[Phoebe_Twayblade]

Melinda (Waving)

Thanks for the greeting. I didn't see it before. I'm feeling a lot better since I called my doctor and stopped taking the Cymbalta. I'll be seeing him day after tomorrow to figure out what we do next. Thank goodness for this forum. I don't know what I'd do without you good people.

There is nothing worse than feeling alone and powerless.

I still have a headache (kind of migraine-y) and feel anxious. My husband fed me some tuna noodle casserole last night, and that helped too. I hadn't been eating properly. (And then I wonder why I feel so terrible? ) My husband says "Eat, you'll feel better." And in this case he's 100% correct.

When will I stop thinking that I have to take care of everything myself?

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Phoebe_Twayblade

Melinda (Waving)

Thanks for the greeting. I didn't see it before. I'm feeling a lot better since I called my doctor and stopped taking the Cymbalta. I'll be seeing him day after tomorrow to figure out what we do next. Thank goodness for this forum. I don't know what I'd do without you good people.

There is nothing worse than feeling alone and powerless.

I still have a headache (kind of migraine-y) and feel anxious. My husband fed me some tuna noodle casserole last night, and that helped too. I hadn't been eating properly. (And then I wonder why I feel so terrible? ) My husband says "Eat, you'll feel better." And in this case he's 100% correct.

When will I stop thinking that I have to take care of everything myself?

Hi Phoebe
Oh I know what you mean when I found this forum I was such a mess.The people on here really helped me.I felt very alone also.Its nice to know your not the only one, For some reason it really helps.
I'm glad you have your husband there to help you and I'm glad your feeling a little better,Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Talk to you soon ,Melinda

[Phoebe_Twayblade]

Melinda, your story is an inspiration to me. I have lurked on this board for a while. It's funny how one gets attached to the posters here. I find myself rooting for people and checking up to see how they're doing.

I think "If she can do it, so can I!" and I get the strength to keep going. Not everyone has access to real-life support groups. In my case, sometimes I am too sick to drive or go out at all. Since my husband bought me this laptop, I can participate in the world even when bed-ridden. (Although my typing suffers when I'm flat on my back!)

Anyway, my love and prayers are with you.

[ComingHome]

YO

90 meetings in 90 days - NA
Get a sponsor.
Work the steps.

YO

ComingHome

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by python134r

Thanx for the support Robert, I have been hitting meetings, NA and/or my old AA home group "The Bottom Line". To me a 12 step meeting any flavor will do. As you know I have had multiple years sober but............same old story, its all the same story in the end.

You had mentioned in a previous post about stats of 12 step proggies and faith based proggies. You are correct, I have been around the block so to speak, and I once was in a program called Addicts Rehabilitation Center in Harlem, NYC which was a church or rather a faith based program. Recovery in general long term have low success stats, nature of the beast. Prior to my being referred to ARC I was a an old time TC called Odyssey House. Back then it was a minimum 18 month hard core treatment center. I graduated in 9 months, 1st one ever and worked there in clinical and facilities management. I learned much about myself.......still relapsed. At ARC I stayed over a year, got a job there too as a house manager, was the founder James allen's driver. Still over a few years I would relapse. Reservations kill. Period


I just had to get that off my chest for whatever reason, I was in much pain the other evening, physical pain....I was in tears that's how bad it was, I survived, it subsided. I also am very emotional as of late, but that part of my body adjusting to no opiates. I met an old sponsor of mine recently, he winked at me and called me a a-hole. He's a old timer, but glad to see that I never stop at coming back, my relapses are getting way farther apart, years in between but I do feel I am done, I hope so, at least I have hope, I see youngsters at meetings, I wish at 20 I started to learn about why I do what I do instead of close to 50. It starts and end with self.........I try to break it down simple.

I still have some baggage I need to bury for good and not dig it up when I get hinkey, I am dealing with it, will post about it later.......God Bless!!!!!

