hiho

Just musing today about how sobriety is the accumulation of little things.
In the last few days, its been stuff like:

I smiled at the checkout chick (I think americans call them grocery store clerks?) and complimented her on her great nail designs.
I've cooked an extra batch of beef pies to take to a friend who is at home with a newborn and a toddler.
I've collected up some of our old books to donate to the school fete on saturday.
I've weeded the front garden bed ready to plant vegetables.
I've played with my toddler on the backyard trampoline.
I've worked on an art project to put in an art show at the end of this month.
I've given a drinking buddy the book 'Drinking: A Love Story' in the hope that it plants a few seeds in her mind.
I've faced my social anxiety (it extends to writing online too which I know is ridiculous) and posted here.

NONE of this would have happened whilst I was drinking. I would have sat on the couch drinking and planning about how I would get around to it 'tomorrow'

Sometimes it helps to keep your eyes on the little things, rather than ruminating over the big things.

Dee74

great stiff hiho

D

Kimmers

Yes...stay busy!!!!

Sasha4

That sounds like some nice stuff to do, especially cooking for a new mum. That is a really kind thoughtful thing to do. I know I felt quite isolated when I was a new mum, and I often could not be bothered cooking too because I was so tired.

I agree with tackling small bits at a time and keeping occupied, but making sure they are things you enjoy too.

I have cleared lots of stuff out from my home.
Done loads of car boots and given to charity shops too.
It's nice to feel organised!
I cannot wait for the nice weather to come, so I can potter in my garden and play with my daughter outside.
I think this year my garden is going to look pretty. Or at least I am going to try.

My best to you xxxx

oakwood

You brought a smile to my face, hiho. It is, indeed, the little things. And if you pay attention to them they add up into a major accomplishment in no time.

1newcreation

Good stuff Hiho
And better yet u'll rem it a wk/mth/yr later!

Hevyn

I couldn't agree more, hiho! Thanks for an uplifting post. Love it.

kiki26

Thanks hiho I've been having a tough day and this put a smile on my face.

NewDay79

I am very newly sober, but I can relate somewhat. As far as smiling and talking to people more. When drinking, I would feel so worthless that I would smile or make eye contact. Now, even though I am an introvert, I find myself smiling more at people.

Also, before my drinking became a problem, I would apply makeup and exercise, etc. I stopped all that as my self-esteem plummetted. Now I find myself looking forward to those things once again.

Alcohol really does strip you of pretty much everything. And you do not realize the things you have stopped doing until you get sober again.

paul99

This was fun to read - how joyful it is to see how we can change when we remove the bottle from our hand and extend our hand to others. You never know how much you have affected these other people, strangers or not. This is what we do - give back, get out of self, and just be wonderful fellow human beings. What a lovely post - thank you for sharing.