The dynamic behind A.K.A.R.A. lies in the idea that while I am a recovering alcoholic, and may be known as a recovering alcoholic, that is only a part of my identity and in fact it is not my true or primary identity.
I am a human being with a spirit, a mind and a body. I have hopes, dreams, aspirations, frustrations, challenges, disappointments and victories. I am a recovering alcoholic. But that is not all that I am. That is not the most important part of who I am. I am a recovering alcoholic, but I am not my alcoholism! I am a human being first. This is one of the important realizations, that finally helped free me from a life long addiction to alcohol. It is my sincere desire to help you claim this victory for yourself
I understand first hand, how difficult overcoming alcoholism can be. I struggled with alcoholism for over 25 years.
I believe deeply that the key to gaining freedom from alcoholism lies within each individual. I do personally believe in a higher or spiritual power (the God of my understanding if you will), and I also believe in reaching out for support from others.
Speaking for myself, I found that taking 100% responsibility for my alcoholism was one of the keys that opened the door to lasting recovery.
If there is only one thing that you take away from A.K.A.R.A., it is that no matter who you are, you are important. Your life matters very much. Maybe you are struggling with alcoholism or perhaps you know someone who is. Whoever you are, please know that we are all well worth the effort that it takes to begin and sustain a life long recovery from alcohol addiction. I pray and trust that you will find the courage to reach out as there are many people who are willing to help. Not only to reach out, but to reach within, because I believe that ultimately the key to gaining freedom from alcoholism, lies within each individual. By looking inside, I trust you will see, not only the shortcomings that have brought you to where you are now, but will also discover the wonderful, excellent person who dwells inside. No matter how hopeless or impossible it seems, there is hope. I am a living testimony to this. My hope is that you will create a living testimony of sobriety in yourself. So that the words life long sobriety are not just words, but a living truth inside you. No matter what anyone else has ever said, I believe that you are a loving human being with much to offer the world. No matter what anyone has else has ever told you, your life matters very much. No matter what else has happened in your life, you can claim and sustain recovery from alcoholism. Others have done it, I did it and so can you. Let’s take this journey together and secure the freedom that we truly deserve in our lives.
Standing Strong with You In Sobriety
James "Scott" Murphy
