The Fountain of Youth/Life

Yesterday at my home group, I had the great fortune to celebrate my 11th A.A. birthday with all those to whom I owe my life, and who just keep loving me no matter what.

This year's celebrations were international when I was blessed to receive wishes from members around the world. How grateful am I to be a "small part of a great whole" (12&12 p.130). Amongst the many global members that sent those emails, there was one special gentleman by the name of Bob from PA. His words truly convey the miracle of Alcoholics Anonymous. He said, "I have found the 'Fountain of Youth'. A cup of AA coffee every day that I am able. They told me to keep coming back, and it worked. I've been to over 300 meetings a year for over 31 years. I became 90 yrs young last July, one day at a time." It's member's like Bob that keep the doors of A.A. open for me. Thanks.

If you're interested in sending birthday wishes to A.A. members around the world, you can find anniversary dates at http://www.aahistory.com/newbirth.html.

Best Interest at Heart

When first asked the Twenty Questions, I answered most of them with a resounding yes, but there were a couple to which I replied no. One of them was Number 7, "Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking". It sounds crazy to hear myself say it now, but back then "lower companions" were "alcoholics" (imagine!) , or people who had a criminal element about them. After being in the program for a while I began to see that question in a different light.

When I was drinking with those who shared my obsession of the mind for alcohol, no one ever took away my car keys, questioned my insane decisions or my impaired judgement. No one put my needs before theirs or asked what was best for me, and yet these were the people with whom I spent all my time. I now understand that these people were my "lower companions" because they did not have my best interest at heart.

Today the people that I surround myself with love me unconditionally, value and respect my friendship, and won't co-sign my bullshit. It is in that kind of healthy environment that I too, can have my own best interest at heart.

Favorite Quotes

Here are some of my favorite program related quotes:


1. A.A. was designed to change the alcoholic, not the other way around.

2. A.A. is not a pleasure boat, it's a row boat and everyone is expected to pick up an oar.

3. Recovery cannot be sexually transmitted.

4. My Higher Power didn't save me from drowning so that I could starve on the beach.

5. If you are too busy to go to meetings, perhaps you are too busy.

6. There is no standing still in A.A. You either forge ahead or slip backwards.

7. The only way to coast is downhill.