9:22 pm
Literally. As you know, I was HUNG ovah, so decided, at 7 pm, to take a walk. And, I don’t know why, I just walked up Market to the “gay” Safeway on Church. I guess it’s got a familiarity, that ‘hood, that draws me to it; I used to live right around the corner for most of 2011. Anyway, for some reason (maybe I subconsciously thought, I wonder if there’s a meeting going on in that church? — I went to one there last year, but it SUCKED), I wandered across the street and stopped in front of the gate. A guy was smoking outside, and before I knew it or could stop myself, I walked right up to him.
“Is there a meeting going on?” I whispered. He said yes, and that I should go in. “They’re sharing now. COME ON, just go in.” So, I did.
The meeting found me, I must say. And, I really don’t believe that the speakers and people who shared could have said anything MORE that pertained to me. It was like, they were literally talking to ME, replying to the thoughts that have been raging through my head the past few days: I want to not obsess anymore, I want this craving to be gone, I want it all just out of my head, forever, for good.
I sat my arse down in one of those chairs and told myself, I am not fucking leaving this meeting without talking to people and getting numbers. So, like a good journalist, I went straight up to the front of the room after people started shuffling out and/or hugging (I HATE this, I feel like a newcomer, an outsider — get OVER it, I scolded myself) and waited my turn.
I selected the two “people I want to be like.” They were both men, but very outgoing and gracious. Long story short, I got a sponsor, got three numbers, and made a date to meet up with my sponsor on Monday. I didn’t tell her that I’ll likely be leaving the area soon, but I figured that wasn’t the important thing. What was important is that I finally felt READY to say yes, I am an alcoholic and yes, I am, I think, ready and willing to try anything.
One of the most outstanding things I learned last night was that, no, I am not alone. If I am truly ready to quit drinking, the only thing that stands between me and that is my craving and my obsessing. AND, one of the speakers said something that made total sense to me: you don’t have to be alone in this, and it will go away. If I’ve got more than myself on my side, fighting the cravings, then maybe possibly it WILL GET EASIER to not have them. Or, at the very least, live through them and come out winning (not losing and drinking up a storm again).
It felt a lot like my childhood days going to mass. I was a good little believer, and really, earnestly believed in Jesus, God, the Biblical stories, etc. It felt sort of like that, religious, but in a good way. I felt earnest, and that mattered. I wasn’t cynical (though, I’m still not sure it’ll “work” for me), and I did actually think, Man, if that guy can sit up there and tell me that his craving to drink went away…maybe it isn’t so unrealistic after all?
I also realized that I have been wrong so many times, have made so many erroneous assumptions in my life that it’s hard to imagine that everything I think I know about this disease/obsession/problem is true. Scientists thrive — the world thrives — on proving their assumptions wrong. I mean, the basic building blocks of life are quantum entities? The universe is based on string theory? WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? Who would have imagined this reality, let alone didn’t discredit it based on the simple idea that everything is as it appears. As one of the speakers said, “You know, you guys’ll smoke ANYTHING, right? Why not smoke this?” He thrust the Big Book into the air. I was like, uh, yeah, that’s true! Why not give sobriety (and AA) and what may come a chance?
The meeting was one step forward, which felt good. Another was the letter — two pages — I hurriedly wrote this morning and mailed off to my brother’s girlfriend. I don’t care if some of my somewhat overblown compliments in said letter are sort of white lies — if I want access to my brother, I have to go through her. I’m not fixing them, they seem to think they’re fine, and well, so be it. Anyway, it was I who offended her, bigtime, and never apologized. Sure, I wrote to my brother, but I felt weird and awkward contacting her directly. Anyway, that was another step forward, a necessary step. I don’t know why I’m only now seeing the necessary steps forward, but they are part of getting sober, in a more meaningful way than just blogging in my bedroom and not drinking myself into a coma anymore. I’m relieved, I said exactly what I wanted in that letter; I hope she takes it the right way. If she doesn’t, I feel OK with her one, telling my family about the whole ordeal, and two, not forgiving and/or forgetting. At least I have taken the first step, a mature and necessary one. But, man, that was NINE months ago. I’m one stubborn bitch. 😉
I”m pretty tired and still feeling the hangover, so I’ll sign off. No, I didn’t go to a meeting tonight, but once I get back to the [beautiful island where I now live], I’m actually thinking of doing the steps. Yes, there ya have it. A convert in the making. 😉
Drunky Drunk Girl 
Admitting and accepting your alcohol problem is a great first step. Do the 12 steps, no matter how tough, cause it is, stick with it. Anytime you feel like chatting feel free to request my e-mail, or bbm pin if you’re a bb user. I’m not a professional coach, but I’ve walked in your shoes. I’m sober for 61 days now. Strongs my friend! *hugs*
Thank you so much! I’m getting there, day by day. HUGS back atcha!