I am like you in that we are neither one kids and I also wish so badly that I would have started getting clean in my 20s ... even my 30s would have been an improvement. But it's never too late. We are where we are. The main thing is that when I cross the finish line someday I will be clean. At least it's a top priority for me. To use is to die for me and I know it.

I don't go into the success ratio thing too often as it usually starts a fuss with those who feel differently but those are the facts as explained. Faith based recovery has such a greater success ratio it's incredible. Whatever gets people clean is good but staying clean is much easier when the motivation comes from our heart. That is a fact. Thanks for sharing about some of your related experiences.

Some of us have to relapse more times than others do before we finally "get it". It's imperative that people understand recovery is a process and not an event. Sometimes a relapse actually turns one's recovery into a much stronger program because of the experience. All experiences can be good if we learn and assimilate the experience into our life.

We all have a few open doors I think that we would be better off if we could somehow close them permanently. Again I think this door closing thing is a huge part of the process of recovery. I seem to still have my foot stuck in a few of those doors keeping them open even though I try every day to get them closed. I am getting closer each and every day. I don't know that all the doors will ever be closed but at least I am aware of them today. That is a big part of the process for me. Thanks for coming back to the forum and sharing about your progress. Stay in touch. God bless.

[python134r]

I had an epiphany today, I remembered things from my childhood that I have stuffed for almost 40 years. Being sober I am very emotional as of late [I can cry at the drop of a hat] very not me but feelings are returning and post acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms are present(some anyway) but I am driven to stay clean.....back to my post. I an confronting each of my parents, I have to......baggage, have to dump it. I am not looking for some kind of payback....those who know its a weird kind of dynamic with addicts and I just need to put closure on the baggage in my life or I will surly relapse.

Doing my 90 in 90 again, got a sponsor, on step 1. At this point in my life I have 12 stepped for years with multiple years clean and I am not counting prison although there were plenty of drugs there I did not use. Its what I know to do. Go to a meeting, spirituality.............my thoughts are jumbled, I do not sleep well, I am emotional, I feel worthless lately but I come back or I will die, period. Its just that simple.

For me I will break it down to the lowest common denominator;
Its all about self
Its all about feelings

The good addict that I am will rationalize everything to death resulting in using.
Life is so much simpler when sober, thanx for listing to my rant.


Robert, as you well know, if we do not share our experiences we die, thanx for the kind words.

[Harv]

I logged on to this site to try and find out how long these withdrawals were going to last. I can't begin to tell all you guys how much I apreciate reading your posts. I've been addicted to painkillers for just over 15 years and for the first time in that long I've actually gone five days without pills. Before that my record was about 18 hours. Since I have no self-control, my method of getting off these pills was to cut off my own supply. I started with hydrocodone after a surgery and just a couple of years ago discovered oxy. I think my physical withdrawals are subsiding, but I have to admit in the back of my mind I've been plotting to find a pill somewhere "just for the weekend." Fortunately, I have no doctor who will prescibe. Unfortunately my wife will be getting a tooth implant next week ... so there's a dozen of some kind of pill coming. I have to get myself under control before then. Your experience and guts blow me away. I guess misery loves company because spending an hour looking at your posts is as good as chewing up an oxy 30.

[python134r]

Welcome Harv, you have already gone 5 days, your withdrawal should be subsiding, I am assuming by my own experience. Do you have any kind of support network be it 12 step , faith based or anything. It is difficult at best to do this with a support network, without impossible IMHO.

I sucked it up and started to do my 90 and 90 and got a sponsor. Otherwise I will die, simple as that, I too would sit and read these posts and participate in the forums because its like a meeting to me, I have been overwhelmed as of late and have to communicate with others who suffer this disease as I get strength from their strength.

