You might ask “what do I know about the 12-step program?”

My answer is “not much” but what I’ve heard didn’t sound appealing to me.

I didn’t want any guilt trips or confession group to tell me I needed to stop drinking.

I use to drink beer and a lot of it. My usual day was 12 to 18 beers.

I justified my actions by working hard and at the end of the day, I deserved it.

Of course the worn out line is, “too unwind”.

Oh… and the commercial's don’t help either.

Everyone is having such a good time but in the realm of things, it’s a farce.

Maybe that’s the way it starts with friends and yea there were good times.

The friends you choose are in just as deep as you are.

The only friends you end up having are shallow and weak, just like you’re present state.

When I decided to quit was 7 months ago.

And this is my success story…1 Step!!!

They say the “mind is a powerful thing” and I totally believe it.

I believe the “will” is even stronger at least in my case.

In the beginning, which was 18 years ago, I chose to drink.

And 7 months ago, I chose to stop drinking.

I am free!!! I am not a prisoner in my own house!!!

You see, I didn’t drink and drive, so once I got off work I was stuck in the house.

Now I enjoy the freedom of coming and going as I please.

I still do the same job and work really hard for my money. After work, I unwind just fine, with a glass of iced tea.

I have time to do the things I love and writing is one of them.

I struggled with writing this for a couple of weeks now.

I wasn’t sure how well it would be perceived.

Then I thought, “what the hell” if it could help just one person….then it’s worth it.

It really is just “1 STEP”.

This is how I began, I added up (honestly) how much money I was spending on beer a week. Remember, I said “Honestly”.

Don’t forget to figure in taxes!!!

Mine was $140.00 a week and there ARE 7 days in a week.

Then I started dreaming and we as writer’s know what dreaming is, of what I wanted to spend that money on.

Just for grins, here’s my list: Computer, New Car and a new Camera.

Well, I got everything on my wish list and I don’t have hangovers anymore!

And now you are asking the one million dollar question? Do I miss it? The answer is “NO.”

When I decided to stop drinking, I was serious.

You have to make up your mind to quit and move on with your life.

Try to remember the things you enjoyed before you became a prisoner to alcohol.

Refresh your mind and your attitude.

Which means open up your mind and your attitude to changes.

I take it a day at a time.

Whatever happens, happens!

OH, and yes, there is still that little voice in my head that tells me on my bad days, I need a beer.

But do I buy some, NO.

I could but it wouldn’t change anything. It would just prolong the dreadful day I had.

Because when you drink it magnifies the problems in your life.

Your behavior and your thoughts are irrational .

So, do I believe in the 1 Step method, oh yes!

I call it "mind over matter".  "Free will",  if I may say.

No rehab or 12 steps for me, just that 1st Step is all it takes.

All I’m asking is for you to try it? And please let me know if it works for you?

This Is Karen Elaine McKeever-Clean and Sober-signing off, for now.

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor and my Den is always open.

Love and Dreams!

Karen