Journey Back to AA's Roots: Tales from Old Timers
Episode Overview
Early AA meetings were intimate and supportive. Staying sober requires daily commitment. Humour can be a powerful tool in recovery. Service plays a crucial role in AA. Sobriety provides a stable foundation for life.
I don't want a pill. This is the way I've learned to live and I want to continue.
Step back in time with the 'AA Old Timers Panel from 1990', where seasoned members of Alcoholics Anonymous share their colourful journeys through recovery. This episode features Marion, Alan, Evelyn, and Dottie, who recount their experiences with humour and heart, providing a window into the early days of AA. Marion kicks things off with tales of her first meetings in Colorado, where coffee and orange juice were the order of the day, and every meeting felt like a triumph.
She recalls the fear of relapse but embraces the serenity she's found over nearly 37 years of sobriety. Alan, with his unmistakable wit, reveals the quirky traditions of AA's early days – including the infamous 'snifter test' at meetings. He emphasises the importance of staying sober one day at a time, sharing how he managed to avoid taking that first drink despite the challenges.
Evelyn brings her Texan charm to the panel, sharing her fear of living drunk again and how simple steps helped her stay sober since 1951. Her anecdotes about the 'sniffers' in La Mesa are both humorous and relatable. Dottie rounds out the panel with a serious note on service and traditions, discussing how AA provided her with a stable foundation to raise her family and navigate life's challenges.
Her insights into the role of service in AA are profound and inspiring. These old timers offer a blend of wisdom and humour that will leave you reflecting on your own journey or that of someone you know. Whether you're seeking encouragement or just a good laugh, this episode has something for everyone. So why not take a listen and see what nuggets of wisdom you can glean from these AA veterans?