Drinking Alcohol taught me how to fly
Then it took away the sky....

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Number 1 "A FEW 24 HOURS"

Frequently in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, I hear somebody announce--during their 'share'--"Now *I've been around AA for a few 24's", usually meaning he's been sober a long time. My question: if ya been sober 49 years...well, why not SAY it? Let the new Peeps know that it CAN be done. Show them that long-term sobriety and a happy life can be achieved by following a few simple suggestions. 

When a Peeps asks, "How do I stay sober?" I answer, "If ya don't drink...you'll never get drunk! GUARANTEED!" I'm getting away from my 24-Hour story.

In one meeting I attended today, this morning in Sebring, FL, an old fellow (Well, not as old as ME--but he looked a lot older--grin!) said in that snarly manner of one who is practicing the virtue of humility in reverse, "I've been sober a couple 24-hours!" (Later, I found out he'd been sober 28 years...OK, so what! Do he want flowers, or a cake? Sheeesh!").

I couldn't wait to tell my own experience. At my FIRST AA meeting in 1974, a guy announced he had a "couple 24's of sobriety". So I--a newbie--figured he had been sober TWO DAYS. Does not a 'couple' usually mean TWO? Anyway, I planned it that THIS guy would be my sponsor--he'd not been sober long enough to 'know the rules', etc. LOL!

Turned out he had 25 years--and did become my sponsor. Whatever he did with me must have worked, because I've not had even a sip of alcohol during these 38 years.

Alcoholics--recovering or not--will understand my story, and maybe others will also. It (a happy life) all comes down to "BE MYSELF". Popeye the Sailor Man, pipe-in-mouth always said "I-YAM WHO I-YAM". 

I YAM neither ashamed of my good self, nor my sometimes human, wavering self. If I'm unhappy with who I 'yam' then I got to fuckin' CHANGE who is that face in the mirror.

This enough from me today, Peeps. My Suzuki Bergman Scooter trip is awesome so far, and future is looking even better. I'll be riding about 3,000 miles and figure about 18 days And I'll tell y'all how it IS, instead of how I'd like it to be. Although lately those two characteristics are the same--grin! A couple surprises await which I'll tell you when/if they happen.

LOVE AND PEACE to all you Peeps...
Steve E (steveroni)

18 comments:

  1. heck...3000 miles on a scooter...hope you have a soft pillow to sit on in the evenings...smiles...have a great trip steve and 49 years are awesome

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    1. Dear Claudia...I have not been sober 49 years--only 38. However, 38 years or 38 days, it is the same 'miracle' for those who have been subject to the phenomenon of craving, which happens after the first sip of alcohol

      You are kind Peep to be coming here, leaving your caring comments.
      Thank you.
      PEACE!

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  2. nice man....glad you got sober...and hey i know what the voice sounds like that typed this now....ha...travel light...see you soon...

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    1. Having GREAT time in Charleston w the Peeps here! I'm loving more, the God Who allows me to do this ride!

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  3. Isn't staying sober as simple as "don't drink"? Okay okay. How do I know, I never drink. I do not like the taste of alcohol. I do not smoke. I do not like the smell of cigarettes. But I am obsessed with drawing figures. I do it blindly and absentmindedly... Have a nice trip Steve. Please be careful. You are doing a lot of good. You are a living angel to so many. Tsup!

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    1. Sure "don't drink" is simple. It just ain't EASY. It is that phenomenon of physical craving, in combination with mental obsession, and spiritual bankruptcy--these mountains which need also to be overcome. And finally, "How do I LIVE without alcohol?"

      A new way of living is called for...

      Thanks for being my friend, artist-friend, and spiritual peep.
      PEACE, Ces.

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  4. I'll enjoy these 3000 miles on an scooter.

    I even thought of bicyle ride, but am too old to do that.

    Though not as old as YOU--as you look a lot older--grin!

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  5. I am guilty of that phrase you do not like - once in a while. If I am asked directly I will say my sobriety date. It is kinda like a counselor who said he would shout his membership from the roof tops- I have found some of these adventures HAVE come back to bite me in the rear end . Anonymity is a fine line
    to walk well. Do I want to pass on the message ? Hell yes. Am I available to others daily ? I try and pray to be so... Peace.

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    1. Tradition 12 is vital to our survival as a fellowship--on so many levels. I sure appreciate your very valid thoughts here, Izzy.
      PEACE!

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  6. Hi, I was here. Thanks for being here too.

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  7. Replies
    1. I do what I wanna do...within reason!
      Lucky ME?--grinning!
      PEACE, Miss Sunshine

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  8. What Brian said made me think...it would be cool to put "voices" to the voices I follow on blogs. I have my own imagined voice for all of you. It would be fun to see how close I am. Keep on keeping on...I AM old, huh? :)

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    1. You are old--only if YOU think so!
      I cannot picture you old
      Certainly have no clue as to your voice
      Are you one of those girls who keep calling
      from the FUN HOUSE at 123 Ready, Set, GO! Lane
      LOL!

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  9. Be safe, Steve... and thanks for your sweet comment on my blog...

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    1. You write good blog posts--but stop stealing my topics before even *I* have chosen them!--grin!

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