Dear Readers,
Today I have been sober for 11 months.
I went to my AA meeting today, and once again I was moved by the strong people and their stories.
One woman shared how July is a hard month emotionally for her, because that was when her daughter was shot in the face when she was seven years old. Her daughter lost her eye and part of her face.
She is an adult now, and doing well, but it reminds me that everyone has a story.
Life has pain.
But how we deal with that pain is the important lesson.
Another man shared his story of drinking again after 5 years sober.
He said that his drinking got much worse.
And so, he is grateful that he has been sober for a year.
I am reminded that if I think I can moderate, maybe I can.
But what if I can’t?
Am I willing to risk all I have gained these past 11 months?
Not today.
I have been crabby these last few days, and I am my crabbiest with my Loved One.
A man at the meeting said at anytime during the day, he can choose to start the day over.
He prays a simple prayer, or says the serenity prayer.
So after the meeting I called my hubby and said I was sorry I was crabby.
We are starting the day over.
What an awesome gift.
I can be grateful for this.
I can start the day over.
With Gratitude on Day 334
11 Months
Published
Untipsyteacher 
Hi Wendy,It sounds like you get a lot out of your meetings. I am yet to try one.I have cranky days too. When the slightest thing drives me crazy. It's irrational, out of nowhere sometimes. I like the idea of starting the day over. Congrats on day 334. You are awesome.A x
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Thank you, Angie.I do get a lot from other people.I get another community who understands! Hugs!!
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Dear Wendy, that is beautiful :-). And I'm not sure if I pushed a wrong button again in this new WordPress layout, I think I have unfollowed you a few seconds ago and then followed you again. The new WP layout is still baffling me. I don't understand why they put so much extra layers in there to get to a post. Well, that is a long story on they why. But if you miss me the coming days please let me know :-).Love and hugs and I too will try to start the day over again when things go awry.xx, Feeling
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I do the restarting my day thing… sometimes a lot… in one day! Heyho.Huge congrats on the 11 months
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Yes. We can wipe the slate clean at any moment and apologize. We are worth the effort.I have yet to hear stories about moderation that works. And those that don't just make me sad. Hold on to what you have. It is a precious gift.
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Feeling, the disconnect between WP and Blogger is nutty!I find you the old fashioned way. I just have you on my bookmarks and look you up that way!xo
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Thank you, Graham!! xo
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A precious gift is what I need to remember!! That's a wonderful way to think of it!!xo
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And what a lovely post. I realized this morning that I'd been lazy with my prayers. This is just another reminder that prayer is vital.Thanks Wendy…
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Beautiful post, Wendy. Happy 11 months! Crabbiness is allowed! xx
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Thank you, Sherry!xo
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Good!Here's to being crabby!Once in awhile! xo
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Hi Wendysaying Sorry is vital. well done for doing so. I said sorry to my son tonight.moderation just can NOT be an option, don't even \” go there \”. you have given yourself a wonderful, precious gift, don't throw it away.hugsLisa
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Hi Lisa, Not to worry! I wasn't thinking of moderation. But it is good to hear these stories, so I don't become tempted!xo
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Congratulations. I'm in the process of cutting down myself.
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Hi KB!Thank you for commenting! Hugs to you! xo
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11 months! Huge congratulations! I was thinking about you when I fell of the wagon. I felt that I failed you, disappointed you. You are my inspiration. I just wish that I would be as strong and determined as you are. Thank you for sticking with me, Wendy. It means the world to me.
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Hi, Wendy! Love the idea the anytime-reset. I just had to apologize today!
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Dear TATB,You can't disappoint me. You have an addiction.I have an addiction. I am not always strong. My motto for myself is never give up.Hugs!!
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Dear Betty,I'm sorry you had to write that 3 times!That sometimes happens to me, too!Xo
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Dunno if it's the same for you, but this time of year… the temperature, the greenery, the angle of the sun in the sky… it's First Day of School time. Fills me with equal parts anticipation and dread, even though I'm not in the classroom any more. So maybe that's part of it too. — SC
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Dear SC,I was thinking the same thing.Like Sundays still get to me!xoWendy
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Wow, Wendy, I just read your piece on Alcoholic Life…a little late I know 😉 you are truly an inspiration!! Hope all is well! xx
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Thank you, Lori!Thank you for your support!
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Dear Un-Tipsy,Thanks for this post – I'm going to take 're-setting' away with me, such a simple concept but not one that had occured to me, ever! Thanks!
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Thank you for your comment, Harry!xo
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