The Intergroup Web Committee is pleased to welcome Terry B. as our guest writer for January…… 

 Hi everybody, my name is Terry and I’m an alcoholic. Glad to be sober today and have the opportunity to be part of a group that teaches me to continue to learn how to live.

One of the first and most important things I heard over and over again was that if I wanted to get sober I’d have to - 

#1. Quit drinking;

#2. Get a regular meeting (home group) that met at the same time, same place once a week and the only reason to miss that meeting was if there was a death in my family and it’d better be mine;

#3. Get a sponsor and use him to the best of your ability. A sponsor is just a trusted friend.  

They said if I did those three things, my life would get better and I’d feel peace inside.

I’ve been sober more than half my life and it still amazes me to watch things continue to change in me and the people around me.   I’ve stayed sober and continued to go to meetings and things have changed in my life. I began to realize that it takes action “on my part” to continue traveling down the road to recovery. With the help of a sponsor, Big Book meetings and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, I’ve been committed to staying sober and learning how to live comfortably with myself.  It’s been a great journey since that March evening in ‘81 when I first came through the doors of AA; scared, and thinking I could never have what the people of AA have. It seemed that my life was doomed to failure and I didn’t know how to stop drinking.

AA has taught me that ”I” am my biggest problem and that my selfishness and self-centeredness are the reason. The 12 Steps allow me to look at myself and get me out of myself. Now that I know that “I” am my problem, I’ve got to keep coming to meetings to remind myself that “I” am my biggest problem. My life has turned completely around, I’ve been active in AA and my life has changed. I’ve aquired “what the people of AA had”. I’ve had alot of really good things happen in my  life. I guess you could say I am living my own dream today. Keep coming back till you get it. If I can do it, so can you. 

Thanks.  Terry B 

We are pleased to have Cody H. as our guest blogger this month.  Cody sobered up in Sioux Falls, and is currently living, attending meetings, having coffee, and having fun in Denver, Colorado.

My name is Cody and I’m an alcoholic. I am honored to be asked to write about something that I did not think would be possible for me in a million years – having fun while being sober. By God’s grace I will have four years of sobriety this December. I thought four years ago that my social life was over once I had quit drinking. My whole life revolved around alcohol and I did not know what other fun there would be for me now that I was sober. How easy though did I forget all the real “fun” I used to have when I was drinking – blackouts, horrible hangovers, waking up and trying to piece the previous night together, etc.I remember my first meeting of AA very vividly. The first thing I remember seeing was that those people in AA seemed so happy. People were laughing, making small talk with each other, etc. I remember how happy these people were because I was absolutely miserable. Right then and there I knew that AA offered an enjoyable way of life, not just a way to quit drinking.After a few months in the program, I realized that AA was definitely a better way of life but I had not yet experienced any fun through the fellowship. That was not because the fun and opportunities weren’t there – every time someone mentioned going out to coffee or doing something else after a meeting I always had bogus excuses. The truth is that I had a huge fear of trying things without a drink in my hand. My sponsor suggested that I not only pray about these fears but to jump at the next opportunity someone mentioned getting coffee after the meeting. I followed the advice of my sponsor and the next time someone mentioned going out for coffee, I agreed to go.  God showed me that it is actually possible to have fun and to stay sober at the same time.

We are pleased to have Brad S. as our guest blogger for November - 

Thanksgiving 2005 was an unhappy holiday for me.  I don’t think I can imagine or even put into words just how bleak that November was.  The real irony was that Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday.  But not in 2005.  I was not meant to enjoy Thanksgiving that year.

As I prepare for Thanksgiving 2007, I am brimming with excitement!  Even though my family is far away, and I’ll be at work for most of the day, I know that this year I have countless blessings.  I mean, I literally could not count them if I had all the time in the world.  I’ve even started writing daily gratitude lists!

What made the difference between 2005 and 2007?  Well, first I’m sober today, and that makes all the difference!  But my change of attitude did not start the moment I stopped drinking.  The Big Book talks of a “psychic change,” which I tried to disect, analyze, and reproduce for years, with no luck.  Little did I know that, for me, the psychic change was cleverly hiding within the 12 steps of our suggested program!

Specifically, Step Two:  “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity”.  I’ve heard people go on and on forever about this step.  I wasn’t too thrilled about Step Two the first time I heard it.  I always wanted to make Step Two some complicated thing (you know, with candles and chants and memorized prayers and crying, etc…) until I heard my sponsor break it down for me in this way:

Sponsor: “Do you think your life can get better?”
Me: “Yeah.”
Sponsor:  “Good.  Let’s look at Step Three.”

