Having Cleantime, is the topic/ question

[Jay Bee]

Cleantime is good, and I love my cleantime:15:, also I feel that the only way to keep my cleantime is to protact it, with the 12 steps. The solution is in the steps, do everyone agree? some people come around with just cleantime, and no step work. Having cleantime dose'nt EMANCIPATE you from doing the work!!!

[skyhook]

As I have been watching each of my 7 grandsons grow up, I have noticed a few things. When they were learning to walk, it took all of their concentration, courage and will to make that first push off from the coffee table of refuge. Each step requiring all of their attention. One step here and maybe two or three to follow. Eventually, they weren't simply jumping from table to couch to paps leg, etc... they all ended up being professional walkers (now I need bungy chords to keep em in one place :)).

Its vital to recognize the seasons we are in and respond accordingly.

The thing is, as I get more and more clean time, through the use and application of the steps, I begin to function in new habits and patterns. Not abandoning the principles of the steps, just grafting them into my new and improved life skill stategies. My thinking and reason return, buffered by the step foundations. I believe this to be part of recovery's promise; that we can grow and learn...not just walking, but running ! I paid the price to use, I paid the price to retrain my brain with the steps. Trying to live life correctly has been around longer than any simple book of method. Why not enjoy it ? Why not encourage others to respond accordingly to the season they find themselves in ? Why ask those running in freedom to wear belts and suspenders they have outgrown ?

This is the part of giving back what we have recieved; sharing with those still in recoveries fog and calamity (the one we know so well), that there is a map to safety and it is a HP and working the steps. Coming back to the place of service to shine some light into someones dark moment or season.

I've never bought into "once and addict, always an addict". Some feel differently and that is OK, too. My addiction was a choice, just as walking away from it was. It took real time, commitment, the steps and most of all my HP, but I am no longer addicted, though I bear the scars of a past life, no doubt.

Is this cocky talk, like I'm immune now? Of course not. This is the fruit of a long cleantime. Testimony and freedom. Passing on hope, like a candles flame, from one to another.

[Rocket2d4]

yeah... clean time is great.
the 12 steps keep me sane.

I don't recomemend not working the steps, attend meetings or anytype of recovery program. If you're an alcoholic like me..that's worst than actual physical relasp.

Mental, emotiona and spiritual bottom is awesume when you're clean and sober
for a long time...

[DaveH]

I believe the most difficult year is the one I am in..... every year. That serves to remind me that I need to always recognize the dangers associated with walking away from my new life style(working the 12 steps). The most important clean time I have is today. I know to many folks with 10,15, even 20+ years who go back out. Not all return. I have also met my share of old timers who almost seem to begin substituting their clean time as their new HP. It is a red flag for me when someone, while sharing, always mentions their length of sobriety. I am determined to not let that happen to me, thus I attend beginner meetings several times a year and remain active (albeit not like the first 10 years) in AA. Like Bill wrote, I have returned to society as an active participant and don't have as many evenings available anymore. Great topic, thanks for bring it up.
Regards,
DaveH

[sioux]

What I do with my clean/sober time is what keeps me in the sunlight of the spirit.

I know a guy with 30 years that says he's a great example of someone who hasn't had a drink in 30 years and hasn't done anything else. He has no ambition other than to watch TV. He hasn't had a driver license for years, no job, no propsects, crappy marriage, and he seems genuinely happy. I don't think he hurts anyone, but not sure he helps much either. BUT it works for him.

Me, the book says I need a personality change. I knew that but how was the million dollar question. Seeking character building, tuning into the Spirit of the Universe, helping others where I can, staying out of self-centeredness....now those are the steps that have helped me change my perspective, my feelings, my life, how I interact with others.

Never could I have accomplished one of those things on my own without strings attached. I do this for you; you do this for me...are we in accord here? That was my motto, and it didn't work because I always got drunk when things weren't to my liking. I am the person that looked all around before doing what was right or wrong...I wanted someone to see I was doing good, or no one to see when I was doing wrong. My self-entitlement and rationalizations were my, gratefully, downfall.

The AA lifestyle has shown me a better way to live with myself, and you, without drinking or abusing drugs, people, places.

[EvilBunny]

I tried AA a years ago - I mean really tried (i.e. I got a sponsor, went to 90 in 90, worked the steps, etc.) - and it's not for me. I've met people who recovered without the steps and they aren't the fabled "dry drunks" I heard about in AA. They got their lives back. I'll be happy to just get the clean time. There are other ways (besides 12-step) to address one's issues.

[DaveH]

EvilBunny,
I agree whole heartedly that there are other ways to not only get sober, but address one's issues. Unfortunately none of them worked for me, though I am aware of them working for others. I support whatever works for anyone wanting to get their life back, AA does not have a monopoly on recovery. I wish you all the best as you seek to discover what will work for you.
Blessings,
DaveH

[Will W]

WOW evilbunny I feel sorry for you. :8: I'll agree with Dave H. A.A. does not have a monopoly on recovery. 'Nuff said.

I've seen people collect clean time and not do any work. These are the people I see go back out. These are the people that are still getting arrested. These are the people that still can't see past the tips of thier own noses. These are the people who start a topic at a meeting then go outside to smoke. These are the people who talk while someone is sharing. These are the people who are not in recovery.:25:

I am qualified to say these things because I became one of these people. After 4 yrs. of recovery I quit doing the work. I quit going to meetings. I quit associating my fellow N.A. members.

Luckily I had been around and done some work before this because by the grace of H.P. I did not use. BUT for 18 months my life was a living hell in all other areas.
My world was once again singing practice-ME ME ME ME. I could not deal with life on lifes terms and ran from everything.

I am glad I reclaimed my seat and am once again working the program to the best of my ability because once again I am alive.

CLEANTIME DOES NOT EQUAL RECOVERY !!!:eek:

[sonia n]

I need to do what works for me to remain clean and sober which is my higher power "GOD" , meetings, steps etc. I do have to say that this not work for everybody. I have met people who have had alot of years relapse :sad: and they were working their program. I know people who were not working the program relapse :sad:

I know people who did their program as it is layed out and after years devoted themselves to "GOD" and do not attend meetings who are so loving and at peace with themselves. I know people who just gave themselves to GOD go to church and have never picked up again. The point is that people have to do what works for them and alot of people that I know it is just one word and that is "GOD:" If this is what works for them GOD BLESS them...........:195:

:326: :169: :275:

[Jay Bee]

I know people who did their program as it is layed out and after years devoted themselves to "GOD" and do not attend meetings who are so loving and at peace with themselves. I know people who just gave themselves to GOD go to church and have never picked up again. The point is that people have to do what works for them and alot of people that I know it is just one word and that is "GOD:" If this is what works for them GOD BLESS them This is what works for them, but it took some kind of work to get them to that point....whatever it was they Applied some type of action to have it work for them. I choose to ask GOD for guidance, then apply the action to do stepwork, I feel like im on a Spiritual Journey.