Remember one day at a time, work those 12 steps, keep the faith and love yourself!
Thanks! Yes, the need for “one day at a time” is kicking in. I wish I had the same resolve that I had this summer; now, it just feels like a grind, a drag, every day sans wine. I know I can do it, but I just wish I had that same oomph that I had — I AM GOING TO DO THIS — back in June and July.
This is too awesome. I felt like I was on auto-pilot when I went to my first meeting 2 weeks ago too. I can tell you that, while it’s still early days for me, I feel different, and there is no white-knuckling… I actually do.not.want.wine. Fascinating. Apparently this shit works (if you work it)! So happy that you went and are feeling good about it. If you ever want to email me directly about this stuff, let me know and we will find a way to do that.
you fucking impress me. every day. holy christ (again). holy-moly. it doesn’t matter which tools or levers we use to get there, the goal is to GET there. and so yeah, extra hands make lighter work. so yeah, other people’s ideas lend support. who cares where the support comes from? if there’s support out there and we’re NOT taking advantage of it, it’s like trying to prove a theory without seeing what others have tried first (i.e. it’s a gigantic waste of time and resources). there’s help there. for all of us. blogging, meeting, friends, sponsors, phone numbers, emails. and what a relief in knowing that there’s a squillion billion people out there with virtually the same problem (who have managed to survive) — that’s so damn cool. can’t wait to read what you write next. rock on 🙂 xox
I’m really impressed with you. I know what a step it is to go your first meeting, and I’m glad you’ve embraced it. Keep at it, even after your hangover subsides. The stories and people, and the messages are fortifying. Great stuff!
YAY!!! I am SO excited for you! I thought I was gonna have to get in my car and drive to your house. I am SO glad that you gave AA another go. And I hope you’ll explore all kinds of meetings in your town. I love women’s meetings. I love all meetings, really. But some will speak to you more than others. First, you’ll find you’re not alone, as you already have. Then, you’ll find yourself making friends. Then, you’ll find yourself feeling part of something bigger than you dreamed–a real, live, honest-to-God community–and then, you’ll wake up one morning and think, “Oh my. I think I belong. I think I just might have come home.” It’s a marvelous adventure. This post MADE my day. And I needed it made. Thanks So much for posting, girl. You’re gonna make it and help so many people–really, I think you’re an amazing person and you have an amazing future ahead. Best, Heather
Hahaha. No need to come to San Francisco! Thanks for your lovely comment, Heather. I really look forward — and just have to have faith that it will happen — to the progression that you’ve outlined: not alone, making friends, finding a community. While I am really grateful for all the support on this blog, I never thought that sharing what I would consider pretty embarrassing stuff would help people (drunk in me talking, of course). Thanks for coming and lending your support here! xx
FINALLY! I’ve been waitiing for this to happen to you. It’s your Higher Power nudging you in the right direction. The people in that room are just like you and me. They will love you until you can love yourself. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. Keep coming back!
Thank YOU for your comment and encouragement!
As we say in our chanty, almost creepy way, “Keep coming back, it works” Glad that meeting found you.
I haven’t been back since, what was it, Saturday night? BUT, I still have my meeting with my sponsor this week and I have been thinking about AA — it’s on my mind, as like a hold-me-up crutch, which feels really good. (At that meeting, they all said this weird chant, a long passage from somewhere that I didn’t recognize. ?)
Probably the third step prayer. I don’t know that one by heart either. Glad you got a sponsor. Are you in SF for much longer?