Surlyredhead

My name is Cathy, and I am an Alcoholic

There are so many things I have learned since I got Sober, I am going to share a few, some good, some...well so-so, I hope that you will share some too.

*I have learned that it really does get better!
*I have learned that forgiving myself for being sick was one of the hardest things I could do, but it was absolutely necessary for me to be able to stay sober.
*I learned to be grateful for the memories of the dark days, it is those memories that keep me in the light.
*I have learned that not everyone will accept an apology, no matter how sincere. I had to accept that their feelings are valid and I had to let some people go because of it
*I learned that I don't owe anyone a reason for me not drinking, no means no. If they have a problem with me being sober, that is THEIR problem.
*I learned that there are people who were liars, cheats and thieves BEFORE they started drinking, just being sober doesn't change that, I have to be careful who I trust.
*I learned to appreciate the sunrise and sunset for what they are, gifts from God.
*I learned that there are people who will try to make me feel bad for being in recovery or my (gulp) past, took me awhile to realize that they really hate themselves, a pox on them for trying to make me feel bad for being a SUCCESS story, me real friends would never do that!

There are a million more things I have learned and have yet to learn, please share some of yours. I would love to read them.

The Surlyredhead AKA Cathy, grateful recovering Alcoholic

least

I have learned to accept myself as I am, while working to better myself.

Thanks for your list!

marylandbethany

Hi Cathy!

This is a great list. I am only 10 days sober, but my first big item on my list (for me) is "Don't listen to anyone who said you would never be sober, you got this!".

I was known in college for my drinking habits, and I did hurt some relationships because of it. People laugh when I mention not drinking, but I can't listen to them anymore. Gotta do this for me!

Dee74

Great to hear from you Cathy

D

2ndhandrose

"*I learned to be grateful for the memories of the dark days, it is those memories that keep me in the light."

This is a keeper. I have struggled with some of the things that I have done and said in my past. Things that don't represent the truth of who I am today.

This is a great perspective.

Thank you, Surlyredhead (and I just love your user name!)

eve123

Great post x

PhoenixJ

August252015

Thanks for sharing.

Surlyredhead

It was those memories that used to wake me up in the night and I would have to get up and stay up because I was in such knots, until one day, I was able to say, "Thank you God, that I am not that person anymore." and I actually went back to sleep. It was such a relief to know that in my heart, that was true.


LOL, as for the name, it was given to me, sheesh, I have no idea why!!

tomsteve

i learned theres no drink worthy events.

Grungehead

Reminds me of the saying "What you you get if you sober up a horse thief? A sober horse thief." Alcohol is but a symptom of my problem.

NulaMeansZero

speaking truth, love it!!

FeelingL0st

Awesome post.
Thank you!
I am only 5 days clean, but post like yours remind me how badly I want a new life!!!

djm527

I love this

Purplrks3647

I am learning that I can still be my goofy self without depending on that liquid courage.

I am learning that I have much more to learn!

Thanks for sharing, Cathy!

SteelRes211

I learned that one was never enough and twelve wasn't too many (SRV AA quote.) That was my problem.

I'm learning to like myself again--

Tea42

I learned that alcohol is for disinfecting razorblades at the barbershop
I learned that alcohol is fuel for racecars.
I'm not a razorblade or a racecar.