SA and the Steps were the beginning of a new life for me. The Steps cleared the way so that I could learn to live without acting out. After the insanity of my acting out stopped, then my work was in learning how to function normally in the world. I was sober, but living a constricted life behind the walls that I had constructed to make me feel safe. I wanted to walk free in the world, secure in my sobriety. For me, that took therapy as well as meetings. Today, I am amazed at the things I can do, the situations that I can handle with ease, and the clarity of my vision. Lust rarely shows up in my life anymore and it would be easy for me to say that I’m “cured”-- if I did not have reminders from newcomers.
Every time I read or listen to a newcomer share his or her pain and powerlessness over acting out, I have a clear view of my former way of living. I see my former self in almost every story, and I am reminded that I am only in remission as long as I take care of myself. Today, I feel grateful for every newcomer that enters our program. I need them as much as they need me.
Grateful, Sober, Sexaholic Woman. Thanks for letting me share.