Sobriety
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Four Years Sober: Let Go So That You May Grow
Four years into sobriety doesn’t feel drastically different from three—there’s no lightning bolt of realization, no cinematic turning point. But what does begin to settle in is a quiet and persistent gratitude for continued, sustained sobriety. The number isn’t everything, but it does represent consistency, commitment, and healing. This past year has been all about letting go to make space for growth. Life has a remarkable way of guiding people exactly where they’re meant to be—when they’re willing to stop gripping the wheel with white-knuckled control. Holding onto negativity, whether it’s through toxic relationships, old resentments, or fear-based thinking, only serves to weigh down the spirit. This was the first…
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Being of Service in Sobriety
In sobriety, I’ve learned that being of service to others is not just a nice idea—it’s essential. Early on, I found myself stuck in a pretty self-centered mindset. It was all about my struggles, my fears, and my recovery. But when I finally began to engage in service work, it opened up a whole new world for me. I remember the overwhelming feelings of uselessness in the beginning. After years of battling addiction, I felt like I had nothing to offer. This is a common struggle for many in recovery, as it’s easy to feel lost and disconnected. Research indicates that social support plays a crucial role in maintaining sobriety…
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November Tradition of the Month
The 11th Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous is key to preserving the integrity and privacy of the program. It states, “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.” While this might seem like a restriction, it’s actually about protecting the heart of AA and keeping the focus on recovery, not on public attention or promotion. Why Tradition 11 Matters Tradition 11’s principle of “attraction rather than promotion” means AA doesn’t try to recruit people actively or market itself. Instead, AA is here for those who come to it after seeing the positive changes in…
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The 11th Step, a Personal Reflection
Reflecting on my journey with Step 11 of the AA program, I can see how this stage of recovery helped me to shape an entirely new connection with a higher power—a connection that looked nothing like I’d expected, yet offered more peace than I could have imagined. When I first reached Step 11, I still struggled with the concept of God, especially the Christian God I grew up with. Coming from a Southern Baptist and Catholic household as an effeminate gay man, I’d faced the tension, judgment, and rejection that can come with such a background. The anger and pain from those experiences had stayed with me for years, and…
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November Step of the Month
The 11th Step in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) holds a deep significance for anyone on the path to long-term sobriety. Step 11 reads: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” Like the other steps, Step 11 can be personalized; its focus isn’t about what we believe or how we pray, but about developing an ongoing, conscious connection with something greater than ourselves. This step isn’t just about spirituality or religion—it’s about building inner resilience and finding peace, which are essential for sobriety. Understanding Step 11 At…
