Now they call me a quiter, as if a alcoholic/addict wasn't enough

[B5150]

Now they call me a quiter, as if an alcoholic/addict wasn't enough

Hey Fellas,

Just wanted to share some words and a grateful thanks to you guys here at AnabolicMinds. Today is the anniversary of my 4 year sobriety date. It is also the anniversary of my first day of 8 months in the Department of Corrections for multiple felony DUI's.

Upon my release I began to travel down a new road in my life. A very big part of it was bodybuilding and nutrition. I discovered Avant Labs very shortly after my release and invested a lot of time in and on the board.

As I become more and more strong in my recovery I began to have a passion to share my testimony and witness about these matters of substance abuse and recovery. It caused me to begin to look outside of my previous home board to explore places that were more in line with my style. It was my hope that I could be a transparent individual, sharing my experiences with people hoping that maybe someone may find some hope for their own struggles.

I began to post here much more regularly. I began to share my knowledge about bodybuilding, supplements and nutrition, as limited as it may be, in hopes to find a fellowship with the memebers here. Then on a whim I took the chance to open up about the personal struggles and victories in my life. Low and behold, I was embraced by so many.

It remains a lifelong passion for me to be able to give back to others by sharing my experiences and the passion I have for witness in these areas of substance abuse. It is just a small thing I know, but being able to do so here on the board with some success has given me the optimism of the possibility of being able to do so in some sort of vocational capacity.

I especially would like to thank Bobo and Matt, for seeing something in me,in spite of myself, that was befitting the title of Board Moderator. An honor on more than a couple levels. And then again, to be even moreso flattered by Bobo with a promotion to Board Administrator. You guys have really been a huge boost to my self confidence and self-esteem in a really healthy way.

There are so many individuals young and old that are too many to thank by name. To those brothers of mine who struggled with and have been victorious over their addiction, I thank your for you fellowship and experinces. For those that I may have been a help to in any way, thank you, you have helped me more than you know.

I am unsure if I am able to capture the sentiment of how significant a part of my life being a board members has become to me. I just thought I would give it a try and thank you guys for letting me be a part of the community.

Thanks.

 

[diminuendo]

Cheers (the sound of clinking protein shakes) to you.

 

[jonny21]

Congrats.

 

[Matthew D]

Congrats B... you have made a ton of steps in the right direction..

 

[jarhead]

It takes a strong person to overcome what you have. Continued success to you!

 

[Beelzebub]

congrats brudda

 

[jminis]

Congrats on the sobriety brother. Stay positive, stay focused, and good things will happen.

 

[tiggermoon]

:woohoo::woohoo::clap2::clap2::head::head:

 

[max-rot98]

Congrats on sobriety and admin status.:thumbsup:

 

[BodyWizard]

It is the membership who has gained by your presence here, Brother: you provide an essential element in the lives of men - that is, a strong, humble, principled example of one who keeps his eyes and his heart open in a world that constantly seeks to force them closed; one who is not puffed-up by his accomplishments but remains true to himself & mindful of the illusions that surround us; one whose experience of his own human frailty has replaced judgment & blame with understanding and compassion - not just for himself, but for all who still wander in fear, in self-doubt, in desperation, in darkness.

I know this because I see in you the transparency you have sought: you do not hide, you do not shirk, you do not minimise; this gives you a shining authenticity, and my spirit rings in recognition (as, I suspect, do others), for that same clarity/transparency is my own goal, and has been the royal road to great healing in my life.

I am profoundly grateful that our paths have crossed, and I count myself lucky that we both call AM home.

From the bottom of my heart - thank you for being here!

My respects to Bobo for an inspired choice :thumbsup:

 

[BingeAndPurge]

Congrats, B

 

[SJA]

It is the membership who has gained by your presence here, Brother: you provide an essential element in the lives of men - that is, a strong, humble, principled example of one who keeps his eyes and his heart open in a world that constantly seeks to force them closed; one who is not puffed-up by his accomplishments but remains true to himself & mindful of the illusions that surround us; one whose experience of his own human frailty has replaced judgment & blame with understanding and compassion - not just for himself, but for all who still wander in fear, in self-doubt, in desperation, in darkness.

I know this because I see in you the transparency you have sought: you do not hide, you do not shirk, you do not minimise; this gives you a shining authenticity, and my spirit rings in recognition (as, I suspect, do others), for that same clarity/transparency is my own goal, and has been the royal road to great healing in my life.

I am profoundly grateful that our paths have crossed, and I count myself lucky that we both call AM home.

From the bottom of my heart - thank you for being here!

My respects to Bobo for an inspired choice :thumbsup:

You see this guy B? I know that he has drawn inspiration from you as have I and many others. You already know how I feel about your plight bitch You also know that it has also helped me in more ways than one. I'm blessed to be your friend and am looking forward to your future. Now get your ass into the garage Focker :hammer: :hammer: :hammer:

 

[glenihan]

congrats on everything man pleasure having you around!

 

[jcam222]

Congrats B from another member of the club.

 

[ManBeast]

Congrats man.

ManBeast

 

[TheCrownedOne]

It is the membership who has gained by your presence here, Brother: you provide an essential element in the lives of men - that is, a strong, humble, principled example of one who keeps his eyes and his heart open in a world that constantly seeks to force them closed; one who is not puffed-up by his accomplishments but remains true to himself & mindful of the illusions that surround us; one whose experience of his own human frailty has replaced judgment & blame with understanding and compassion - not just for himself, but for all who still wander in fear, in self-doubt, in desperation, in darkness.

I know this because I see in you the transparency you have sought: you do not hide, you do not shirk, you do not minimise; this gives you a shining authenticity, and my spirit rings in recognition (as, I suspect, do others), for that same clarity/transparency is my own goal, and has been the royal road to great healing in my life.

