SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Hi All,

I’m celebrating 1 year of continuous sobriety today and what a year it’s been!

I’ve changed careers, moved twice, met tons of people, ended relationships, started new ones, dated lots of different women, travelled all over, drawn (and enforced) some difficult boundaries with family and made some hard calls.
I’ve read dozens of books, listened to hundreds of podcasts and am adding to my education through self directed study towards some certifications that are really going to help me.

I took a dream vacation by myself, bought a new car. (First ever that was just for me) I closed off some old chapters of my life/ended friendships.

Through the program I’ve learned to have great friendships with other men and we have a very solid fellowship. I’ve almost never been angry but I’ve stood up for myself and worked hard on not being a door mat either.

I’ve found my version of a higher power and spirituality and taken up Taoism which makes me feel connected to the universe and content.

Hands down the best year of my life. I’ve no idea what year 2 but can’t wait to find out.

I still have problems, still get sad, lonely, and yes even cry, sometimes out of happiness and sometimes out of sadness. If we’re being honest - I cry more now than I ever have - and I’m OK with that. I still have people die or leave my life in other ways. People are still rude, selfish and inconsiderate to me on occasion, too.
I’m still pretty selfish too, but the difference today is that I know that. (Progress not perfection eh? 😉 )

All in all, my problems are fairly insignificant though life still throws curveballs now and then. The universe hasn’t decided to change and be nice to me since I’m sober, it’s my perception that has changed. It’s how I handle what life throws me that has changed.

I’m not a die hard AA fundamentalist (there’s nothing wrong with those who are). Going to AA was a really tough decision which I wrote about here: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...a-meeting.html

I work my program the way I work my program and I’m unapologetic about that. It’s working for me.

In the beginning I attended quite a few meetings to fill the time. I listened to lots of recovery podcasts and read blogs and forums like this one. I reached out to men in my fellowship and talked to them about their experience(s). I asked for help, advice and approval. As I got stronger I as able to taper off meetings and fill in other things of interest. I explored spirituality and drew boundaries. I have absolutely left boozy sales-y events that my boss or co-workers thought I should be at. In short I put sobriety first and immersed myself in it.

Today, I attend a 1-3 meetings a week when I have time and thoroughly enjoy the fellowship and helping others where I can. (Sometimes this is just putting out the chairs or welcoming a newcomer) I also incorporate some SMART/CBT.

Why did I share all of this? For you. Especially if you’re struggling with deciding if you should quit or not, or maybe you’re in early sobriety trying to decide if its worth it. For me it has been in spades.

All the best,

CJ.