I just came from a AA meeting in Hollywood FL called Bikers in Recovery, the thing is everyone their has also had painkiller addiction as results from the lifestyle, actually it gonna be my home group. It gets better, how is your pill using affecting things with your wife, she needs not to enable you with these pills. I know how you feel knowing they will be there, you have gone this many day's already.....that's progress. Stay strong

Rich g

[icandoitin08]

Originally Posted by Doggy

Thank you all so much for your responses...you have helped tremendously. Now from what I understand this medication is not something that just ANY doctor can prescribe if I am understanding the information correctly. So if she makess an appointment with one of the doctors on the list then she will be okay. Her husband has no clue that this is going on...I know kinda hard to believe you would think and so she is trying to do this under as much confidentiallity as possible.

Yes as long as she goes to a dr that can perscribe suboxone. I just started suboxone last week. I was in pretty good w/d and in just over an hour I began to feel normal. For me it is a miracle. I tried so many times to stop and could not take the w/d

Good luck to your friend! You are a good friend for helping her!

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by Harv

I logged on to this site to try and find out how long these withdrawals were going to last. I can't begin to tell all you guys how much I apreciate reading your posts. I've been addicted to painkillers for just over 15 years and for the first time in that long I've actually gone five days without pills. Before that my record was about 18 hours. Since I have no self-control, my method of getting off these pills was to cut off my own supply. I started with hydrocodone after a surgery and just a couple of years ago discovered oxy. I think my physical withdrawals are subsiding, but I have to admit in the back of my mind I've been plotting to find a pill somewhere "just for the weekend." Fortunately, I have no doctor who will prescibe. Unfortunately my wife will be getting a tooth implant next week ... so there's a dozen of some kind of pill coming. I have to get myself under control before then. Your experience and guts blow me away. I guess misery loves company because spending an hour looking at your posts is as good as chewing up an oxy 30.

Fight for yourself Harv! You will not regret staying clean!Good luck brother.Don't forget about a support system to help you like NA meetings or whatever.I hope you stay clean man.

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Harv

I logged on to this site to try and find out how long these withdrawals were going to last. I can't begin to tell all you guys how much I apreciate reading your posts. I've been addicted to painkillers for just over 15 years and for the first time in that long I've actually gone five days without pills. Before that my record was about 18 hours. Since I have no self-control, my method of getting off these pills was to cut off my own supply. I started with hydrocodone after a surgery and just a couple of years ago discovered oxy. I think my physical withdrawals are subsiding, but I have to admit in the back of my mind I've been plotting to find a pill somewhere "just for the weekend." Fortunately, I have no doctor who will prescibe. Unfortunately my wife will be getting a tooth implant next week ... so there's a dozen of some kind of pill coming. I have to get myself under control before then. Your experience and guts blow me away. I guess misery loves company because spending an hour looking at your posts is as good as chewing up an oxy 30.

Hi Harv
Hang in there,I did a cold turkey from oxy and vics, It was tough but i did it.
your withdrawals could last from 5 to 8 days.by day four I was starting to come out of it,I was really tired and just didn't want to move.I hated being addicted to the oxy and the vics it just controlled my life I couldn't go anywhere with out making sure i had enough pills to last,and I spent so much money on them, Its nice now to spend the money on my daughter or myself.
I would tell your wife to hide those pills she is going to get or just suck it up and tell yourself,i don't want to go there and I don't need them.
I'm 3 months clean now and I wish for you that you will say that soon it feels really good.
I will pray for you and i wish you all the luck.
Let us know how you are doing, Talk to you soon Melinda

[Harv]

Melinda, Musicman, Rich ...

Thanks for your kind words and your encouragement. No, I don't have a support group. I've been hiding this for so long, the jump to trusting others is almost unfathomable. In fact the loneliness of this trip has been pretty unbearable. About two years ago I did confide in my wife, hoping that would help me kick this, but she was so freaked out that I stopped talking about it. (I'm supposed to be the strong one in the family that helps everyone else with their problems, not the addicted father and grandfather). But she does know to hide any painkiller prescriptions she gets. I'm just afraid that if I feel like I do now I'll do whatever it takes to find them. But I do feel better today than I did yesterday. I actually slept last night. What I'm finding is that the physical is really nothing compared to the profound depression and inability to remember any joy in life without pills. I look at non-addicted people and marvel at how they can just get up in the morning and be happy without help from drugs.

