A New Day
September 29, 2006 by Mark
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
“They” taught me that life happens, “they” being the oldtimers in A.A. for whom I will be eternally grateful.
And that is exactly what has been happening, for me, and for you too 
But I really don’t go into my personal life on this Blog all that much, do I? Naaa – what do you know about me? I’m anonymous, remember?
Here’s an anonymous fact about me – I’ve been blogging on a personal Blog on my own domain for almost two years. I use a Wordpress platform that has been magnificently customized by a truly talented individual, for which I paid handsomely, deservedly so. I love Blogging.
I’ve been Blogging here at A Dozen Steps since April 17th of this year. I am grateful to the fine folks at b5media for this opportunity. Really good people!
None of these good things has created the online income I believe I’m worthy of. Simple eh? Oh – not really – it apparently makes someone feel less than and it needed to change.
So… there has been a New Day in my life and truthfully, I’m not sure whether I’m happy or not. Ya’ see, I’m an alky – geez, I really hate work lol… but since I have lots of years experience in a field offline, in order to be a people pleaser partner to my lady, I’ve taken a full-time job “out there.” With it has come a new challenge (I was taught to make my problems “challenges”).
The challenge is to learn how to plan my time to produce quality, interesting content here at A Dozen Steps for you. This Blog is an integral part of my personal service work. I know that if it went away, I’d find other service work but there isn’t a need to do that today. I’ll learn how to draft my entries so they publish with consistency.
Therefore, I’m grateful that I have a working knowledge of Wordpress. I’m grateful that I don’t feel compelled to generate chaos by feeling panicky – like “oh gosh, what am I gonna do?” I’m grateful I understand, one day at a time, one step at a time.
Now… if only all of this were good enough for “my lady” all would be good in the world, lmao! Some day I’ll tell you who wears the pants in this house 
OK..here is where I’ll start the debate. (I love your blog, by the way)
Even if I write about my personal life, aren’t I still pretty much anonymous? And if my blog is helping people discover if they have drinking problems, then isn’t disclosing personal info OK? It would be hard to help the troubled alcoholic in many cases if I didn’t disclose my personal history. (especially those who drank like I did..or are moms drinking because the denial runs so deep)
I have heard some say that blogging breaks anonymity and the 11th tradition…but it also says that breaking that anonymity if you are helping the alcoholic in need can be done. Is this vague or what?
Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Isn’t remaining anonymous a choice on my part? I don’t put my last name out there, which I believe satisfies Traditions 11 and 12.
There are certain subjects I just refuse to bring up in my blog but other than for those few things everything else is up for grabs. The way I look at it……the only ones that know the “real” JJ are the ones I’ve let know the “real” JJ. Hey, it’s your blog you blog about whatever you like. I know I can always find good recovery here.
I see you,
JJ
PS: I love the long timers as I’ve come to call them. Those men and women teach me more than they know.
Ermmmm – guys….. the point was I’m about to begin to do something new??? Like – I got a new job? etc. lol… And I have to adjust here
It wasn’t about anonymity
JJ,
Very much appreciate the compliment!
I have a feeling you might know that “we” learn a LOT from folks like you too. I read your Blog and think “aah, been there, done that.” Look at her grow! Good stuff…
Jen,
Thank you also for the compliment! Gosh, I’ll have to make adjustments more often! Laffin’…
Congrats on the job!
Wise idea not to publish anything too personal … I learned that one the hard way.
Nice blog here, thanks for sharing
tkd,
I looked at the post that you said caused you the trouble. Now, this is only one person’s opinion – mine – but if someone had a problem with what you said, it is definitely their problem! You were open and honest and spoke from your heart. That’s a major part of being sober!
It feels disappointing that this has caused you to stop writing at your Blog but of course that is your decision and I’ll not try to change it. I’d rather it wasn’t that way though…
Keep on keeping on! Sober is, and always will be, #1! Thanks for your compliment also
For business reasons I can understand you wanting to be very careful about what is going on here and how much is revealed.
I wondered a lot about anonymity when starting online. They talk of anonymity at the level of press. I am not sure what category all of this falls into? When it comes to last names I believe they use to use last names. I also have read that Bill W. said not to be too anonymous to the point that someone who may need help can’t find you.
I do what I am comfortable with and let God handle the rest. I try to be cognizant of the Traditions to the best of my ability. That said I am human and do not claim in any way to fully know and understand all of the Traditions and how to apply to things that did not even exist when written. Hard stuff for this complex simple thinker
PS ~ Congrats on the job
Thanks Gwen,
I actually have a very good business reason, outside of our AA Traditions, to do what I can to remain anonymous here which – well – will remain that way. You’re very perceptive – appreciate it
From the beginning though, since I felt this was a public forum and folks like you and all my new friends would/could possibly share something that required your anonymity to be respected I did what I could to let the good people at b5 media know that was the way I’d like to keep it. The one thing I couldn’t get around was the email but that doesn’t get published and won’t be used in a manner that would upset anyone.
I just “published” my first post using a future time stamp and so far, so good. We’ll see how well I learn lol…
Congrats on the new job, Mark! I hope it will enrich your life more than take away from it. Thanks also for continuing with A Dozen Steps. You’ve enlightened more than just fellow AA’ers. I and b5 all appreciate you!
Wow Hsien! Thanks!
Proves this – I’m definitely an alky lol – I have difficulty accepting all these compliments. I’m trying to stay humble ya know…
My first “timed” post made it without any hitches! Yay!
Hsien, I couldn’t begin to tell you how cool b5 and “youse” guys are – thanks again!