With that simple declaration that “I think my life can get better”, I was ready to move on.  The more I think about that short conversation, the more I realize he was right.  If I think my life can get better, and I’ve already accepted that Step One is true in my life, then something inside my soul must already be connecting with the Power that can make it better.  Step Three gives me a prayer to say, but Step Two gave me the New Attitude.  It is when I say, “My life will NEVER get better,” that I have lost all hope and am probably in danger of living the way I used to live - depressed, lonely, and drunk.

So today when I look back I realize that the material world around me hasn’t changed all that much.  But I can be GRATEFUL that I have a new attitude to see life as an opportunity for God to “make it better” each day.

Brad S.

We are pleased to have Marya B. as our guest blogger for October:

My name is Marya and I’m an alcoholic. Not a long sentence, but it says a lot about who I am and what I need to do on a daily basis to stay sober.

In “Chapter Five - How It Works” - read at every meeting, it ends by saying “Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic, and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas:

(a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.
(b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.
(c) That God could and would if He were sought.”

The first time I identified myself as an alcoholic in an AA meeting, it was both a tremendous relief, and terrifying. I knew in my heart that I’d hit bottom and was bankrupt physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - but hadn’t made the connection yet between my drinking and my unmanageability. My best thinking landed me in Alcoholics Anonymous. Because of my fear, I continued to look for the differences instead of the similarities. But also, because of my fear, I did what you told me to do - get a sponsor, get to 90 meetings in 90 days, start reading the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, do service work, and listen.

I was beginning to live the (a) in “How It Works.”

“No human power could have relieved our alcoholism” - My family and friends could see what I was doing to myself - and probably felt helpless. My mother had gotten sober in AA in 1979 - prior to that time, I could see what she was doing to herself, but my best efforts didn’t relieve her alcoholism. I began praying for her. I wasn’t able to “will” her sober any more than I was able to “will” myself sober. I was also a single parent of a young child at the time I came into Alcoholics Anonymous - even my love for her couldn’t keep me sober.

That was the (b) in “How It Works.”

In the weeks before I came into the AA program, I could sense my downward spiral and while I’d struggled with my relationship with God for years, I began to seek His help. One winter evening when I was feeling especially desperate, I took a walk around my neighborhood and seemingly out of nowhere, a large white dog began to walk beside me. I sensed that was a Power greater than myself letting me know He was there. Shortly after that, I attended my first meeting.

And that was the (c) - “God could and would if He were sought.”

It has been over 23 years since I took that walk around my neighborhood with my Higher Power.

I continue to attend meetings on a regular basis, read the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, I’m in service, I have a sponsor whom I talk to often, and I listen. A lot of life has happened - and I’ve stayed sober and grown. I’m in love with Alcoholics Anonymous and I need all of you in the Fellowship. I continue to stay involved because I don’t want to miss the miracle.

Marya B.

We are pleased to have Brent A. as our guest blogger for September -

Faith without works is dead. “And how appallingly true for the alcoholic! For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead. If he did not work, he would surely drink again, and if he drank he would surely die. Then faith would be dead indeed. With us it is just like that.” pages 14-15 Alcoholics Anonymous.

When I first started attending meetings I had a hope of staying sober and living. I went when I felt comfortable and not too inconvenienced. ( because I had so much going on in my life) I showed up when the meeting started, left when it was over, and the only people I talked to were girls whom I thought were attractive. I learned in treatment that I had to go to meetings if I wanted any chance of staying sober, so I went. My life wasn’t really changing, in fact the nightmares started to haunt me and I had no way of quieting them. The hope I had from treatment was fading and I was getting crazy again. I knew I should get a sponsor, that is what the speakers in treatment said worked for them, but I couldn’t find the right guy, and didn’t have the guts to ask anyone less than saintly.Not knowing what else I could do, I continued to attend meetings, sitting quietly as not to be seen. As it happened, a man introduced himself and asked if I had a sponsor, I told him no I was still looking for one, as to seem like I was attempting this AA thing. He jumped on such an opportunity and quickly led me aside to talk. A pertinent question was asked, “Are you willing to go to any lengths for sobriety?” Uncertain what exactly he meant, I said I was, so as not to seem a poser. God forbid anyone know I don’t have any recovery. He gave me an eerie smile and informed me that he had a sponsor for me, I just had to show up.