I read all the time about people who go public with their addictions. It makes me feel like a coward. I actually have a clause in my business partnership employment agreement that says if I'm an addict, I have to sell out and quit my job. I know losing your livelihood pales in comparison to losing your life, so I may still have to cowboy up.

Anyway, I'm on day six. Can anyone give me an idea of how long before the depression will begin to lift?

[pdxRx]

Well today is a happy morning. I am trying to ween off methadone. I am at 20mg and holding pretty well after 2 weeks. I have had much anxiety over the process as a whole. And just some slight leg restlessness (which in this case may even be psychological, i have been able to sleep well). I think mostly because I can't just "do it" and be done. It has to be slow. But also because I have not been able to find alot of help. I have been looking for some place/one that can help me step down slowly and provide some counseling as well. What I have found is alot of place geared towards people with a much "larger" problem. Of course to me my problem is dauntingly large. Anyways I finally found a clinic that would be happy to work with me and to go slow. It is something I can afford and comes with a lot of all inclusive goodies. Like behavrioral counseling. they thought something like 4-6 months to ween it all the way down. Even though I had set up a 4 motnh program for myself I am very very very happy to find a place that I can use if I choose to right away or end up not being able to make my step down work by myself. I am even considering just breaking loose of my plan and starting with them. I am sure they are much more qualified. The only bad thing is that it is a daily visit (in general not bad) and that is really going to conflict with holiday vacations. But one hurdle at a time.

[pdxRx]

Originally Posted by Harv

Melinda, Musicman, Rich ...

Thanks for your kind words and your encouragement. No, I don't have a support group. I've been hiding this for so long, the jump to trusting others is almost unfathomable. In fact the loneliness of this trip has been pretty unbearable. About two years ago I did confide in my wife, hoping that would help me kick this, but she was so freaked out that I stopped talking about it. (I'm supposed to be the strong one in the family that helps everyone else with their problems, not the addicted father and grandfather). But she does know to hide any painkiller prescriptions she gets. I'm just afraid that if I feel like I do now I'll do whatever it takes to find them. But I do feel better today than I did yesterday. I actually slept last night. What I'm finding is that the physical is really nothing compared to the profound depression and inability to remember any joy in life without pills. I look at non-addicted people and marvel at how they can just get up in the morning and be happy without help from drugs.

I read all the time about people who go public with their addictions. It makes me feel like a coward. I actually have a clause in my business partnership employment agreement that says if I'm an addict, I have to sell out and quit my job. I know losing your livelihood pales in comparison to losing your life, so I may still have to cowboy up.

Anyway, I'm on day six. Can anyone give me an idea of how long before the depression will begin to lift?

I would say even though it is incredibly hard try and get some exercise. Even just a walk around the block. Our bodies use the natural endorphins as mood enhancers. If you can start yourself on a little bit of exercise a day and increase it as you start to feel better your mood will improve faster. I have started riding my stationary bike everyday as i start my weening just to help build up the natural endorphins and for me to help combat the heebie jeebies. Also fresh air and sunshine are great for your mood.

Good luck, keep at it, find someone to lean on and talk to that also helps relieve the internal pressure.

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by Harv

Melinda, Musicman, Rich ...

