Kiki,
I don't miss out. I go everwhere, including Vegas, and have a great time.
It was harder at first and now it is easier.
Many folks disagree with this, but I have made it this far so I figure I can keep going for now.
I was at a show last night. There were just a few people drinking. 95% had nothing in their hand.
As an addict for life, I notice this always. I got a front row seat to what happens to drunks last week. My Dad, who drinks, came to visit.
He stayed for a while so I got to see the effects over time. Since he was vacationing, he claimed to be drinking more than usual.
The bottom line was he would be moody until he got a drink, then he would get happy, then he would get tired. It was the same thing every day. I had to try and balance this instability every day.
It is sad to see. He would drink even with a full belly. I never could do that. Plus, drinking from a bar is expensive...$15 a drink usually. I used to always pre drink. So sad.
Eventually, he started to get sick, either from detox or from a lingering cold that kept on because booze saps the immune system.
I think suffering through anything strengthens and hardens us. It has also made me more patient and tolerant.
I put myself in different situations now that I am no longer hiding behind my addiction. I am in front and dealing with life as it comes.
Hopefully for the better.
Thanks.