So I showed up and met my sponsor, he explained that sponsorship was contingent on me doing a few simple things, things that made no sense, but were reasonable. I was to call him daily, even if I had nothing to talk about, which was usually the case. I was to pray every morning and every evening, and attend a home group meeting every week. I was to follow through on all my commitments, show up when and where I said I would. I knew I should be doing some of these things but never seemed able to.Thus I become a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Not by attending meetings or saying I was, but by doing the things suggested. Then I felt like I was on a path, going somewhere. I got involved, worked through the AA book, visited institutions, did service work, then my surroundings became gradually more pleasant, and I was increasingly at peace with myself.

A simple formula.

Most of the time I didn’t want to do any of it. I was too full of myself, fear, pride and other mixed feelings. I kept one thing, and continue to keep it in mind - if I don’t do this I’m on the wrong path, things aren’t going to get better, and if I stay on the wrong path too long, I’ll go back to where I started, wishing I were dead.When I was in treatment, people came in and told me about the solution and what worked for them. If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have received the message. Often I feel grateful for having a new life, of being able to live life.  If I don’t give what was freely given to me how grateful am I? I can say a lot of things, I can say I forgive someone and hold a grudge, but if I don’t take the action of forgiving, or being grateful, my words are empty. Not only is action essential to my recovery, taking actions, such as carrying the message to institutions or doing service work, give me a reprieve that makes life worthwhile.

 A simple formula.

Brent A.

We are pleased to have Joan G., our DCM, as our guest blogger for August……. 

 I was asked to share a few words about Tradition 5, which reads,  ”Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.” 

Now that seems pretty clear and simple, right? Well, first I had to think about it (yikes!) and then I had to think some more and then I had to research and absorb what I read and….well you know how this story goes….after I stopped laughing at myself, it dawned on me that I was making this as hard as some people and some groups have probably made this tradition.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to know for certain that I had a purpose in life.  That there was some THING that I was supposed to do that would make a difference in the world.  I am not alone.  I hear people in meetings share that same desire all the time.  Tradition 5 tells me that we have that THING!  Our purpose is to carry the message of AA to anyone anywhere who wants it.  And for that we are responsible!

Sometimes that is as simple as seeing that a newcomer is at the meeting and turning that meeting into a step one meeting.  Sometimes it is making a group commitment to speak at a treatment center or prison meeting on a regular basis.  We learn some of our first lessons about responsibility in our groups by making coffee before meetings and cleaning up after. Alot of us meet our sponsors at AA meetings and together we learn how to work the steps and then we learn to live them.  We go on twelfth step calls together and we drink boat loads of coffee helping each other stay sober.

I discovered after I stopped drinking that there were many life problems to deal with and when I am honest with myself, I have to admit, it would have been easier to let someone else deal with them.  I am sure I went to alot of meetings trying to make my problems the group’s problems! (Thank you to all who loved me through that time!!!)But I learned that by being sober, developing a relationship with a Higher Power, and applying the program of recovery, there is no situation too great to bear and no problem that was too big to face.  It was the groups and the people in AA that carried the message of AA to me that helped me discover the tools I needed to get a job, keep a job, pay my rent, mend my relationships and hundreds of other things I had not been able or willing to do when I was drinking. 

When we keep our primary purpose primary, we all share in one common life changing purpose.  Think about that one!!!

Thank you for letting me share.

Joan G.

We would like to welcome our guest blogger for July, Tim S. Tim currently serves as the chairperson for Sioux Falls Area Intergroup.  He agreed to write a few words about AA videos:

A.A. World Services
Conference Approved Videos

One of the featured sections in the catalog of A.A. conference approved literature includes a list of nine videos available for purchase by groups or individual members. These videos each deliver the experience, strength and hope common to that shared in A.A. meetings internationally. Each video portrays a cross section of our membership, from young to old, rich to poor and urban to rural, A.A.’s powerful message remains the same.

I was skeptical about the message contained in these videos and took the time to watch the video Young People and A.A. In each story contains valuable A.A. experience; from the streets of Boston and Los Angeles to the suburbs of Denver all the way to the back roads of the Oklahoma panhandle. At the end of the 28 minute video, I found myself in tears, grateful for the gifts of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous.

-Tim S.