Thanks for your kind words and your encouragement. No, I don't have a support group. I've been hiding this for so long, the jump to trusting others is almost unfathomable. In fact the loneliness of this trip has been pretty unbearable. About two years ago I did confide in my wife, hoping that would help me kick this, but she was so freaked out that I stopped talking about it. (I'm supposed to be the strong one in the family that helps everyone else with their problems, not the addicted father and grandfather). But she does know to hide any painkiller prescriptions she gets. I'm just afraid that if I feel like I do now I'll do whatever it takes to find them. But I do feel better today than I did yesterday. I actually slept last night. What I'm finding is that the physical is really nothing compared to the profound depression and inability to remember any joy in life without pills. I look at non-addicted people and marvel at how they can just get up in the morning and be happy without help from drugs.

I read all the time about people who go public with their addictions. It makes me feel like a coward. I actually have a clause in my business partnership employment agreement that says if I'm an addict, I have to sell out and quit my job. I know losing your livelihood pales in comparison to losing your life, so I may still have to cowboy up.

Anyway, I'm on day six. Can anyone give me an idea of how long before the depression will begin to lift?

Have to agree with you there brother.The depression was the worst part for me too.Keep this in mind.The depression will gradually go away.It may take a while but your old self will come back.Your soul has been robbed and it wants to come back home.Just keep the faith as hard as it may be to do so.

[Harv]

Thanks guys. Putting one foot in front of the other for a couple of miles sounds doable, especially if it helps me remember life.

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by Harv

Melinda, Musicman, Rich ...

Thanks for your kind words and your encouragement. No, I don't have a support group. I've been hiding this for so long, the jump to trusting others is almost unfathomable. In fact the loneliness of this trip has been pretty unbearable. About two years ago I did confide in my wife, hoping that would help me kick this, but she was so freaked out that I stopped talking about it. (I'm supposed to be the strong one in the family that helps everyone else with their problems, not the addicted father and grandfather). But she does know to hide any painkiller prescriptions she gets. I'm just afraid that if I feel like I do now I'll do whatever it takes to find them. But I do feel better today than I did yesterday. I actually slept last night. What I'm finding is that the physical is really nothing compared to the profound depression and inability to remember any joy in life without pills. I look at non-addicted people and marvel at how they can just get up in the morning and be happy without help from drugs.

I read all the time about people who go public with their addictions. It makes me feel like a coward. I actually have a clause in my business partnership employment agreement that says if I'm an addict, I have to sell out and quit my job. I know losing your livelihood pales in comparison to losing your life, so I may still have to cowboy up.

Anyway, I'm on day six. Can anyone give me an idea of how long before the depression will begin to lift?

Hi Harv
I'm sorry your having a hard time,I remember those days to well.
I'm sure your sick of me saying this But,try to walk a little it really helps with the depression.I started walking about two minutes a day and just keep building everyday you will be better soon.You have a support group,Its us.LOL
This is the support group I used when I went cold turkey,from my drugs.
You will find joy again,I'm 3 months clean now and I thank God everyday for my life now.I did not do that when I was taking drugs.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Talk to you soon , Melinda

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by melinda7.5

Hi Harv
I'm sorry your having a hard time,I remember those days to well.
I'm sure your sick of me saying this But,try to walk a little it really helps with the depression.I started walking about two minutes a day and just keep building everyday you will be better soon.You have a support group,Its us.LOL
This is the support group I used when I went cold turkey,from my drugs.
You will find joy again,I'm 3 months clean now and I thank God everyday for my life now.I did not do that when I was taking drugs.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Talk to you soon , Melinda

Hey Melinda ! I just wanted to say congatulations to you for 3 months clean!That is great ! Today is day 77 since I took my last dose of suboxone so I am about 2 weeks behind you.It does feel great ! The depression is getting better and I really can not believe that I have gone this long without drugs.I quit smoking pot and drinking a couple months ago after my 2nd or 3rd NA meeting and I am so clear headed its scary..lol.The pot and booze was hard to quit but it was easier to quit than all the pills I was eating..You spend so much time encouraging others I just wanted to say congrats to you on your sobriety.

