Who Inspires You The Most To Stay Clean And Sober? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

aasharon90 · 07-05-2006, 06:51 AM

Hi, my name is Sharon and Im in recovery. My drug of choice was alcohol. By the Grace of my HP and people like in these meetings i havent had a drink of alcohol since 8-11-90. For that I am truely grateful.

Is there someone who inspires u the most to stay clean and sober today? If so who is it?

This was a question that just came to mind and was curious of what ur thoughts were on this.

My inspiration to stay sober came from my Sponsor some 15 yrs ago.

She was that type of person who had a pleasant personality and was liked by many whether it be her family or friends. Her kindness and the giving of herself in many thoughtful ways inspired me to want to be just like her.

She had been sober a few yrs longer than i when i met her in rehab.. She was one who took me to one of my outside AA meetings back then.

I liked how she never told me what to do but listened to me and guided me to stay sober by her actions which spoke louder than words.

I patterened my sobriety after her because she had what i wanted more than anything. She had the willingness, courage and strength to stay sober one day at a time by following the 12 steps offered to us here in AA.

Who inspired you?

Thanks for letting me share.

splendra · 07-05-2006, 08:46 AM

The homeless guy who stands on the corner with a sing that says will work for food is very inspiring...

But I have to say it is being in touch with my body that helps me the very most. My body has always reated in a very unhealthy way to drugs and alcohol. I want to be healthy so it only makes sense to me that I would stay away from drugs and alcohol.

I am constantly exposed to drug and alcohol use in my work and family life. The question that always pops in my mind is do I really want the hangover that drinking or doing dope would give me. My liver takes a large percentage of the vote when it comes to drinking it always votes no to alcohol my heart keeps me away from crystal meth and my lungs keep me from smoking.

I allow myself the choice to do things or not. I don't tell myself I can't do anything dope and alcohol included. I have been clean for a very long time simply because I want to be and for not other reason.

I have had a few drinks and puffs of cigareetes over the years but I do not say I am not clean because of this. One drink or puff of smoke is my absolute limit if I do decide to do it.

I consider myself not clean if I would use anything and I don't care what it is to the point of my health failing or me not taking responsibility for any aspect of my life.

I have tended bar and not drank for years. I have had a few sips of champain on New Years Eve...I have made house calls in my work that it was quite obvious by the smell and the red eyes that the people were smoking pot and not smoked it even when they offered...which would end my job if I did that and was found out it is just not worth it to me to loose all I have worked for so I can be an idiot...

Timmm · 07-05-2006, 10:05 AM

I look into the eyes of my inspiration everyday when i look in the mirror,as it reflects the me I always wanted to be instead of the me I could have been had I continuead on the path I was on in January 1993.

My chidren ,My wife ,My family My friends,But most of all I have to be the one responsible for what I do and do Not do. So if i had to pick one person to inspire me the most to stay as clean as i am today I guess it would be the me Of 1993 ,As i do not ever want to look in the mirror and ever see that guy again!!!!!

aloneagainor · 07-05-2006, 11:08 AM

Definitely because of and for the ability to connect to the minds here at SR. This has been my primary source of discovery into the way the addict brain thinks/ processes/ behaves/ acts and reacts. Without such insight I'd surely still be stumbling blind. Turns out I LIKE being able to see clearly, to walk without tripping, to feel without wanting to immediately suppress. I like the idea of not living in constant fear and avoidance. And being able to give back what I can through sharing what I'm learning with others here through written word. With a mind distorted and confused under heavy drug use I can't think straight enough to write, much less construct coherent sentences. Writing remains still my primary connection to other minds, other spirits. I work towards recovery so to be able to maintain and develop connections outside my own head. Choosing not to be alone.

***miss communicat*** · 07-05-2006, 11:40 AM

my dead father, who died at 42 drunk, homeless and beaten down. His memory inspires me to heal into sobriety.

aside fromthat, ALL sober addicts/alcoholics inspire me

hector · 07-05-2006, 11:56 AM

My inspiration was and is old-timers in the program. When I was newly sober that was anyone with one year or more. Than it became anyone with five, then ten, years or more. It still is anyone with ten years or more. Newcomers are inspiring too, and I like to see or read from anyone with a desire to stop. But the people I just defined as old-timers have an aura of peace and serenity that I hope I also have. Even when they're having a bad day, their solid sobriety is wonderful. They'll get through this and they know it. This doesn't apply to all old-timers; just like every other group it has its share of jerks. But most of them are a real inspiration.

