Passport to life
MY name is Adele, and I am a very grateful recovering alcoholic. Seven years ago, I admitted Step One, and with humility and desperation, that admittance saved my life. For so many years I kidded myself that I could drink copious amounts of alcohol and yet work and continue with the main parts of my life. The truth was hidden in the dark web of lies that I had persuaded myself to believe. Each morning, I drove my car to work, ignoring any internal warning that I was over the limit and dangerous to others, never mind myself. I was employed in a position of trust, which I abused time and time again. My life was unmanageable in every way, and yet I couldn’t see it. I didn’t know who I was anymore!
I had to become broken in order to admit what others could easily see. I was only fooling myself. Finally, I was brought to my knees, and from this position I began my ‘new life’, free from the bondage of alcohol, free from the desperate need to lie, free from feeling ashamed and scared that I would die just as my beautiful sister had done. I will never forget seeing her post-mortem cause of death – chronic alcoholism.
So, on Saturday 1st April 2017, I walked into my first meeting and was met with love and acceptance. I knew that I was in the right place to get well, and to stay well. It was vital that I understood and accepted Step One, and in my case, I was broken enough to know that this was my chance to save my life.
As the weeks went by, the stories told by others at meetings showed me by their example that life could be good if I was honest with myself and with others. I was offered an amazing opportunity, and I accepted it with sincere gratitude. Step One was, and remains, my passport to a life that I never knew I could have. Thank you AA.
ADELE, Sandhurst Newcomers
