12-Step
Once you hit bottom and discover the ladder of a 12-Step program, you are surely among the most grateful people in the world. Every rung of this ladder is a new gift. Inspire others by your own gratitude, and learn from theirs.

Wow! I have been abstinent 30 days and Iwoke up yesterday and heard the birds. I didn't know what the sound was. I hadn't heard the sound in years. I am so grateful that I can hear and see things around me that I havent seen since I was little when I lived with my Grandmere. Thank you for this site.
- marcheline, quebec   6 Apr 2002

I'm grateful that my sobriety over a period of time enables me to make rational decisions in all my activities good and bad. My family is back together. I'm blessed with six grandchildren and 14 grandchildren and I am able to enjoy them and share in all their growth and successes.
- Frank O, Florida   7 Apr 2002

Oops - that was six children and 14 grandchildren
- Frank O, Florida   7 Apr 2002

Hi, my sponsor said for me to come here. She said it would help me to be more grateful. I am grateful a little but it's so hard. Even though I'm absttinent, my life is still a mess. I don't have my kids. I have a lousy job. I'm scared what's going to happen. How do I be grateful in the middle of this? It's like overwhelming.
- Ella, Baton Rouge LA   8 Apr 2002

What a nice site.!I spent almost 11 1/2 years abstinent till I realized i wanted what I finally heard others had.I GOT UP IN A MEETING AND ASKED FOR A SPONSOR.,a gal with 4 years took me up on it.i could feel the attiitude of "o yeah,and what are you going to teach me.@Key-i listened.i started from scratch.i went to 90,meetings in 90 days,met weekly,did my steps.i have alsomst 17 yers and am one very grateful alcoholic/addict.I finally learned to follow directions,and the steps saved my life!
- Red, Tucson,Az.   9 Apr 2002

Hi, My name is Brian and I'm an alcoholic. What a great idea for a forum. Have just returned from our local prison meeting, which always reminds me how grateful I am to have found recovery through the 12 Steps. Just over 5 years ago I could have easily been put away inside as well. I seem to get more from the guys in there than I give, but of course it's by giving that I receive. Thank God for service, to keep me out of self. Take care out there. Yours in Fellowship, Brian.
- Brian, Invercargill, New Zealand   10 Apr 2002

I'm only in recovery for less than 3 mos and I'm finding it so very hard to make the adjustments needed to STAY that way. The 'changes' that need to be made..new places, new people, new ways of thinking WITHOUT my addiction..THIS is what I'm having such a problem with. I'm frustrated with the process AND myself. My sponsor says this is all normal, but I can't wait for it to get just a wee be easier. I find myself angry and impatient with my own life and all that is going on. This sounds like a good site to air those thoughts. Thanks....^j^
- Dee, Pa.   10 Apr 2002

i have been to many different counselors and psych. workers and have been frustrated with the lack of compassion in this field. i am however very grateful for my friends and family. depression takes a lot of healing. i choose to be grateful for the blessings i have received from many caring individuals.
- lorif, michigan   10 Apr 2002

I dicovered gratefulness.org one of those dreary days when I knew I needed some inspiration,...I reluctently typed in gratitude (a suggestion from my sponsor)and here I am. I was very happy to see this forum added to the site today. Life on lifes terms is'nt always what we would like it to be. One of the greatest gifts I've ever recieved from my recovery is knowing that this is a process, and as long as I remain willing, 'this too shall pass'. Just for today my gratitude speaks when I care and share,...trust the process, don't leave before the miracle happens! Peace to you all, Michele
- Michele S., Pennsylvania   10 Apr 2002

Glad you found your way here, Dee! Sounds like you've come such a long way in three months...and of course it's extremely hard...you're turning your whole life around. It's natural for human beings, in recovery or not, to want life to be easier. When we discover, though, as you have, that we can follow through on our intentions EVEN WHEN the going gets rough, we've found a precious secret. All best wishes to you!
- Terry W., Denver, CO   10 Apr 2002

Very often we act like spoiled childrens, who are never satisfied with all we got. But, if we look around us, we should have one simple phrase in our lips constantly "Thank you God". Thank you for all the blessing we have every single day of our lives. Thank you for all the daily little things that we take for granted and are so precious for the majority of the people of this world. Just think about it every day, and you will live a happier one.
- Manuela, Portugal   10 Apr 2002

What a great addition to the site. When I was a couple of years sober in the early 80's I listened to a tape by Brother David on Gratefulness and later read Gratefulness, The Heart of Prayer. Both have shaped my attitude and action regarding gratefulness in sobriety, especially the emphasis on "doing thanks" rather than just "saying thanks".
- Cathy , Tampa, Florida   10 Apr 2002