Lollipop · 07-05-2006, 01:56 PM

My kids and my soon to be born grand daughter

GeorgiaPeach · 07-05-2006, 02:08 PM

I know this is not the same for me but my AH inspires me to be a better person in that I want to have a rich & full life and not waste any of it! I don't want to live in the past, I want to live in the present and lood forward to the future. I want to be in control of my actions and I want to be free and not worry about the things that I cannot change and try and work on the things that I can. He inspires me and hopefully if I do things right, I will inspire him to take that last step that he has been avoiding for so long and be free himself!

GP

Chance · 07-05-2006, 02:18 PM

My name is Vic and I am an addict. I haven't had to take a drug since May 25, 2006 and for that I am extremely grateful, to NA/AA, Higher Power whom I choose to call God, the fellowship of the recovery board, SR, etc. Whom has inspired me the most, OMG I would hate to really answer that because it comes from so many areas, so many people, and so many avenues. To point at just one, wouldn't be very nice, since everything plays it's own roll.

Who inspires me most reminds me of a keyboard. Here we all are on the keyboard and when one key is left out, then it can not function. I would not like to single one out and then the rest fall apart. So everyone, everything, good, bad, indifferent, odd, the begger on the street, everyone, every situation all brings inspiration for me to Stay clean. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of sharing today.

Love Vic

Slowbriety · 07-05-2006, 06:33 PM

"everything has changed but nothing has changed" that little saying, which i have heard for a while now, sums it up for me. When i was drinking and doing drugs i was always looking for that HIGH, you know, like the first time you got drunk or used any kind of drug. The only thing was i could not get back to that point after that first dose or drunk that i pulled. well, not a whole helluva lot has changed. what inspires me to keep going is that high. that high of the first time i felt happy, that my mind was just blank and my brain was just shut off, that FEELING not just saying it but feeling grateful, the feeling the first time after i worked with another alki. so, everything has changed but nothing has changed. im just chasing after a new high and one that i can have and cought over and over again. The cool thing about it is that its free, it lasts longer, and is better than any drug or drink i have ever had in my life. And in my journey i can help people along the way, that is the coolest part of it all. anyways this is just for me.

GeorgiaPeach · 07-07-2006, 07:38 AM

Thought this needed a bump.

GP

Chance · 07-07-2006, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgiaPeach

Thought this needed a bump.

GP

I am so glad that it is a bump to raise the Post instead of in my arm

I agree some threads need to stay on top....

Love Vic

Sugasnaps · 07-07-2006, 08:19 AM

Awesome posts everyone.

So many factors inspired me to get sober. The one that leaps to mind first is my my own desire to stop wallowing in misery and despair. So cliche sounding but the truth none-the-less. My relationship with my husband, though not at jeapordy *yet* at the time was a huge factor to my desire to get sober. I took a good look at myself and knew that there was only so long before that look of concern in his eyes would turn into a look of disgust. I could not bear to be a witness to that because that is the look I gave myself every time I gazed into the mirror. I thank God that I did not let things go that far before I saw the truth.

Coming to SR was my next step and when I got here so many people inspired me to want to continue to get sober. I didn't make it the first time I tried but I kept coming back and kept "giving it a go" "once and for all - again".

Chip was a huge inspiration to me when I first logged in here. His was the very first post to respond to me that struck me deeply. His words were simple but at the time something I needed to hear more than anything in the world... he told me "You are not alone". I found comfort in that and in the fact that many have gone before me and found sobriety.

I'm grateful for everyone here. I so hope many new people find the courage to want a better life for themselves cuz living in addiction is pure hell.

Love Suga

**Phinneas** · 07-07-2006, 10:54 AM

Trish, our very own SR angel inspires me to be clean and sober today.

(...)

Kellye C · 07-07-2006, 12:02 PM

My kids - remembering the stuff I put them through while drinking and the time I cheated them from.

My mom - my one person intervention 2 years ago that got me into the rooms of AA

My home group - the oldtimers who I've grown to love, the newcomers who remind me how horrible things still are out there and all the friends I've made and come to love like another family

Hugs,
Kellye

PaperDolls · 07-07-2006, 12:18 PM

My inspirations are:
One - myself. I'm a much better person sober.
Second would be my relationship with my girlfriend. It is so much better now and we have never been closer.
Third would be watching alcohol almost kill my mother. When I really thought about it hard -- I could see myself ending up like she almost did. Living from place to place, mooching off of people, working odd jobs......all to get the alcohol.

nogard · 07-07-2006, 05:20 PM

God, Me and every other addict in recovery and still using, both are powerful examples for me.

