Two years sober today. It feels good. Actually I get to celebrate being alive as I tried to kill myself a couple of weeks before I went into treatement. Mostly life is good, I'm working full time again, my wife is still with me. Sure there's some bumps in the road, but I have a lot of help dealing with them now.

Now, if I could just sell one of the books, I'd be all set.

Congratulations! That is super news. I'm glad you are here and that life is going well.

Sheryl

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!what an achievement.........
The best way to get back at the witnesses is to lead a happy life......
Tara

I do not know what to say, except glad you are still here
hugs
Helen

Hi Jeff
As a recovering alcoholic myself, I know how important those milestones are. I am so happy for you. One day at a time gets us quite a way, doesn't it? And.....the only thing I have to say is that the best is yet to come.

Love and best wishes
Lin

I was sober and involved in AA before I started to study. I studied with elders who lived and worked in Watchtower Farms in Wallkill, NY.
They have been “Bethelites” for over 40 years, and they made no objections as to my involvement in AA.
I remained an active witness for over 7 years.
I found it extremely difficult to maintain both parts of my life because of conflicting beliefs.
I am happy to say that I never stopped going to AA, but I did disassociate myself from the witnesses.
During the course of my involvement with the witnesses, I had the privilege of meeting many people who were having a hard time getting sober or staying sober because of negative input from their fellow witnesses or from the society in general. I guess I either flew under the radar, or knew enough about both to be able to defend myself under scrutiny. My heart aches whenever I think of those lost souls who are condemned to a life of misery because the society doesn’t condone involvement in recovery. I find it harder to recover from their misguided teachings, than it was to get sober.
I am now in the unique position to be of help, not only to newcomers in recovery, but to those who have a witness background, who seek a better way of life, via sobriety.

I am happy for you!

I guess if you have a drinking problem and are an active J.W., they would just DF you. I'm betting no way would they allow a memeber to get involved in AA?

Brenda

One of the interesting things I've discovered over these two years is the level of support expressed by those not afflicted with this problem. I have yet to hear anything but encouragement from the people around me.

Brenda: JW's would have a cow over AA. It is a very spiritual program, and welcomes everyone. I've met Catholics, Protestants of all stripes, Jews, a couple of Budhists, a Swedenborgian, and a number of agnostics. I have a good friend who could best be described as a devout atheist. It works for him.

that is AWESOME!
Congrats
--b

I remember when you first made it public that your marriage and job(s) were both in trouble.  Glad to see the marriage made it through.

-Craig

You my dear, are to be commended. For your love of life, for your endurance, for your honesty, and for your empathy. Self medicating is just that, the medicating of yourself to cover pain. How so very wonderful that you are free! How sweet it is that you are living again! Don't be offended, but God bless you in all that you do for you and your family.

Another testament to the will to live. Courage. The lion didn't know he had it all along. What he didn't have was the recognition, so the wizard of oz gave him a medal. If I were there, I'd give you one. For the courage to stand up, and do it. Remember, Dorothy, the scarecrow, the tinman, and the lion, all had what they were searching for all along, it was within them the whole time, they just never had anyone see them for their strengths. Rock on!