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Post by Mark_LA on Dec 11, 2015 13:29:49 GMT -5
For those of you who remember me, I’m the alcoholic formerly known as Mark_LA.
Just thought I’d put up a post to share that I’ve reached a milestone today: 1,000 days of continuous sobriety.
Not a lot of the old crew is still around, but I’m so pleased to see that members such as Jeyu, Brett, Yvan, Sam, Angelina, Dana, and others who I’m surely forgetting are still sober and still sharing — with much more passion and clarity than I could ever muster — a brand of recovery that closely follows what worked for me.
It’s curious to me that this forum, both in its older and its present incarnations, seems to have evolved its own personality of recovery solution that isn’t just a melting pot of the various formalized recovery methods out there, but has its own blend of common sense, constructiveness, and compassion. I only wish there were more traffic so this valuable resource could be shared more effectively. It’s sad to see the forum’s daily activity reduced to little more than word games and inspirational quotes of the day, but without newcomers to share with, I don't see how it can be much else. I do appreciate the efforts of those who have put up posts designed to entice newcomers, but although they're inspiring and bit poignant, they don't seem to have drawn much in the way of responses.
Like many at this stage of their recovery journey, I’m finding myself attracted more to the spiritual end of things, the quest for an integrated life aligned with spiritual principles, although I’m not using the AA program to pursue this goal. I won’t lie and say I’m 100% "happy, joyous and free" all the time, but I can certainly say I’m 100% adamant in maintaining the position that alcohol is never a solution to any of my problems.
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Post by Pam on Dec 11, 2015 13:51:39 GMT -5
Congratulations! Well done. Pam
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Post by gwampa69 on Dec 11, 2015 15:20:04 GMT -5
Hi Mark A huge and joyous congratulations to you. Well said as usual. I too feel like it's time for newcomers to contribute but I don't know what else can be said to encourage them to participate. This place was the key for me. As an alcoholic that firmly believes that helping others is as necessary as helping my self, it's a bit frustrating to try to do that and realize that this forum as it stands now, has become something of a one way street in that regard.
I guess the only thing to do is to keep on trying and hope for the best. It's no skin off my back to try however there are times that I could use some encouragement as well. As long as there are at the very least, periodic posts like yours, I will keep coming around. I'm so happy for you Mark. It's an ongoing process and knowing you are out there continuing to prove that time heals and life can be better Is extremely helpful to me. Thank you
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Post by Sam on Dec 11, 2015 15:24:38 GMT -5
Hey Mark (I've got to admit I liked your name Mark_LA better ) I think part of the reason people aren't posting anymore is because the lack of activity on this forum. People come here and find this forum almost dead and they don't participate, but if they did post it will have more traffic, if you build it they will come. I post because here is where I can put my thoughts and experience in writing, I always enjoyed writing down my thoughts it's a much better way for me to see them than to keep them floating in my head, and if I help someone along the way I am thrilled. Congrats on 1000 days sober, I couldn't find a chip with a 1000 days on it...... really well done Mark and you sound at peace. Sam
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Post by jeyu0422 on Dec 11, 2015 19:29:04 GMT -5
"Hey Mark (I've got to admit I liked your name Mark_LA better)" I've got to admit that I agree with Sam.
Mark, There is a big reason that so many seem to be following "a brand of recovery" that worked for you, and that reason is YOU. They say that the sincerest form of flattery is emulation. I saw early on that you had what I wanted and still do. Even though the old forum is no more, I have saved many of your posts to me and others as a readily available source of inspiration, encouragement, and advice. Many thanks for the tremendous help and guidance that you have provided to me during my recovery.
Congratulations!
Mark/Jeyu
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2015 20:49:42 GMT -5
Hey Mark, Congratulations on 1000 days. That's nearly 3 years right. Truly amazing work.
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Post by Mark_LA on Dec 11, 2015 23:26:25 GMT -5
"Hey Mark (I've got to admit I liked your name Mark_LA better)" I've got to admit that I agree with Sam. Mark, There is a big reason that so many seem to be following "a brand of recovery" that worked for you, and that reason is YOU. They say that the sincerest form of flattery is emulation. I saw early on that you had what I wanted and still do. Even though the old forum is no more, I have saved many of your posts to me and others as a readily available source of inspiration, encouragement, and advice. Many thanks for the tremendous help and guidance that you have provided to me during my recovery. Congratulations! Mark/Jeyu *blushing* ... M/J, it honestly never occurred to me that I might have been an influence on anyone. I just thought it was a flattering coincidence that when I would read posts from you or other members whose sobriety I admire, the views happened to closely reflect what I would have said, had I been able to say it half as well... In any case, if I've been able to help any fellow alcoholic in any way, well, that's what we're here for, right? I succumbed to majority opinion and changed my screen name back to Mark_LA. Not sure why I changed it in the first place, except I wanted to avoid confusion with what seemed like too many other Marks. Wishing everyone a happy sober day!
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Post by quitat54 on Dec 12, 2015 0:12:44 GMT -5
Hi Mark
Great to see your post. I also want to express gratitude that I feel towards you and your posts. I read many on the old forum, found them extremely helpful and practical. Just passed 4 months mark in may second go at it. I am being positive about though that in 7 months I only had one stupid weekend break and got back on the sober horse. I am determined in my journey to a large degree because I have been inspired by you and others on this forum who are light years ahead of me. Someone to look up to I guess. Not quite sure why there is so few newcomers. I must admit that I visit this side less frequently than the old one. Is it lack of knowledge out there that there is such a site. I certainly don't believe that there are less alcoholics than before. It must feel really good not to worry about worrying or thinking of drinking again...
J
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Post by angelina1512 on Dec 13, 2015 3:16:36 GMT -5
Hey Mark,
well done for reaching 1000 days. Thank you for all your help you give us as well. May your next 1000 be even better and that you are still posting and helping us. It's good for us to read where everyone is and what they have achieved. It's sad that we have no newbies posting.
are you still taking pictures? Would love to see some. I hope you have a wonderful, happy, safe Xmas and new year.
angelina
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Post by Alexinho on Feb 13, 2016 10:49:13 GMT -5
Very well done! Excellent progress.
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Post by hourbyhour on Feb 13, 2016 20:14:24 GMT -5
Happy belated 1000 days, Mark!
IIRC, you and I exchanged several emails a few years back, and you provided a lot of help. Don't ever think that those small contributions went unnoticed as they have helped me.
I do miss the activity of the old forum, but I do admit it was getting overwhelming at times.
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