Kevin

2dayzmuse · 07-07-2006, 06:12 PM

My inspiration comes within myself. I know what my potential is, and I can look back and remember what I had become. I don't want to go back to that life of misery and feeling without worth and full of shame. Hearing stories of those still suffering reminds me of where I could be if I make the wrong choice. My memories of my past inspires me to stay sober today. My life is much more fulfilling and happier today. I choose sober living.

GeorgiaPeach · 07-10-2006, 08:06 AM

Just another "BUMP"!

Arura · 07-10-2006, 10:22 AM

One of my insperational woman is Dr Maya Angaluo. WoW.

Amazing woman...a poet,surviver,hero, of mine.

Still I Rise is one of my all time favirtie poems about socialy preshuers.

She rocks,

GeorgiaPeach · 07-11-2006, 08:06 AM

Just another little bump!

aasharon90 · 10-09-2006, 05:48 PM

For the many newcomers just joining SR...

Welcome...

My name is Sharon and Im an alcoholic.

Would you like to share who has inspired
you the most to stay clean and sober?

Your words of wisdom may be an inspiration
to someone else.

laurience · 10-09-2006, 07:07 PM

I would have to say that my kids (2 boys, Quentin who is 1 and Sebastien who is almost 3) inspired me because I thought I never ever want to embarrass them and I want to be a good role model for them. That life can be fun without drinking alcohol etc.. My sister also inspired me because we always talk about the evils of drinking and actually quit together.
Joanne

07-05-2006, 06:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
aasharon90 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Baton Rouge, La. Posts: 2,726	Who Inspires You The Most To Stay Clean And Sober? Hi, my name is Sharon and Im in recovery. My drug of choice was alcohol. By the Grace of my HP and people like in these meetings i havent had a drink of alcohol since 8-11-90. For that I am truely grateful. Is there someone who inspires u the most to stay clean and sober today? If so who is it? This was a question that just came to mind and was curious of what ur thoughts were on this. My inspiration to stay sober came from my Sponsor some 15 yrs ago. She was that type of person who had a pleasant personality and was liked by many whether it be her family or friends. Her kindness and the giving of herself in many thoughtful ways inspired me to want to be just like her. She had been sober a few yrs longer than i when i met her in rehab.. She was one who took me to one of my outside AA meetings back then. I liked how she never told me what to do but listened to me and guided me to stay sober by her actions which spoke louder than words. I patterened my sobriety after her because she had what i wanted more than anything. She had the willingness, courage and strength to stay sober one day at a time by following the 12 steps offered to us here in AA. Who inspired you? Thanks for letting me share. __________________ "A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED" SHARON M. Baton Rouge, La. 8-11-90 "Made A Decision To Turn My Will And Life Over To The Care Of God As I Understand Him."

07-05-2006, 08:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
splendra the girl can't help it Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: splendraville Posts: 4,817 Blog Entries: 3	The homeless guy who stands on the corner with a sing that says will work for food is very inspiring... But I have to say it is being in touch with my body that helps me the very most. My body has always reated in a very unhealthy way to drugs and alcohol. I want to be healthy so it only makes sense to me that I would stay away from drugs and alcohol. I am constantly exposed to drug and alcohol use in my work and family life. The question that always pops in my mind is do I really want the hangover that drinking or doing dope would give me. My liver takes a large percentage of the vote when it comes to drinking it always votes no to alcohol my heart keeps me away from crystal meth and my lungs keep me from smoking. I allow myself the choice to do things or not. I don't tell myself I can't do anything dope and alcohol included. I have been clean for a very long time simply because I want to be and for not other reason. I have had a few drinks and puffs of cigareetes over the years but I do not say I am not clean because of this. One drink or puff of smoke is my absolute limit if I do decide to do it. I consider myself not clean if I would use anything and I don't care what it is to the point of my health failing or me not taking responsibility for any aspect of my life. I have tended bar and not drank for years. I have had a few sips of champain on New Years Eve...I have made house calls in my work that it was quite obvious by the smell and the red eyes that the people were smoking pot and not smoked it even when they offered...which would end my job if I did that and was found out it is just not worth it to me to loose all I have worked for so I can be an idiot... __________________ nice has a hisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

07-05-2006, 10:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Timmm Mr .HELP ME I HAVE KIDS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lebanon Pa Posts: 54	I look into the eyes of my inspiration everyday when i look in the mirror,as it reflects the me I always wanted to be instead of the me I could have been had I continuead on the path I was on in January 1993. My chidren ,My wife ,My family My friends,But most of all I have to be the one responsible for what I do and do Not do. So if i had to pick one person to inspire me the most to stay as clean as i am today I guess it would be the me Of 1993 ,As i do not ever want to look in the mirror and ever see that guy again!!!!! __________________ LOve ya's as a Brother Tim Alone we are power less but together we are unstopable!!

