When an addict shares their experience, strength and hope, they are either bragging or requesting assistance? I love to hear recovering people talk about their individual success! It is good to realize that I have the power in and of myself with the help of others to change my own life! Does recovery breed self confidence? Yes it does and for us to share that success with others may give tham the hope that they can change also. A lady, Cindy, received her 26 year chip today at the noon A.A. meeting! Anyone successfully staying sober today can brag on "my dime," anytime! Be blessed and blog on! Mr. Denny

The drug “Alcohol” is one of the oldest anesthetic drugs used by man. I heard it said by an ”old timer” at a meeting once that alcohol had been around since cavemen left grapes in a rut in a rock too long and they fermented. When the “sour wine” was consumed, the effect was discovered? The accuracy of these comments may not be exactly correct, however, understanding alcohol as a drug should be simple enough. Once consumed in a sufficient quantity, all types of problems are experienced. All of our physical abilities become impaired and we feel “wonderful!” Apple pie never did that to me! I wanted more alcohol, a lot more, in fact, I wanted it all !!! Thus the love affair with booze began. My associates who wanted me to experience the best of their “offerings” provided free samples of the next chemical, which soon became a physical craving. The drug addiction may have begun with drinking but quickly escalated, beyond my ability to contain. My hours and days were consumed, my relationships destroyed and my substance consumed on riotous living. I think I read a story like that in Sunday school as a child. I wished I had learned from that “prodigal son!” Surviving the condition was the most desperate need. Finding other recovering “sots” was a blessing from God him self. Like occupants of a lifeboat, following the sinking of the ocean liner, they pull me aboard!(Big Book of A.A.) In time I will learn that the truth they share with me will become the mission for my life. Thank You Alcoholics Anonymous and all you who have gone before me to safely light my way! Be Blessed and blog on, Mr. Denny

Do you remember when you were newly sober, (Maybe even now,) we get our hopes up regarding some person,place or thing? When it does not work out the way we hoped, we get disappointed, diligent or worse, angry! In the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, volume 3 page 449 Acceptance is spoken of. Depending on what point in your recovery you happen to be today, your feelings are valid. That doesn't mean they are right or wrong necessarily, but they are valid. You should not deny your feelings. As your maturity ages you will realize more and more about how the world really works. Everyone and everything is not here for "MY" pleasure, provision, protection or entertainment! I am responsible in recovery to live life to the best of"MY" ability. I am to be self supporting, learn to be honest. Tell the truth about myself and my life to the best of my ability today! Sobriety today doesn't mean only not using chemicals. It means living my life with integrity and helping others along the way. Everyone has a difficult battle in life. If we are clean and sober today and doing the best we can to achieve our goals today, gratitude is in order. We don't have time to feel sorry and resentful. Be blessed and blog on, Mr. Denny

After 22 years of recovery I am sure of more principles today. When you do the right things long enough you develope character, integrity, reputation and prosperity! Who would have ever thought that a once homeless man with training and ambition could become an employer,author, philanthropist and friend to so many people. Be blessed and know that the "higher power" has the ability to provide what ever opportunities you are able to seize. We are responsible to do the work. He will provide the way! Gratitude will be the byproduct of your efforts realizing that you could not have done this by yourself! We are lucky to have the most successful fellowship in history for the inebriate. Alcoholics Anonymous will forever be accepted as the premier recovery program for alcoholism! Thank God and Bill and Bob! Be blessed and blog on! Mr. Denny

It is amazing to me how much comfort comes from being responsible in living. When I do what a responsible person is obligated to do, life is good! I have been on this track for so many years that it is what is usual for me and my family. I remember the days when nothing was usual except fear, regret, shame and a longing for the kind of life that I now possess. Wait, I am on to something here. Make a note of that ! When you do what you are responsible to do, living gets easier! When you keep your word(be honest,) fear disappears! When we do these things day after day after day while staying sober, we learn to be self supporting, obey the law, provide safety and provision for our families while achieving our life goals. When we begin to share and support others in their similar goals and activities our integrity is developed or restored. The promises of recovery are coming true for us also! The promises are available to all who work this recovery program. The proof is here!
Be Blessed, blog on! Mr. Denny