IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE THAT another turn of the seasons is coming around, as we rush down the slope towards the holidays. I hope it will be a sober and joyous season for all our members. It can be a difficult time of year; there are many parties that seem centred around drinking, and many of us strongly associate drinking with many of the traditions surrounding the holidays. Keep that copy of Living Sober handy, and remember to pick up that “5,000 Pound” (or should that be 2,000 Kilo?) phone and call your sponsor. If not that, then call another member whom you think needs your help. When you feel bad there is nothing that can cheer you like being of service to others. Even when it’s something as simple as showing up early to the meeting room and setting things up, it’s worth doing. One of the greatest joys of sobriety is becoming useful to others, not a weight that needs to be carried. This is our biggest issue of The Daily Reprieve, and we hope that you all enjoy it. Claire has been invaluable in organizing and soliciting articles, as has Sharmini, and the many others who contributed work to this issue. I hope it finds you happy and well, and even when you are down, remember that there is no situation—and no mood—so bad that it wouldn’t be made worse by a stiff drink. Yours,

My Letter to a Newcomer MY NAME IS SAMANTHA & I am nearly 5 months sober. In this time I have had an amazing experience finding out who I really am. Day 1 was extremely difficult as was week 1. Coming to the realization that my mind & life is not what I THINK it is & I am not who I THINK I am. Once I came to the realization that there was a GOD and I was NOT it, I started to do God’s will & not my will. I am feeling so at peace with my life at the moment & everything I ever dreamed of for myself & family. OH, the joy & happiness I see in the faces of my children, husband and myself! I have done everything the fellowship has asked me to do. It’s like baking if you have the recipe & FOLLOW it you will end up with a cake. I did 90 meetings in 90 days, I get down on my knees & pray to my HP, I speak at meetings, I ring my sponsor everyday, I ring other alcoholics, I do the step work, I do a gratitude list every night, I hold 3 service positions. I meet with my sponsor once a week. My emotional sobriety comes first. I am still very young in the program but I am so passionate about it because IT WORKS. I have had days where I am in so much pain, guilt, and shame over the things I have done & had done to me. Yes it’s going to hurt – it should hurt – we have been so numb for so long due to our drinking. It’s time

to FEEL and face our fears with God & ask him to help remove the negative effects from us. I work hard in this area, so I get the results. Communicate & Trust the Women in the program, as they are the heart & soul of AA. They have trudged the road before us & hold the keys to our freedom. I have never known a friendship so pure & deep. They are my Sobriety Sisters. I wish you love and happiness in your journey.