Wanna know the best thing about being sober?
I've been reflecting on the past three years: my sobriety, my AA journey.
Here is a summary of the challenges those closest to me have faced in these three years:
- my little boy broke his leg playing hockey
- my oldest daughter had her kids taken away from her (drinking)
- my uncle lost his wife of 30+ years
- one month later, my uncle's son committed suicide
- my marriage ended, my little boy and little girl were devastated
- my nephew and two of my neices dealt with serious personal crisis (abusive relationships)
- my best friend had a heart attack - he has been given 5 years maximum to live
- my one and only sister ended an extremely abusive relationship
- my sister is going for cancer tests next week
This does not include some of the tough stuff other friends & co-workers have faced or are currently facing.
The best thing about being sober? I was there for all of these people. If I was still drinking, I would have ran...or drank. My kids, my family, my friends...needing me but instead I'm sitting somewhere sucking on a bottle.
And it's AA that keeps me strong. Gets me out of self-pity. Gives me the tools and the people to help me weather the storm, deal with my own heartache.
Most of my sobriety has been very very positive, fun, rewarding. I'm very grateful for all that good stuff. But when it comes right down to it, being there for others, loving others is what it's all about. I know this in my heart.