Hi, I'm Joannie, an alcoholic.

By the time I crawled into Alcoholics Anonymous, I was determined not to believe anything you told me. One of the first things I had to do when I got there was sit down and listen to some guy stand up and read the Promises. I thought, "Sure, who does this guy think he is kidding?" I had you all figured out about that time as real 'winners' (sarcastically). But I was too sick, and too sick and tired of being sick and tired, to get up and leave. So I sat there and listened to all the wonderful things that had happened to you since you found sobriety. Now mind you, I didn't believe a word of it, but it sure sounded good ... it sounded like, "Boy! I wish I could get some of that!" I decided at that point that maybe I would stick around. It was kind of like watching a TV show where someone other than I received all these gifts (Promises) and everyone was happy. I never for moment thought the Promises could come to me if only I would just put that bottle down. I even offered to start reading the Promises aloud before each meeting ... they were beginning to sound better and better! But to make a long story short ... the longer I managed to stay sober, little things began to change in my life. I began to open my eyes to the beauty around me, and I actually began to get closer to my Higher Power I lovingly call God. People were put in my path when I needed them, and I was put in situations where I actually could help another person. My life went from being a lonely sober lady hiding out in my house, to moving 1800 miles away and starting a new life. I never in my wildest dreams considered my life could take such a turn, and I know today that it had no chance to, as long as I was still drinking. The doors of Alcoholics Anonymous and the love of my Higher Power opened new doors for me one after the other, and it is still happening nine years later. I am so blessed to be an alcoholic in recovery, and I know the Promises will come true for you too, if you follow the Twelve Steps of AA and discover a closer contact with God. Thank you all for letting me share.

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