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Spotlight On Sobriety October 2026

Sep 17
6 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Overcoming Fear and Escapism - My Journey To Recovery


Fear.  A basic human emotional response to a perceived danger or threat, which can trigger survival reactions like fight or flight.  For me, fear stands as my earliest emotional memory, and my reaction was flight.


My childhood was shaped by life in a strict European/Canadian household, dominated by an alcoholic and physically abusive father and an emotionally abusive mother. The environment was governed by strict rules and the ever-present warning that, “anything that happens inside our house is never to be discussed outside of these four walls, or else.” I lived in constant fear of imperfection, knowing that anything less would result in the wrath of my father. I never felt a sense of belonging and sought solace in spending time with friends and escaping into daydreams hoping to find a way out of my situation.


At age 13, those daydreams became reality when I got drunk for the first time. This moment marked the beginning of my “flight”—an escape from fear—as all my troubles faded away. Unfortunately, alcoholism quickly took hold, and my need for escapism continued for the next 12 years. Despite facing serious consequences from my drinking, including harm to others, I did not acknowledge that I had a problem. I maintained the belief that I was a functioning alcoholic with a job, a home, and friends, and convincing myself that nothing was wrong., 


My next attempt at escape was a geographic move to San Jose, California, in my early twenties. Over the next four years, my drinking intensified dramatically, and I recognized my life was rapidly deteriorating. Still, I did not consider sobriety and resigned myself to living an isolated life filled with despair.


One night, weeks after I had resigned myself to despair, I agreed, while drunk, to accompany a friend in recovery to an AA meeting, believing I was merely going to support her. A week later, during a two-week drinking binge, I returned to the same meeting. Although very intoxicated, I heard a woman say, “You don’t have to drink.” Those five words sparked a spiritual awakening within me. I believe without a doubt, that my higher power intervened, allowing me to focus and receive that message.


The next morning, February 14, 1989, I woke up sober.  Through the grace of a God of my understanding, the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, and a great deal of hard work on my part, I have not consumed alcohol or any other substance since. I somehow recognized in my heart that this was the first positive step toward releasing myself from fear and the addictive patterns I had  followed.


From the beginning, I admitted complete defeat over alcohol,  became willing to go to any lengths to stay sober, and followed every suggestion that came my way.  I was embraced by a supportive group of women who modeled the AA program while they provided guidance, care, and encouragement. Their continual emphasis on “progress, not perfection” helped me build a strong foundation for my sobriety, and I remain deeply grateful for their support.


Within a few months, I developed my own concept of a higher power, which I call “God”—an acronym for the great outdoors. This connection allows me to give and receive. The outdoors has consistently served as a spiritual grounding place throughout my recovery.


The Twelve Steps of the program quickly became an integral part of my life, especially the Third Step Prayer: “Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.”  Each day, I acknowledge Step One and my powerlessness over alcohol, and I say the Third Step Prayer aloud to maintain my connection with God.  I have chosen to work the Steps and Traditions repeatedly throughout my recovery— whether with my sponsor, in my work with my sponsees, or by applying them to other aspects of my life.  


The three pillars of the program have always been constant in my life, and I strive to maintain a steadfast balance of unity, service, and recovery.  I have never forgotten where I came from, and I know that this balance keeps me planted firmly in the middle of Alcoholics Anonymous.  


Fear still has a place in my life, but now it means “Face Everything and Rise”.  Throughout 37 years of recovery, my unwavering commitment to sobriety has remained the anchor of my journey, one day at a time.  


Cyndi C.

Message from the Chair of GaL-AA


Dear Fellow Members, 

It is a privilege to serve as your Chairperson as we navigate a transformative year for GaL-AA. Our primary mission remains steadfast: to serve the LGBTQ+ members and potential members of Alcoholics Anonymous - by carrying the message of recovery with integrity, transparency, service and unity. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender, queer, or any other identity, we welcome and support every member of our community  


As we approach our Annual Meeting in November I want to emphasize the spiritual principle of rotation. No one "owns" a service position; we are merely trusted servants. We  are currently in our annual election cycle and are seeking dedicated candidates for several Officer and Advisor positions. Service is a cornerstone of recovery, and I invite you to review our position descriptions and consider stepping into leadership. Please remember that to vote in the upcoming elections, you must have a registered email address in our database at least 20 days prior to the election.  


In our commitment to financial stewardship and the Seventh Tradition, we are transitioning to a 100% digital giving model via Zeffy. This fee-free platform ensures that every dollar you contribute goes directly toward our primary purpose. Furthermore, we have reinforced  our commitment to anonymity by moving sensitive financial, donation and corporate records into secure, member-only storage to protect our fellowship and members from unwanted  scrutiny.


GaL-AA is a collective group conscience. By placing principles before personalities, we  ensure that our organization remains a safe, inclusive harbor for the LGBTQ+ alcoholic who still suffers. Thank you for your service and your sobriety. 


In Love and Service, 

Hilde M.

Chairperson, GaL-AA

Bylaw Elections results

Thank you to everyone who voted on our Bylaw changes. All amendments were approved by the membership.

GaL-AA Elections starting soon!

GaL-AA's 2026 elections open on October 21 and voting will close November 3 at 11:59 PM EST. If you are receiving Spotlight on Sobriety through email you have an email address registered with us and will be receiving your unique ballot link on October 21. Please review the information provided by the candidates, make your informed choices and return your ballot promptly. The results will be announced at our Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2026 starting at 12:30 PM EST. 


HOW TO VOTE

  • Officers (Chair & Treasurer) — Simply review each candidate and choose your preference.

  • Advisors (6 seats) — Rank candidates on your ballot in the order of your most to least preferred. Ranked-choice voting ensures fairness to our candidates and that the preference of our members is represented in the results.

GaL-AA Annual Meeting

GaL-AA's 2026 Annual Meeting is Saturday, November 7. Please mark your calendar. All members are welcome.


We'll hear Committee and Treasurer reports, announce the results of this year's elections, and welcome our elected officers and advisors — live via Zoom.


📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026 🕓 12:30 PM Eastern / 9:30 AM Pacific  

Houston Roundup

Live Authentically

Love Unapologetically

Recover Loudly


November 26th 2026 - November 29th 2026


Member Birthdays This Month

Congratulations to all our members celebrating a sobriety milestone this month! No matter how many years, each sober day is a victory and a beacon of hope. Thank you for your inspiring example and for carrying the message. Wishing you all a joyful birthday month filled with gratitude, connection, and continued growth, one day at a time!

How to Add or Edit Your Sobriety Date: Click the "Update your email preferences & frequency" link found in the footer of any GaL-AA email.

Not an email subscriber yet? Sign up here to get started.


Spotlight On Sobriety features personal stories, articles, and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.

Statement of Inclusion

GaL-AA exists to serve all LGBTQ+ people in Alcoholics Anonymous, regardless of how they self-identify, and we welcome and support every member of the AA Fellowship.


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