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People Can Change… Here’s the Proof…
(16)Posted on July 18th, 2007Lyman ReedUncategorized
Today, July 18, 2007, is my birthday.
My sobriety birthday.
I’m 3 years old today in sober years. My wife might say in emotional years, but that’s another article…
It would be absolutely impossible to list all of the people and organizations that helped me get here. The principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as a bunch of great people (Dave, Jim, and Jay especially) who taught me that it’s possible and showed me how to do it… I literally owe my life to those guys. After moving to California, I’ve had a tough time integrating into the meetings, but the principles have stuck with me, and kept me going. I also use the principles of SMART Recovery and Rational Recovery… if you have a tough time with the spirituality of AA, one of those options may be for you. Or you can do what I’ve done, and take what works from each of them, and never mind what doesn’t. Even those who say that their way is the only way - smile, nod, and realize they may be well meaning, but are deluded.
Much, if not all, of my drinking came from an attempt to self-medicate my depression. When I was able to accept the depression and get help for it through medication, the need for the alcohol dropped like a rock. Medication is not a cure, at least not yet… it’s a control. It relieves the symptoms so that the problems can be worked on. Simply popping a pill will only help for as long as the chemicals from the pill are in your system. While the symptoms are lessened, we have to change our habitual thinking in order to make the changes as permanent as possible.
And of course… my friends in the blogosphere. Once again, impossible to list everyone who has helped, so sorry… no links in this post. I think you know who you are, and even if you don’t - thank you.
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16 Responses to “People Can Change… Here’s the Proof…”
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Happy Birthday!!! That is a significant accomplishment. I am so glad I caught it on the day. You have a lot to be proud of. You are awesome!
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Thank you, Nneka!
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You de man, Lyman! Happy Birthday! (Does this mean you get two cakes a year? )
Never mind your wife. They know we sometimes reach the emotional age of four.
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Thanks Rick… I could actually get seven cakes if I wanted to… one of the AA traditions out here is to take a cake a day for seven days during the week of your birthday, each at a different meeting on a different night. Let’s just say it’s not my style, though.
Only “sometimes” hit four, huh? That’s just way too much responsibility for me!
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Tough times -> tough guy! Congrats!
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Congrats Lyman !! 3 years is a big accomplishment ! Great work man !
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Wow thats really great! Congrats on reaching 3 years!
It must of took a lot of hard work and courage.
Keep it up! -
Thanks Attila, Biggs, and Tom… I appreciate the congrats.
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Great Job! Happy Day, Happy Day!
We are all proud of you! You my friend are
“Creating a better Life”!!
Isn’t it Grand?!! -
It is grand, Karen!
Thanks! -
I only say you are emotionally aged 3 because I am stuck in the terrible two’s, as you well know.
Seriously, when I remember where you were 3 years ago (where we both were) and in the years leading up to that crash … WOW. Creating a Better Life? Indeed. Happy B-Day. I love you.
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So we’re two and three… sounds like fun!
Thank you lover, for sticking by me during the messy times.
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Lyman,
I am so proud of you. I KNOW what you’ve been through and it seems as though you are finally making the connection… Everyone at Manhattan was so glad to hear about your three years and they asked to send their love (even the cyber stalker terrorist - Karla)!
Because of you, and people like you, you give my life purpose. Thanks buddy.
Take care and don’t let Tracy boss you too much. (Tracy - call your sponsor and go to a meeting! haha).
Love,
Dave -
Whoa, Dave… what’s up! So Karla told you about the blog, huh!
Thanks, man. I couldn’t have done it without you. And tell the people at the kitchen table I said Hi.
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hey dude you rock!!!!!!!!!!! keep on keepin on hope to see ya soon give me a direct site i can shoot ya some pics
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Jim, what’s up!!! I’ll drop you an email later today, now that I’ve got your address. Thanks for stopping by the site. And it’s good to see that the Desire Hardwood Floors site is up and running.
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