A List of Conference Approved Videos

It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell
Young People and A.A.
Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous
A.A.- Rap With Us
Markings on the Journey
Bills Own Story
Bill Discusses the Twelve Steps
Carrying the Message Behind These Walls
Your A..A. General Service Office, the Grapevine, and the General Service Structure

Editor’s Note:  We would like to welcome our guest blogger for April.  Her name is Estelle G. and she is Area 63’s Delegate (Area 63 is the entire state of South Dakota).  She has agreed to write a few words on service:

I would first of all like to thank the web committee and the Sioux Falls intergroup for allowing me the the privilege of sharing my experience, strength and hope with all of you.  I truly believe that it is privilege to serve at any capacity in Alcoholics Anonymous.

You know, throughout the years, I have heard many people say what a privilege it is to serve the fellowship.  I did not always believe this to be true.  In fact for a great many days in sobriety I was pretty selfish and thought that this was “my program” and I just followed others on road trips, conferences, etc., just because they asked me to.  It wasn’t until I crossed that invisible line in AA known as becoming a giver versus a taker that I truly understood was service really meant. 

I am saddened when I hear people in meetings talk about the wonderful life they have been given in Alcoholics Anonymous and they don’t know how they could ever repay the gift.  Then when announcements are made asking for someone to volunteer to make coffee or chair a meeting or pick up someone for a meeting or whatever, they just look the other way.  This is how we repay this gift….we give it back by doing for others what has been done for us.

I have been taught very well in this program and have received the “gift of desperation” to pretty much do whatever has been asked of me.  Not always willingly, but grateful for having had the experience. I won’t go into a laundry list of all my service positions, they all have taught me much and have allowed me to meet some of the most fantastic people ever. What I will tell you is that service to my fellow man includes thinking of others more than I think of myself.  Some of the best moments in service are taking a new gal to her first meeting or first conference or just talking to 3-4 people on the phone each day that are trying to live this way of life. Again, trying to get out of myself enough to care about others-service.

I will close with one of my favorite passages in our literature.  On page 124 of the Twelve and Twelve…”service gladly rendered, obligations squarely met…we are no longer alone in self constructed prisons.”  So, the next time someone in the program asks you to be of service….do what works, say “yes.”

Thank-you,

Estelle G.

Editor’s Note:  If you are interested in becoming involved with service work at the Area level, please check out Area 63’s website:  www.southdakotaaa.org

Last Saturday of every other month @ 5:30 p.m. ~ unless otherwise indicated

Caribou Coffee
1924 South Minnesota Ave.

Please join us!  We welcome your fresh ideas for YOUR Intergroup Website!

Any questions? Call Kyle H. @ 605-212-4248 or Brad W. @ 605-359-3163 

or email us:  info@siouxfallsaa.org

Declaration of Unity:This we owe to A.A.’s future:  To keep our common welfare first; to keep our fellowship united.  For on A.A. unity depend our lives, and the lives of those to come.

Copyright (c) A.A. World Services.

Reprinted with permission.

In the spirit of cooperation, Intergroup and District 5 have been working hard to finish a comprehensive meeting schedule for Southeastern SD and “border towns” in Iowa and Minnesota.

To view the entire online schedule, click here.

In addition to Sioux Falls, the Intergroup meeting schedule now includes the following 25 communities (in alphabetical order):

Akron, IA; Alcester, SD; Beresford, SD; Brandon, SD; Canton, SD; Centerville, SD; Chester, SD; Colman, SD; Dell Rapids, SD; Elk Point, SD; Flandreau, SD; Freeman, SD; Garretson, SD; Hawarden, IA; Inwood, IA; Irene, SD; Luverne, MN; Madison, SD; Mitchell, SD; Parker, SD; Pipestone, MN; Rock Rapids, IA; Rock Valley, IA; Salem, SD; and Vermillion, SD.

All of these towns will be listed on our next printed schedule, which will be available during the weekend of the Sioux Empire Roundup (March 9, 10, 11,  2007).

The following map shows all the towns in our coverage area.  Our hope is to expand the online directory to include other towns that are outside of the immediate Sioux Falls area, as well.

If you are looking for a meeting, please click “Meeting Schedule” at the top of our home page, and you should be able to find what you’re looking for.  Of course, if there are any questions, feel free to contact Intergroup at any time:

info@siouxfallsaa.org

meetings@siouxfallsaa.org

24 Hour Help!Line: 605-339-4357