**Personal Milestones****

[NMDemDist2]

mine today is that I am 15 years clean and sober

what personal milestone have you passed recently or will pass in the near future??

[KitchenWitch]

1. I am so proud of you!

Congratulations!

[NMDemDist2]

2. Thanks KW

and here's hoping I never catch up with you (rootbeer of course)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear AZDemDist6!

Biggo congrats, sweetie!

That is one very serious milestone.........

I don't have any milestones coming up........

But there's nothing I'm striving to get too, anyway........

[NMDemDist2]

5. thanks Peggy medear

and why would you need to strive for anything anyway? we all know you are absolutely perfect just as you are!!

[Hugin]

4. Hey, that's a great Milestone!

Congrats!

[NMDemDist2]

6. hey hey

thanks

[Omphaloskepsis]

7. I don't want to diminish your accomplishment.. I have a question..

Is it really that hard to beat substance abuse? 15 years later and you still keep track? Are the effects that long lasting? I ask as someone who has a problem with alcohol. Is it a constant lifelong fight once you get sober?

And congrats.. And, any tips for putting the bottle aside?


edit -- fixed typo

[NMDemDist2]

15. ompha

it's not a constant lifelong battle believe me, but it *is* a chronic condition that will sneak back into your life if you are not vigilant.

think diabetes or heart disease-you learn to live with it and take the measures necessary to insure a high quality of life, which is what I have today. I never realized how much alcohol took away from my enjoyment until I quit

as for the milestone, it is a celebration of recovery and getting my life back.

as for any tips I might offer, I can only share what worked for me. I tried to cut back, I switched to scotch (cuz I didn't like the taste) I swore every morning "Not today" but there I'd be at the bar at 6PM

Alcoholics Anonymous worked for me, even though I had no belief in God and truly thought I had walked into a cult

What I found was a group of men and woman who had been where I was, had figured out how to do it different.

If I can help, feel free to PM me

[Omphaloskepsis]

22. Thanks for the reply.

I leave for Europe in a few days. I plan on drinking for the duration. When I get back I start up school again. I hope that puts things back into perspective. My friends are all drunks. When we hang out we play cards and drink. That is going to be the hard part. And getting new friends is not an option. This is my problem, not theirs. I don't have a problem with not drinking when I don't have money. Maybe I should give my paychecks to my sister for a few months.. No cash == No booze..

And thanks for the offer to send you a PM... I might just take you up on it.

[NMDemDist2]

23. 'getting new friends is not an option'

firstly, you will make friends in recovery that will blow your mind. it's the closest thing to 'fox hole' army buddies as a civilian can get. the depth and richness of the relationships I've found in AA dwarf any others I've ever had in my lifetime.

secondly, if these poker buddies are truly your friends, they will support you in your quest to better your health and your life.

have a great trip and best wishes for your health and happiness. don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions

[trof]

8. Lost 37 pounds since 1/1/06.

Another 17 to go.
My pants don't fit.

[NMDemDist2]

11. that's just freaking awesome trof!!!

you slinky sexy devil you!

[graywarrior]

9. That f'n rocks!

I just celebrated 20 years.

Best part is, we didn't do it alone.

[NMDemDist2]

13. Bingo my dear GWarrior

[hellbound-liberal]

10. CongratulationsAZDemDist6! That's a great accomplishment! My milestones

are coming up on March 16. 13 Years clean and sober and 11 years without a cigarette. I chose to give them both up on the same day, two years apart.

[NMDemDist2]

16. that RAWKS!!!!

[graywarrior]

17. Awesome.

[bertha katzenengel]

12. Happy Birthday

[NMDemDist2]

18. thanks bertha!

so good to see you around

[Shine]

14. That's awesome, my friend. Good for you!!!

Here's to Clarity and Courage....


As for my personal milestone, I've got a birthday coming up in about 3 1/2 wks.

[NMDemDist2]

19. Kewl! Happy early Birthday to you!

:gift:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

20. Will be sixteen in 6 months and 13 days.

Woo-hoo???

[NMDemDist2]

21. one day at a time baby!

[Catshrink]

24. That's great news!

Thanks for sharing. We miss you here in AZ!

[NMDemDist2]

25. hiya neighbor!

thanks cat, but they need me here too hehehehe