I always approached my drinking with a “Take-no-prisoners” attitude.
Everyplace I went, everything I did, everybody I dealt with… all hinged on helping me get wasted. It never fails to amuse me when an alcoholic refers to it as, “My drinking career.” Like there’s a 401(k) involved. 

My drinking wasn’t exactly a career, but pursuing recovery has always required total commitment .

When it came to drinking, I was never a fringe participant:  I was front and center.  Staying sober demands nothing less:  To always be there, to participate and make a contribution. Half measures avail us nothing.

I’ve always had a home group, and I’ve always made it a point to hang with the winners. Success breeds success.  A person’s actions will tell you everything you need to know. Pay attention.

The only reason I’m alive today, is because of the old timers that came before me. They showed me how it was done.  They were consistent and true.  Those guys made sure AA was there when I showed up, and they’ll always have my deepest gratitude.  I liked the way I felt about myself when I was with them. They treated me like family, and made it clear  this is not a temporary hobby or a whimsical diversion – this is a lifelong discipline.        

Don’t kid yourself. You’re not going anywhere. You have arrived.