07-05-2006, 11:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
*miss communicat* sobriety is my yoga Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: in the present moment Posts: 1,863	my dead father, who died at 42 drunk, homeless and beaten down. His memory inspires me to heal into sobriety. aside fromthat, ALL sober addicts/alcoholics inspire me __________________ i close my eyes and see clearly i stop trying to listen and hear truth i am silent and my heart sings i seek no contact and find union i am still and move forward i am gentle and need no strength i am humble and remain whole (ancient taoist meditation)

07-05-2006, 11:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
hector My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Western Canada Posts: 246	My inspiration was and is old-timers in the program. When I was newly sober that was anyone with one year or more. Than it became anyone with five, then ten, years or more. It still is anyone with ten years or more. Newcomers are inspiring too, and I like to see or read from anyone with a desire to stop. But the people I just defined as old-timers have an aura of peace and serenity that I hope I also have. Even when they're having a bad day, their solid sobriety is wonderful. They'll get through this and they know it. This doesn't apply to all old-timers; just like every other group it has its share of jerks. But most of them are a real inspiration. __________________ How do you eat an elephant? .......... One bite at a time. :

07-05-2006, 11:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
aloneagainor Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The Big Woods Posts: 529	Definitely because of and for the ability to connect to the minds here at SR. This has been my primary source of discovery into the way the addict brain thinks/ processes/ behaves/ acts and reacts. Without such insight I'd surely still be stumbling blind. Turns out I LIKE being able to see clearly, to walk without tripping, to feel without wanting to immediately suppress. I like the idea of not living in constant fear and avoidance. And being able to give back what I can through sharing what I'm learning with others here through written word. With a mind distorted and confused under heavy drug use I can't think straight enough to write, much less construct coherent sentences. Writing remains still my primary connection to other minds, other spirits. I work towards recovery so to be able to maintain and develop connections outside my own head. Choosing not to be alone.

07-05-2006, 01:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
Lollipop Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 859	My kids and my soon to be born grand daughter

07-05-2006, 02:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
GeorgiaPeach Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 491	I know this is not the same for me but my AH inspires me to be a better person in that I want to have a rich & full life and not waste any of it! I don't want to live in the past, I want to live in the present and lood forward to the future. I want to be in control of my actions and I want to be free and not worry about the things that I cannot change and try and work on the things that I can. He inspires me and hopefully if I do things right, I will inspire him to take that last step that he has been avoiding for so long and be free himself! GP __________________ The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams.-Elanor Roosevelt

07-05-2006, 02:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
Chance JUST DO IT!! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Here Or There Posts: 7,090 Blog Entries: 9	My name is Vic and I am an addict. I haven't had to take a drug since May 25, 2006 and for that I am extremely grateful, to NA/AA, Higher Power whom I choose to call God, the fellowship of the recovery board, SR, etc. Whom has inspired me the most, OMG I would hate to really answer that because it comes from so many areas, so many people, and so many avenues. To point at just one, wouldn't be very nice, since everything plays it's own roll. Who inspires me most reminds me of a keyboard. Here we all are on the keyboard and when one key is left out, then it can not function. I would not like to single one out and then the rest fall apart. So everyone, everything, good, bad, indifferent, odd, the begger on the street, everyone, every situation all brings inspiration for me to Stay clean. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of sharing today. Love Vic __________________ With Love and Respect Vic Life isn't yesterday or tomorrow it is in the now.....

07-05-2006, 06:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
Slowbriety New things have come to light Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Downtown Nashville , TN Posts: 298	"everything has changed but nothing has changed" that little saying, which i have heard for a while now, sums it up for me. When i was drinking and doing drugs i was always looking for that HIGH, you know, like the first time you got drunk or used any kind of drug. The only thing was i could not get back to that point after that first dose or drunk that i pulled. well, not a whole helluva lot has changed. what inspires me to keep going is that high. that high of the first time i felt happy, that my mind was just blank and my brain was just shut off, that FEELING not just saying it but feeling grateful, the feeling the first time after i worked with another alki. so, everything has changed but nothing has changed. im just chasing after a new high and one that i can have and cought over and over again. The cool thing about it is that its free, it lasts longer, and is better than any drug or drink i have ever had in my life. And in my journey i can help people along the way, that is the coolest part of it all. anyways this is just for me.

