When I first came to the program, I knew I needed to stop drinking. But i didn’t know how to do it, let alone by myself and my own will. I was so grateful when I was told that I was now no longer alone.

I had the hand and heart of my new AA family, and my higher power. I now had help to guide me on this recovery journey. I had a sponsor who let me call her everyday. I made friends who reached out to me multiple times a day. I had (and have) a God to talk to and walk with during the day. I realized that it took, and takes, a village to keep me sober.

Today, I still do the same as I did when i came in. I have a sponsor who has a sponsor. I have friends. I have a God in my life. Without help, it is too much for me. I cannot stay sober by myself. I cannot stay sane and of service by myself. I need the full AA package and with it, comes my sobriety, peace of mind, happiness. A life beyond my wildest dreams.

I believe that all that I’ve been through has prepared me for Covid 19. As an alcoholic, I’ve done some crazy things, been in some questionable/dangerous situations. I’ve drank and used into oblivion, yet by the grace of God I survived. It shows me that the care of God was upon me even at my darkest.

Today, while quarantined from home, I’m not alone. I have tools. I have the program, online meetings, my spiritual practice and relationship with God. Whenever I fall into fear, I just look back at all the insanity I’ve been through. It’s a good memory that if I walked through all of that,

I’m more than equipped to walk through this pandemic – because I have the tools of the program.

Sending all gratitude and love!

Holly