Dr Bob Smith Co-Founder of AA
Just read online that Jack Kevorkian Dr Death is Dead...I suppose that's fitting. Hmmm, wonder what kind of reception he got in the after-life, eh!?
It is a rather interesting and busy weekend for me. I'm pretty stoked because a well know speaker is recovery circles, a gentleman named Wally P (He is an AA member, hence he must remain anonymous)is giving a seminar at Lockwood Community Church here in Coldwater tomorrow (Saturday June 4, 2011) from 9a-5p on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Lunch will be provided as part of the seminar package, details to follow: (Anyone who is interested in attending call 517 279 8744 for tickets, $20 donation but scholarships are available).
Wally P. was also an archivist for that organization and presents an historical overview of that group of pioneers in the field of recovery from Alcoholism. he has been giving these seminars, traveling the world for years and this time out is being billed as his "Farewell Tour". It's fascinating stuff and it is open to anyone interested in learning more about Alcoholism/Recovery, the merely Curious or those seeking a new way of approaching life. It is not just geared toward Alcoholics, Over-Eaters or other 12 Step Organizations, etc.
Bill Wilson Co-Founder of AA
The AA program and it's 12 Steps have been used by many groups for a wide variety of addictions: Gambling Anonymous, Over-Eaters Anonymous, Al-Anon and many, many more.
The 12 Steps not only give sufferers of various addictions an effective way to treat that addiction but the steps themselves lay out a whole new way of living. They help you admit/accept what you are (an Alcoholic for example), clean up the emotional wreckage of a persons past, make amends for that past, put that past in prospective and let go of it and a daily way to live an emotionally healthy way of life through honesty and service.
The program on Saturday takes the participant through all 12 steps in one day and it is called: Back To Basics. On Sunday afternoon from 1 to 2:30p there is talk specifically about the 11th Step and it's significance.
I find this kind of thing fascinating. The history of AA alone is astounding and quite an amazing story. In 1935 when the organization was founded by Bill Wilson (Bill W)and Dr Bob Smith (Dr Bob) there essentially was no hope for chronic alcoholics. Most died eventually or were doomed to spend their remaining days in a variety of asylums across the country enduring shock treatment therapy that rarely ever brought positive results.
I encourage anyone who may have a concern about themselves, a loved one, friend or co-worker to look into Alcoholics Anonymous. They can be found in any local phone-book for a help line or local meetings. They are also on the web HERE
So if you were thinking about coming over to my place tomorrow and hanging out, going fishing, kayaking, golfing or a boat ride well think again...I'm going to be pretty busy!
