Tom says the alcoholics anonymous took him from that place of panic and desperation, and I'm here to tell you exactly how I stayed sober: one minute at a time, five minutes at a time, one day at a time. Today's speaker Tom from Florida says "Alcohol changed my brain the first time I drank — it took away inhibitions, it dulled the fear, and it felt like an answer to everything that hurt. It wrecked my life, left me shaking, sweating out detox at home, and with an enlarged liver at thirty. But what saved me was the rooms going back out was a group of people who cared enough to meet me where I was."  It wasn't bout lectures or magic formulas; it was about showing up. I sat in the same front-row seat twice a week because someone told me it would help me hear the message. I learned to wash ashtrays, fold tables, mop up spilled coffee, and let people be kind to me without judging me. Those small acts and the routine of meetings anchored me. People in AA shared how they did it — their experience, strength, and hope — not opinions or one-size-fits-all fixes. I had a sponsor after two years who taught me boundaries around the program: we go to meetings, then we do life. That structure, and the kindness I received, taught me how to find answers through the steps and through honest conversation. If you re new, it doesn't feel easy at first. You do this in tiny pieces. Look around—if someone in the room did it, you can, too. Remember your last drunk not to shame you but to keep you honest and grateful it so it does end up being the last one. This isn't about being perfect; it's about showing up, asking for help, and letting people love you into recovery. Stay curious, try different meetings, find a home group and a sponsor, and give yourself the grace of small steps. You can do five minutes more, and then five minutes more. believe in you.   A Shot Glass of Recovery Welcome back to A Shot Glass of Recovery! Whether you're a first-time listener to A Shot Glass of Recovery or a loyal member from my 2 Sober Chicks days, I’m glad you’re here. 🌟 paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery If you love the show, I’m asking for your support. Drop a 1$, 5, 10 or 25 in the virtual pay pay basket at paypal.me/AShotGlassofRecovery .  Any amount will help me afford to fund this project and continue to bring you great speakers, the Big Book Study, Literature studies on recovery, workshops and Lisa shots that contain a wildcard of variety. You can also support the show by liking, subscribing, and following it on your favourite platforms. Leave a 5 star review while you're there! There is nothing I love more than your engagement so please email me at ashotglassofrecovery@gmail.com and let me know how this show has contributed to your unique journey in recovery. Let me know if I can celebrate a milestone with you and give you a shout out. Would you like to be a guest? Drop me a line by email. ******