A month of healing
 

Hello!

I have not been on the forums in a while because I quit smoking and hibernated/exercised for one month. Ending my cigarette addiction was important to me and I suffered through the initial physical and mental pain so I could regain my self respect.

My 12 step companion app says I am 20 months sober. I'm feeling strong, independent, and calm. One important part of my recovery program is avoiding bars and smoking dens. I always felt bad after being in such places and now I realize that they are not full of healthy, strong people. Today I am more healthy and strong than I was before.

I go to meetings, I see a counselor, I exercise, and I try to eat healthy, nourishing food 75% of the time.

My last semester of law school is underway and I have to begin preparing for the bar exam. I am scared, on my own, but capable of doing what is necessary to move forward.

I will try to be on here more often to be a voice supporting others who are working to free themselves from addiction.

I hope everyone is doing well and having a great March.

-Acheleus

:tyou:thanks:c011::c011::c011:

Great job man, I remember your posts from 2-3 years ago.. what a lot you've accomplished in your personal life! Really impressive.

Cheers..

Really pleased to read that great update Ach :)

D

Your post demonstrates a wonderful inner strength. I understand the feeling of facing a challenge alone but that was always because I was too proud or scared to ask for help, or I never thought to pray for it.

If you need any support while you face your bar exams, you can always post here. If you have a spiritual belief, then you may also know that you're never truly alone. I am sure you will pass your exam and go onto marvellous things.

Thanks for checking in Ach! Sounds like you are doing great, it's really good to hear that. You have really come a very long way in the past 20 months, your story is a testament to the possibilities that are out there for the taking.

Acheleus,
well done on quitting smoking. I quit over 8 years ago and can honestly say that after a while the cravings went completely and I never feel like smoking now. I really hope that my craving for alcohol follows a similar path.

Reading about people such as yourself who have achieved 20 months of sobriety gives me a real boost especially today when the AV was working overtime. Don't ever feel alone as we are all in this together on here. If you hadn't posted today I would not have read it. I was struggling but your post calmed me down and made me see sense. Another day alcohol free.

Thank you

:c011::tyou

I'm very pleased for you, Acheleus!

Thank you for the kind responses. Today I am going to a state park to walk on some trails and be near the water. Things are calm in my life today and I have the space for serenity and peace.

I am very concerned about the bar exam. It is in July and I plan on beginning a study routine this month. I'm very glad that I am sober and stable today so I can concentrate all of my energy on this task.

I had been chain smoking for too long so in January I quit smoking cold turkey. It was brutal but I feel calmer and cleaner today. Long, strenuous walks help me and I plan on starting a running regimen next week.

Of course I am still playing music and reading for pleasure. I have a lot to study before finals in May. I'm learning how to depend on myself and not others.

I want to give back and be less selfish. I am working on it.