My name is Barry and I am an alcoholic.

When I was new, I was told that if I want this program, I have to be willing to go to any lengths, which meant to me: to not drink; to go to meetings; get a sponsor; show up and listen; and especially go when I do not want to go. This still applies to all of us today. Even with over 29 years clean and sober, I still have to work at staying sober. A little more automatic today than when I was new, this also means that I do not stay away from meetings even if the weather is bad as it is here tonight. I will still go to a face-to-face meeting after this online meeting. This is a life or death program, and no matter what others think, I still need to keep on working the program as best as I can for today. My sponsor told me many years ago that as long as I do not drink today, I had a successful day. Sometimes other people will get us down, but as long as we know in our hearts that we are doing the right thing, and talk to our sponsors about it, because we need to focus on ourselves, not what others think and do. We need to put all Twelve Steps into our lives every day as best as we can. I have heard people say they live in Steps 10, 11 and 12. To me, that is too limiting. We always need to work the First Step every day. All the other Steps help us improve ourselves. We cannot change others or the world. We can only change ourselves. This is an amazing program. Do not let anyone tell you different. “Just keep coming back!” is what they told me. I am still doing that, and thank God, I am still here. Thank you for letting me share.

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