07-07-2006, 07:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
GeorgiaPeach Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 491	Thought this needed a bump. GP __________________ The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams.-Elanor Roosevelt

07-07-2006, 08:19 AM	#13 (permalink)
Sugasnaps Living and Loving. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Saratoga, California Posts: 476	Awesome posts everyone. So many factors inspired me to get sober. The one that leaps to mind first is my my own desire to stop wallowing in misery and despair. So cliche sounding but the truth none-the-less. My relationship with my husband, though not at jeapordy yet at the time was a huge factor to my desire to get sober. I took a good look at myself and knew that there was only so long before that look of concern in his eyes would turn into a look of disgust. I could not bear to be a witness to that because that is the look I gave myself every time I gazed into the mirror. I thank God that I did not let things go that far before I saw the truth. Coming to SR was my next step and when I got here so many people inspired me to want to continue to get sober. I didn't make it the first time I tried but I kept coming back and kept "giving it a go" "once and for all - again". Chip was a huge inspiration to me when I first logged in here. His was the very first post to respond to me that struck me deeply. His words were simple but at the time something I needed to hear more than anything in the world... he told me "You are not alone". I found comfort in that and in the fact that many have gone before me and found sobriety. I'm grateful for everyone here. I so hope many new people find the courage to want a better life for themselves cuz living in addiction is pure hell. Love Suga __________________ "Gimme sum suga baby!"

07-07-2006, 10:54 AM	#14 (permalink)
Phinneas Forum Leader Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: fumbling towards ecstasy Posts: 2,596	Trish, our very own SR angel inspires me to be clean and sober today. (...) __________________ “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ~Marianne Williamson

07-07-2006, 12:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
Kellye C Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Highlands, TX Posts: 955	My kids - remembering the stuff I put them through while drinking and the time I cheated them from. My mom - my one person intervention 2 years ago that got me into the rooms of AA My home group - the oldtimers who I've grown to love, the newcomers who remind me how horrible things still are out there and all the friends I've made and come to love like another family Hugs, Kellye __________________ Kellye C *Sobriety Date 8/8/04 - By God's Grace & AA!!!*

07-07-2006, 12:18 PM	#16 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	My inspirations are: One - myself. I'm a much better person sober. Second would be my relationship with my girlfriend. It is so much better now and we have never been closer. Third would be watching alcohol almost kill my mother. When I really thought about it hard -- I could see myself ending up like she almost did. Living from place to place, mooching off of people, working odd jobs......all to get the alcohol. __________________ Sober Date: 07.07.2008

07-07-2006, 05:20 PM	#17 (permalink)
nogard Connected at last Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia Posts: 11,631 Blog Entries: 3	God, Me and every other addict in recovery and still using, both are powerful examples for me. Kevin __________________ ...And like a bird that's on the wing and is flying free He can hear the song of home endlessly

07-07-2006, 06:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
2dayzmuse Paused Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 5,083	My inspiration comes within myself. I know what my potential is, and I can look back and remember what I had become. I don't want to go back to that life of misery and feeling without worth and full of shame. Hearing stories of those still suffering reminds me of where I could be if I make the wrong choice. My memories of my past inspires me to stay sober today. My life is much more fulfilling and happier today. I choose sober living.

07-10-2006, 08:06 AM	#19 (permalink)
GeorgiaPeach Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 491	Just another "BUMP"! __________________ The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams.-Elanor Roosevelt

07-10-2006, 10:22 AM	#20 (permalink)
Arura Trying to do the right thing. Join Date: May 2006 Location: London Posts: 4,354	One of my insperational woman is Dr Maya Angaluo. WoW. Amazing woman...a poet,surviver,hero, of mine. Still I Rise is one of my all time favirtie poems about socialy preshuers. She rocks, __________________ Weve come along way and were Changing day by day We DO Recover. We can Recover...!

07-11-2006, 08:06 AM	#21 (permalink)
GeorgiaPeach Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 491	Just another little bump! __________________ The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams.-Elanor Roosevelt

10-09-2006, 05:48 PM	#22 (permalink)
aasharon90 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Baton Rouge, La. Posts: 2,726	For the many newcomers just joining SR... Welcome... My name is Sharon and Im an alcoholic. Would you like to share who has inspired you the most to stay clean and sober? Your words of wisdom may be an inspiration to someone else. __________________ "A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED" SHARON M. Baton Rouge, La. 8-11-90 "Made A Decision To Turn My Will And Life Over To The Care Of God As I Understand Him."

10-09-2006, 07:07 PM	#23 (permalink)
laurience Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 348	I would have to say that my kids (2 boys, Quentin who is 1 and Sebastien who is almost 3) inspired me because I thought I never ever want to embarrass them and I want to be a good role model for them. That life can be fun without drinking alcohol etc.. My sister also inspired me because we always talk about the evils of drinking and actually quit together. Joanne