I'm Patrick C., an alcoholic.

I want to thank you for the years of "Daily Thoughts" I have received from you, and to let you know the great impact they have on people's lives. I have been sober about 4 1/2 years and through almost daily attendance at meetings, working the Steps, using my sponsors, and doing service, I have experienced growth I would never have thought possible. Before getting sober, I was an extremely shy, introverted, isolating, fearful person. But in the last six months I have acted in two plays in local community theater, when before I would never even speak in public -- much less try to remember lines. I also began working with a friend in the program doing house painting. I had never done this type of work, either professionally or even personally. My friend taught me well, and when he felt I was ready, he encouraged me to consider taking on small jobs that I could do on my own. I did this and found that I needed to have a business name in order to qualify for a professional discount. Still in bed the morning that I was to go to the store to apply for the discount, I began thinking about what I would name my "company." I was hoping I could find something program-related that would still allow me to keep my anonymity. I went to my computer and, as usual, opened up the "Daily Thought." This day's reading so perfectly described where I am at with my program today and I found that I had the name of my new company right on the top of the page .. New Vistas! I printed up business cards that say: "Let life take on new color and interest ... NEW VISTAS." My first solo job is for a local Realtor who was so impressed with the card that he is going to enclose them in all the contracts that his company has with property owners who rent out their condos during the summer months. I have a totally different life today and your service has been such a wonderful help throughout my sobriety. Thank you so much!

[Ed. note: see 06.28.05 AA Thought for the Day]