Check-In .. Monday 10/10

[WooDYFM]

"The chances are that we have domestic troubles. Perhaps we are mixed
up with women in a fashion we wouldn't care to have advertised. We
doubt if, in this respect, alcoholics are fundamentally much worse
than other people. But drinking does complicate sex relations in the
home. After a few years with an alcoholic, a wife gets worn out,
resentful and uncommunicative. How could she be anything else? The
husband begins to feel lonely, sorry for himself. He commences to look
around in the night clubs, or their equivalent, for something besides
liquor. Perhaps he is having a secret and exciting affair with "the
girl who understands." In fairness we must say that she may
understand, but what are we going to do about a thing like that? A man
so involved often feels very remorseful at times, especially if he is
married to a loyal and courageous girl who has literally gone through
hell for him."

~ Alcoholics Anonymous, page 80-81


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My mistress had a name - Jack Daniels. I never cheated on my wife with
another woman; but the devastating effects of leaving her lonely and
crying are the same. My selfish alcoholic behavior put my needs and
desires first - even if it meant hurting other people, especially the
ones I loved most. Sure, in retrospect I thought I was having "fun"
drinking like a fish and staying inebriated most of the time - but a
4th Step has revealed that I was really just a miserable shell of a
person.


Sex, drugs, alcohol, sports, etc. - lots of ways we can lose respect
and dignity. We become so self-absorbed in anything we become addicted
to that other people get placed in a corner out of our mind. Am I
sorry for my old selfish behaviors? Of course - thank God we have this
awesome 10th Step for amends. Today I do my best to make quality time
for my wife and kid. I actually show up - sober, focused, and willing
to include other people in my life!


=================

COLUMBUS DAY:

C - Can't imagine still living the way I did when active - recovery
feels natural to me
O - On awakening, I thank God for the opportunity to live (not hide
from) another day
L - Lyrics in music provide a message; I often manipulate the words
into a message of recovery
U - Unless I pick up a drink - things can continue to improve
M - Mondays - blech, boo, hiss - 'nuff said!
B - Being willing to go to any lengths means accepting help when
offered
U - Undoing past wrongs starts with doing the next right thing today
S - Staying calm, cool, collected despite any challenges life throws
my way - that's a gift of sober living


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Monday Music:
+ Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton - *Hyde Park in 1996 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaMuBX4aMmw&feature=share
+ Fleetwood Mac - Monday Morning - Live 1977 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wce-6-66UYA&feature=share



Monday Meditations:
+ "A true friend is someone who accepts your past, supports your
present, and encourages your future." ~sober friend on Facebook
+ The 3 C's of life: choices, chances, and changes. You must make a
choice to take a chance or your life will never change.- Unknown

=================

Jonathan, Alcoholic from New Jersey
TXT MSG: 917-741-3656
http://billwfriends.ning.com/
http://www.facebook.com/NOW.HIRING.JOBS