bigsombrero

Here are three vague stages of my recovery that I mapped out in my head today. When I first got out of treatment, Step 1 was a challenge but I have accomplished it now. Step 2 is kinda where I'm at now, but I feel there's a long way to go still. Step 3 is reasonable and attainable I'm sure, if I can get through the second stage. I came up with this during a long walk in the sunshine today, and I felt I needed to write it down. I was going to just send it to myself via e-mail (I still will), but thought I'd also post it here, for no other reason than it will help me keep on track.

Stage 1:
Stay sober
Shower & shave
Wear clothes that aren't pajamas
Open mailbox from time to time
Do the dishes

Stage 2:
Stay sober
Find work - anything, part time or volunteer
Lose Weight and Exercise
Go to psychiatrist and addiction therapy regularly for a while
Embrace my creative skills and personality with hobbies

Stage 3:
Stay sober
Get a full time job, find a career path, start saving up money again
Get laid on a somewhat regular basis
Quit smoking

caboblanco

lol bigsombrero. you have a good sense of humor!

freshstart57

Just like your Item 3, Stage 3, a positive attitude is essential for your success. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. You've already got the hat. Onward!

john44

Love it! I can really relate. I'm solidly in stage 2 but I still like my comfy clothes in the evenings while watching a movie and I AM doing a stage 3 thingy

pluginjug

Good plan. I like the fact you're realistic. When I got sober I was impatient to put my life together and get things rolling when I wasn't ready.

2granddaughters

How do you plan on staying sober?

All the best.

Bob R

Zebra1275

Are you are in AA?

One of the things we sometimes do in AA is make a "gratitude" list. When you get to your step 3 you will definitely have some content.

Leo17

Nice list. I agree with you on pretty much all of it. Thanks for sharing.

Tamerua

May your days be full of parts one and three of Step 3! that's going to catch on, I can feel it.

soberlicious

Yeah, quit the butts. You'll look, smell, and taste better, and thus be more likely to meet goal #3. Keep in mind this is just data collected from my own personal field research

Del

Ha thank you made me smile; not an easy task at the moment....still at stage 1 in my pjs

Tamaray

We used to call YOuR stage3, 13th stepping. Good luck with that ! Ha.
Now do you have any idea just HOW you'll stay sober enough to get to Stage 3? I am always looking for the easier softer way so if there were a shortcut, I'd find it. Unfortunately for me there isn't one. The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous work. Not easy, but if you are able to be honest, they will keep you sober.
I hope you find your way.
Blessings!

bigsombrero

Probably a combination of witchcraft and sweat-lodge therapy. Actually I do have quite a few lists that are specific to staying sober, but was just posting a 10,000 foot overview. Sobriety is key and yeah that needs to remain a focal point.

bigsombrero

You are right I started out very impatient with myself and with others. It's slow-goin's sometimes. There is not one big "A-HA!" moment, but rather a smattering of small "a-ha" moments that when pieced together create building blocks.