Hi all - Peggy here, definitely an alcoholic, grateful to be sober and at a meeting with all of you.

Circumstances in my life had me all grown up by the age of 10. I was pretty much running the household and caring for my 5 younger siblings, but I was merely an adult in a child's body. It was no picnic, and I was scared and confused. At age 15 I found alcohol. I was "free." I rebelled and ran rampant. I had the Peter Pan syndrome -- "I won't grow up! I'll never, never, never, grow up -- so there!" That continued for 17 years, and I sobered up at the age of 32. I was a grown-up in years, but that was about it. So early in sobriety, I became the most resentful person when I was told that now it was time to be responsible for myself. "What? I had taken care of everyone and been responsible for everyone, now who was going to do the same for me?" My sponsor calmly answered, "You are!" So, I started letting go of the resentment and took on responsibility for myself. And you know I kind of liked it. I needed lots of help and coaching at first, and had to do reality checks with my sponsor and folks like you. I was put back on the right path many times, was kept humble, and was kept busy! I had lots of changing to do, and this all helped the days pass into months, into years. And I stayed sober a day at a time. Now, many years later, I'm happy to be responsible for me ... I mean, come on, in middle age isn't that how it's supposed to be anyway? Life is a trip. Recovery is a journey, and I'm grateful to be on the journey. And as far as speaking up for myself, I just want to share a phrase that has helped me assert myself when I didn't know how: Say what you mean and mean what you say, but don't say it mean! Thank you for letting me share and keeping me sober another day.

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