Working With My Sponsor....the Steps

[madison1101]

Hi Everyone,
I have been having good talks with my sponsor lately. I am not thrilled with the discussions, because I am uncomfortable with the stuff, but it is good work.

I am having a birthday picnic for my granddaughter on Sunday, at a state park, where there will be no alcohol. So far, the weather is supposed to be good. God forbid it turn nasty, I am hoping we can move the picnic to my ex's house, and unfortunately, there will be alcohol there, as his wife drinks wine and serves it to her guests. My sponsor pointed that out to me as a red flag for me, because I have been struggling and tempted to drink.

I am needing to really work Step 3 more, as that is not the only stress that is coming up. So far the weather will be good, but seeing my ex and his wife can also be a killer stressor.

Thanks,
Trish

 

[TheMainException]

Discomfort is good as long as you continue to face it head on. Americans are too comfortable...it lands us in places we ought not be...Engage that which causes you to be most uncomfortable and it will quiet itself down and allow you to move onto the next big discomfort.

 

[BobW188]

Good advice, but keep in mind what Trish has been through lately. Even fighter pilots need some leave now and then.
You have a good sponsor, Trish. A friend of mine had three who, in order, told him to (1) cheat on his wife; (2) take a geographic and (3) hit him with a closed fist. They could have used him for a sponsor! He's managed 20+ years in spite of them, though.

 

[TheMainException]

Like I said, face the discomfort and it will quiet down and give some relief, giving time for renewal. As long as the sponsor is sponsoring and not doing and suggesting stupid stuff, discomfort is okay and healthy for a limited time. I said discomfort, not horrendous struggle and pain...facing the discomfort and things that are causing the struggle and pain, not the struggle and pain is how to relieve the suffering. (I'm not saying it's easy or fast or desirable at the moment).

 

[faithful follower]

The best way I am able to face these events is to take an AA friend or my sponsor with me. If that is not possible, I may choose not to go, or to go for a short time and have a date with my AA support people prearranged. If there is a meeting, you could go for an hour before the meeting and then leave and have some good AA support. I am praying for you. Don't do anything to jeopardize your sobriety.

You are in my prayers.

 

[madison1101]

The best way I am able to face these events is to take an AA friend or my sponsor with me. If that is not possible, I may choose not to go, or to go for a short time and have a date with my AA support people prearranged. If there is a meeting, you could go for an hour before the meeting and then leave and have some good AA support. I am praying for you. Don't do anything to jeopardize your sobriety.

You are in my prayers.

The weather cooperated beautifully. There would be no choice but for me to stay, because I am the hostess and I have not seen my granddaughter since Easter. It was her second birthday party. Staying an hour and leaving would not have gone well since I planned, organized, cooked and decorated for it. It was my show.

Thanks for the encouragement. I am home now. Recovering, exhausted, and grateful.

 

[faithful follower]

Sorry my suggestions were not helpful! Glad t hear you make it through and are able to be grateful. Gratitude will carry us a long way in this road to recovery.

 

[madison1101]

Sorry my suggestions were not helpful! Glad t hear you make it through and are able to be grateful. Gratitude will carry us a long way in this road to recovery.

I appreciate the suggestions. Fortunately, there was no alcohol at the picnic, as it was outdoors, at the park, and the park does not allow alcohol. The only concern was if it had rained, then it would have been moved to my ex's, where the wine would have been offered. Either way, leaving early was not an option, as I organized it, and would not have cut short a minute of time with my daughter and granddaughter after all the work I put into it, and having not seen them since Easter.

As the Big Book says, we can handle any situation as long as we are in fit spiritual condition.

Thanks again,
Trish