and with their own good reasoning. <br /><br />Press, Radio, Film (TV) and Internet are places where I do not 'announce'...well I lied, I failed the Internet test 17 years ago. I do not know HOW I could NOT talk about my alcoholism on-line. Therefore AA comes into the mix also--for me. I almost know it is not right...as I almost know it's too late for me.<br /><br />Also, the rules are being made as technology proceeds to close communication everywhere.<br /><br />Right or wrong--what is, is. We try!<br />PEACE! (For all...everywhere!)steveronihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010875412308487592noreply@blogger.com