Why isn't it easy?..It is not easy, never has been. Changing one's life is very, very, difficult.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. When I get discouraged, I get inspiration from those who came before me

My sponsor was already quite ill when she joined AA in 2002, she said she believed that she'd never make it to "two digits." Not only did she make it to 16 years, reaching out and helping others along the way, including me. I took on the job of ordering the coins - and the first one I was privileged to give her was XII - which I told her was triple digits!

And I also am inspired from those coming behind me. One very scared young guy showed up at the meeting I chair last November. He's only in his 20s, but has been sober from that night. I gave him a 6 month coin when I received my 13 year - and already have a one-year coin with his name on it. His life has completely changed and he's an inspiration to the rest of us, too.