[melinda7.5]

Originally Posted by musicman48

Hey Melinda ! I just wanted to say congatulations to you for 3 months clean!That is great ! Today is day 77 since I took my last dose of suboxone so I am about 2 weeks behind you.It does feel great ! The depression is getting better and I really can not believe that I have gone this long without drugs.I quit smoking pot and drinking a couple months ago after my 2nd or 3rd NA meeting and I am so clear headed its scary..lol.The pot and booze was hard to quit but it was easier to quit than all the pills I was eating..You spend so much time encouraging others I just wanted to say congrats to you on your sobriety.

HI Musicman
Well don't you know how to make a girls day !!!
Thank you,You made me smile...
We have both worked hard at this and I'm glad we both made it.
You do a good job at helping others too...
I love to read what you wright...
So cheers to us,My friend...
Talk to you soon, melinda

[python134r]

I feel soooo depressed the last few day's its kickin my butt. I am lucky cause I have a health spa and a pool where I live and I could walk the beach. I have to start a exercise regimen cause I am bored and looking to get out of my own skin so to speak. I never experienced any depression when I actively used heroin and stopped but these oxy's kick my butt. Still stayin strong, it is what it is.

[ComingHome]

Originally Posted by python134r

I feel soooo depressed the last few day's its kickin my butt. I am lucky cause I have a health spa and a pool where I live and I could walk the beach. I have to start a exercise regimen cause I am bored and looking to get out of my own skin so to speak. I never experienced any depression when I actively used heroin and stopped but these oxy's kick my butt. Still stayin strong, it is what it is.

YO Python - stay strong Bro. It's not the oxy's that caused the depression - it is the progression of the disease. I'm sure you would have the same experience getting of any current drug of choice. That's the way it was for me also - the more relapses I had, the more depression. That's why eventually I had to realize that it is actually easier to stay clean than get clean. Know what I mean YO.

Keep up your 90/90 program, and do 2 a day on weekends if needed. That worked for me YO Hang tight. My prayers for you.

ComingHome

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by python134r

I feel soooo depressed the last few day's its kickin my butt. I am lucky cause I have a health spa and a pool where I live and I could walk the beach. I have to start a exercise regimen cause I am bored and looking to get out of my own skin so to speak. I never experienced any depression when I actively used heroin and stopped but these oxy's kick my butt. Still stayin strong, it is what it is.

The depression can get bad.Its good that you are going to exercise.That will kick in those endorphines. It will help with the depression.It did for me.Good luck!

[Harv]

Hang in there Python ... on advice from friends on this post, I started exercise this weekend. Nothing strenuous, just walking and working in the yard. It helped plus it passed time. Also, jump in that spa and put the jets on your legs. You'll notice the difference when you're trying to sleep. Hang in there ... you're almost past the physical part.

[Harv]

Sorry Python ... after reviewing my post I realized you are probably past the physcial and advanced into profound depression. The exercise truly did help me. When it was suggested, I thought "they might as well be suggesting that I grow a third arm, I just can't do it." But I told them I would so I'd be embarassed if I didn't. And it really did help me get through the weekend ... and took me from day six to day nine of being clean. I know it will help you.
Don't give up, it will get better.

[python134r]

I just woke up from a nightmare at 12:20AM, now I am up and cannot sleep so I woke up and went downstairs to work out...stationary bike, stationary run, Nautilus workout and some dumbbells till the security guard got pissy cause its open 7 till 7 but I intimidated him and he said I could use it till 12 midnight from now on. Feels good, I just lost 55 lbs so I need to tone up. I also stopped smoking cigarettes and limited caffeine so I have a full plate.

I fell much better today, almost normal, no depression. I actually am doing things I have procrastinated on for ages. The more I keep busy the better.

Thanx all!

Rich g

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by python134r

I just woke up from a nightmare at 12:20AM, now I am up and cannot sleep so I woke up and went downstairs to work out...stationary bike, stationary run, Nautilus workout and some dumbbells till the security guard got pissy cause its open 7 till 7 but I intimidated him and he said I could use it till 12 midnight from now on. Feels good, I just lost 55 lbs so I need to tone up. I also stopped smoking cigarettes and limited caffeine so I have a full plate.

