How nice it is to celebrate another abstinent New Year's Eve! I am so glad that For many years I haven't had any resolutions related to diet, weight loss, exercise! Why? I am maintaining my weight loss, I exercise fairly regularly, and I eat the most delicious and healthy food every day no matter what! I wouldn't trade this life for anything - certainly not for a few hours of intoxication. This year, I remember a New Year's Eve in 1997 or so when my husband and I went to a fancy dinner with friends. I had been abstinent for awhile, but thought - a little champagne won't hurt. That led to the insane idea that I could eat apple pie. That turned into months of demoralizing relapse, weight gain and depression. Today, I accept that I cannot safely drink any alcohol at all and I follow my food plan every day, no matter what. Any resolution worth making is worth asking God for help with every day - as part of my ongoing spiritual discipline. I look forward to the phone meeting at 8 pm tonight! Much love, Alison

Hey Alison,
Thanks for the post.
I went to a live meeting tonight and was reminded that weakness is the cement that binds us together. I cannot not eat addictive foods by myself, but with the help of my Higher Power and the group, abstinence is possible.
After the meeting I went out dancing with some friends. I met them there and didn't see them at first, so I started dancing by myself. Before abstinence, I would not have been able to do that without some kind of intoxicant. The joy of being out there - not intoxicated and not resentful that other people were - cannot be described. I am so grateful for this way of life today.

Happy New Year to all the addicts out there. I am happy to be here with you where our strength is hidden in weakness and true community is a fellowship of the weak.

Love and surrender in 2013!

Kasey

Happy Abstinent New Year!

New years in the past was always about preoccupation with a New Year resolution that I always seen to break upon awaking New Years day, weight loss and diets that never worked beyond writing the goal down on paper.

Thank God the last 2 New Years I have been in recovery, therefore, my resolutions have been God and family centered, having a sober mind with the ability to focus on being the best me I can be, living life on purpose and with purpose.