Today my good friend Phil Carlson presented me my 10 year medallion at his AA meeting. The important thing about these awards is that the folks in the room see someone who has made it 10 years and it encourages them that it is possible and they can do it too.
I went to AA meetings for a couple of years, then moved on to other things. I have friends that continue in it for years, and have developed some wonderful relationships in their groups. There may be no right answer or approach; but AA is welcoming to all and free so if anyone thinks they may have a problem check it out. Alcohol and drug addiction are almost epidemic today and it is solvable one person at a time. There may still be a stigma, but at AA you will find lots of people with the same problem and with the same goal: to get their lives back in order and find serenity.
In my case I was defined as a “high bottom” meaning I hadn’t had the fall in life that many experience. But it was bottom enough for me! I knew I had a problem even though I could probably have gone on for years drinking; but it would have impacted my health and soon my family. Some counselors at Hazelden weren’t sure I needed to be there in treatment as I wasn’t a big problem. But drinking had become a problem to me and it was holding me back from being productive and using my God given gifts to help people in any way I could. That change resulted in me writing two books that from reports from readers have done that. Life is good! And even better now!
We are so proud of you Rob! Thank you for leading by example!
Congratulations on this big win, Rob! I think I speak for many … it takes courage and humility to share a personal challenge like substance abuse. You are an inspiration. Thank you!
Thanks Brad! If it helps anyone it is worth it!
Thanks WC and Kelli!
Well, as I’ve often said “AA saved my life because God had a plan that involved taking me to Las Vegas to get sober”. Only in Las Vegas can an over-achiever and entrepreneur attend 4 to 6 meetings per day – and some days it would have been easier to leave the office to go have a beer but there always seemed to be a meeting on the way to the bar. It wasn’t until about 18 months in to my sobriety that God brought a solid marketplace born-again Christ-follower in to my life. That’s when I clearly recognized what it meant to be set-free from the controlling behaviors. Every day is a miracle and every day we each have the opportunity to come alongside those who are battling with booze, drugs, porn, or other life controlling circumstances…letting them know that we once felt the same way, then we learned what it truly means to confess our shortcomings, and accept the love of Jesus in to our hearts through forgiveness, and only then are we able to share about how our lives are so different today. Kudos on your 10-year medallion…you’ve worked hard and deserve the Blessings that come with the freedom.
Thanks for commenting Randy You are using your freedom well!