I fell much better today, almost normal, no depression. I actually am doing things I have procrastinated on for ages. The more I keep busy the better.

Thanx all!

Rich g

Hi Rich ... it's incredible how far you've come. Getting clean, losing the weight, smoking, caffiene, you are a poster child for recovery my friend. It hasn't been that long ago that I remember you here struggling. Stay focused and keep doing what you are doing. What a cool story you have to share. God bless.

[Junkie781]

I'm coming back again after about 11 months clean and a two month relapse with oxy 30mg tabs...I was crunching them up again, 3 at a time....snapped out of it after a couple of months and got back on the wagon.

I do private substance abuse counseling and an addiction therapy group each week to keep myself clean off opiates....at least I didn't relapse for too long....

I'm on my 5th day without anything and feeling much better. Going to group tonight at 5:30....

Anyway, just wanted to say hi and offer encouragement to anyone who's trying to quit. It's hard but it's worth the effort.

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by Junkie781

I'm coming back again after about 11 months clean and a two month relapse with oxy 30mg tabs...I was crunching them up again, 3 at a time....snapped out of it after a couple of months and got back on the wagon.

I do private substance abuse counseling and an addiction therapy group each week to keep myself clean off opiates....at least I didn't relapse for too long....

I'm on my 5th day without anything and feeling much better. Going to group tonight at 5:30....

Anyway, just wanted to say hi and offer encouragement to anyone who's trying to quit. It's hard but it's worth the effort.

Glad you made it back. It's been a while. It took me a couple of relapses too before I finally got the message of recovery to stick. This is a process and not an event.

Sometimes a relapse can actually strengthen our recovery. I am not saying for people to go out and relapse as it will make you stronger. I am just saying that if we learn from a relapse it can put an end to much of the misery so many of us deal with early in recovery.

It's good to see you getting into a support group. Whatever works is what we need to do. Stay focused on doing the next right thing. God bless.

[chrish1]

Junkie, it is good to see you back. I remember you from "back in the day" on this board. You and I - once we start crunching those up, it puts us in a bad spot. I hit 3 years clean last month. I am still attending 3-5 NA meetings a week. Not because I have to but because I want to. I need to keep my spiritual side fit, so I do a variety of things like prayer, meditation, meetings, exercise, relaxation, get enough sleep, maintain healthy relationships, help others, step work....

Everyone, stay out of the form and into the spirit. Don't get confused - we are spirit with a body, not the other way around. Life is a journey. Enjoy the means and live in the moment. The moment is where we find true satisfaction. In other words, once we stop worrying about the future and resenting the past, we can attend the most important thing. That thing is the thing right in front of us. Do that thing with your presence, whatever that thing happens to be.

Chrish

[Harv]

Originally Posted by chrish1

Junkie, it is good to see you back. I remember you from "back in the day" on this board. You and I - once we start crunching those up, it puts us in a bad spot. I hit 3 years clean last month. I am still attending 3-5 NA meetings a week. Not because I have to but because I want to. I need to keep my spiritual side fit, so I do a variety of things like prayer, meditation, meetings, exercise, relaxation, get enough sleep, maintain healthy relationships, help others, step work....

Everyone, stay out of the form and into the spirit. Don't get confused - we are spirit with a body, not the other way around. Life is a journey. Enjoy the means and live in the moment. The moment is where we find true satisfaction. In other words, once we stop worrying about the future and resenting the past, we can attend the most important thing. That thing is the thing right in front of us. Do that thing with your presence, whatever that thing happens to be.

Chrish

Chrish,
Thanks for your post. I'm on day 10 and it's incredible to me that someone can actually stay clean for three years. I'm printing out your message and taping it to my bathroom mirror for inspiration!