I am profoundly grateful that our paths have crossed, and I count myself lucky that we both call AM home.

From the bottom of my heart - thank you for being here!

My respects to Bobo for an inspired choice :thumbsup:

Wow, just what I was thinking!
May you find even more victory today in reflection upon your past days of victory and in the hopes of those that certainly lie ahead. You are a valuable resource and friend to us all. I imagine our Father beams when He thinks of you and the lives you've touched. Congratulations :thumbsup:

 

[TheUnlikelyToad]

Hot damn, I always knew you had it in you. :thumbsup:

No matter where life takes you, if you are a shining star, you will be noticed... it's just a matter of time.

I could sit here and say so much more, but you know exactly how I feel.

 

[milwood]

"A daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our Spiritual condition" --- nice work, B. Keep it up!
:thumbsup:

 

[UHCougar05]

Brian, you're an inspiration for so many here and still a servant to all. I congratulate you on your promotion and pray that God will continue to bless you in all aspects of your life. :hammer::clap2:

 

[bosco]

Congrats B!!

 

[Apowerz6]

Congrats bro, although we have not really crossed paths in conversation, your posts, and insight, and sense of sarcasm are really appreciated. One thing i can say if i ever have a problem and if i was to bring it to you... You would bring it to me straight up with no chaser (pun intended) and thats very respectable, and far in between. ANd being that i have worked in a subsatnce abuce facility, i can testify, on how hard it is to have anniversarys. And being a quitter (in this sense)makes you golden. Much respect:thumbsup:

 

[motiv8er]

Brian,
Please don't forget the man in the mirror. As we have been influencial to you, your life has shown us a path. In a rather small amount of time, you have illuminated your lessons not unlike a lighthouse. By doing that please do not forget there are those of us may have a better life because of you.

As we speak right now I have been struggling through some issues, and your words and thoughts have helped me seek a better solution.

Your work is far from done my friend. Please know what good you have done with me.

Thanks,
M

 

[Beau]

I think we all learn the most, and can give back the most, when we've had to learn based on failures. It is at that time we are most open to spiritual input - because that is when we realize we do not have the answers, the issues are bigger than us and we need God's answers more than anything. After seeing God as my "airbag" (there to get me out of jams), and then go back to relying only on myself - I, too, faced a situation where I needed to make God my steering wheel. It is humbling to have to look outside of one's self for answers, but that is exactly what it takes. From what I've read - you are to be congratulated on where you've moved to.

 

[custom]

I imagine our Father beams when He thinks of you and the lives you've touched.

Word!

I love ya man.

 

[Rage (SoCal)]

Re: Now they call me a quiter, as if an alcoholic/addict wasn't enough

Coming from the son of a recovering addict I have an idea of how tuff this can be on someone's life and exactly how detrimental it can be to not only your life but also those around you. It sounds like you have done a complete 180 degree turn, and boy oh boy is that great.

Thing is, life has only better things in store.

Congrats, buddy.

 

[MaDmaN]

Inspiring B5150 good stuff all you got to do now is become a redsox fan then all will be right with the world..

 

[ryansm]

I would say something but everyone else already has in such a good/true way that it speaks volumes as to the person you have become.

 

[B5150]

Well this is response way beyond my anticipation. I'M thanking YOU!!! Remember?

I tell you, I am going to print this up and put it in a keep sake location. I am too touched by to many posts to respond to each one individually right now.

I will get back to this in the evening after work and dinner.

 

[CROWLER]

Thank you for sharing B,

It is much appreciated. You are truly an asset to this board and I thank you for your time.


CROWLER

 

[DmitryWI]

:clap2: I'm speechless. God bless you, Brian.

 

[WittyName]

May the lord continue to bless you brother.

 

[dsl]

I had no idea B. I admire the courage that it takes to stop habits like those and I wish you great happiness for the future!!!!:clap2:

 

[EEmain]

:clap2: 4 Years :clap2:

We came
We came to
We came to believe...

Now get another day

 

[Cuffs]

Brian, I would like to thank you for your contribution to this board, and the invaluable advice you have given me in the past. I consider you to be the Wise-Old-Man on AM. Your advice is usually right on target and you never jump the gun to judge one. Congrats on your anniversary and may there be many more. You deserve good things in your life. May God continue to bless you, dude!

 

[delta314]

Congratulations! Your story should be an inspiration to those who have not made the decision to change. May the future hold nothing but great things for you.

 

[kwyckemynd00]

I've got a couple of addicts in my family (edit: both are uncles ), one just got out of prison and I think he'll be back in soon.

The other just went in for multiple felony DUI's.

Anybody who can stay sober for 4 years after life long of addiction deserves a congratulations and a best wishes, IMO, no matter who they are and how I feel about them.

 

[Iron Warrior]

Brian, you're an inspiration to us brother. You love life and you give 100%, you are great role model to your children and you are a great addition to this board, hell think of yourself as the Derek Jeter of AM. May God bless you and allow you to share your knowledge with us.

 

[RipdnTxs2]

Rock on brother, u r a real inspiration to overcome lifes challenges, stay strong...........

 

[TheCrownedOne]

I told you B. You've more than succeeded, you've exceeded.

 

[B5150]

Time is too scarce right now for me to respond to each of these individually. You guys have really humbled me these last couple day. It is a boost of confidence to me that maybe I just might be able to be something like I dream of being some day. I am grateful to all of you. Sincerely!

 

[kwyckemynd00]

Well, breaking bad habits is much more difficult than forming good ones. That being said, I think its obvious that you'll be able to achieve as much as your faith in yourself and your abilities allows you to. So the potential is there, just make it kinetic and get things into motion