How has your life changed since you stopped?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 149
How has your life changed since you stopped?
I am dry 15 days and thank you all for being here.
What I found inspiring most on this site is the signs of hope. I can go back. B
I know I made some bad financial and relationship decsions. I wonder what has been your experience in your quailty of life since you stopped? Did it bring you closer to your HP? Did you achive things that were not possible when you are using?
I look at some succesful people and wonder how they can wake up on time never mind be excellent at what they do?
I do feel better and don't think I can go back now anyway.
What I found inspiring most on this site is the signs of hope. I can go back. B
I know I made some bad financial and relationship decsions. I wonder what has been your experience in your quailty of life since you stopped? Did it bring you closer to your HP? Did you achive things that were not possible when you are using?
I look at some succesful people and wonder how they can wake up on time never mind be excellent at what they do?
I do feel better and don't think I can go back now anyway.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,136
I could write a book on how my life has changed since getting sober and working at recovery.
I don't hide when the doorbell rings. I answer the phone when someone calls. I go to work most days (still working on that one!). I like what I see when I look in the mirror, and I'm not talking about my reflection, but about what I see inside. My relationships with others and with my family are being repaired. I'm a good mother. I have friends today, REAL friends who I can be myself with. I no longer wake up full of fear and trepidation. I wake up looking forward to the day. I go to sleep with a clean conscience. I find myself unexpectedly crying for all the good in my life. It's an entire psychic change I have experienced. I have a relationship with God that, although very personal, has brought much change and growth and goodness to my life.
I don't hide when the doorbell rings. I answer the phone when someone calls. I go to work most days (still working on that one!). I like what I see when I look in the mirror, and I'm not talking about my reflection, but about what I see inside. My relationships with others and with my family are being repaired. I'm a good mother. I have friends today, REAL friends who I can be myself with. I no longer wake up full of fear and trepidation. I wake up looking forward to the day. I go to sleep with a clean conscience. I find myself unexpectedly crying for all the good in my life. It's an entire psychic change I have experienced. I have a relationship with God that, although very personal, has brought much change and growth and goodness to my life.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 607
I shave more than once a week. I made a dentist appointment (and actually kept it!). I spent some money to get the car running smoothly. I don't "vanish" for days on end. I feel healthier (it's nice to not be constipated 24/7). I work more effectively. I'm more mentally stable (or less unstable might be a better way of putting it).
member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 20
I have experinced an emotional ride, for better or worse. I am nearly to 90 days without a drink, and have had somethings, at the time, seem devistating and a sense of defeat. Although, I have had better days of hope and inspiration since I have stopped drinking. I can't say my life has gotten any worse but now I am paying attention. I don't lie, cheat or steal anymore...that's better.
Nothing will really explain the esoteric ideas I have about a HP, yet I have began to have an open mind on what faith is, at least to me. I have found many alcoholics are control freaks and having a HP allows one to see the other things going on in thier life. I see it as, being sober is about you, not your drinking. What drives you to drink? Change that. If a HP can help you with that, run with it.
Nothing will really explain the esoteric ideas I have about a HP, yet I have began to have an open mind on what faith is, at least to me. I have found many alcoholics are control freaks and having a HP allows one to see the other things going on in thier life. I see it as, being sober is about you, not your drinking. What drives you to drink? Change that. If a HP can help you with that, run with it.
No more merlot, more mamma
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Hills, Ct
Posts: 2,139
Wow. I feel like Rowan, I could write a book.
I like myself.
I saved my house from foreclosure.
I have the love of my life living with me.
I am building a spiritual life, truly, for the first time.
I do things that I previously thought of but never did: I went to a political rally yesterday..
I don't wake up with that feeling of doom.
I don't fall asleep counting my worries..I count my blessings. (cheesy, but true)
I spend time with my children.
I am less selfish.
I am more positive.
I think before I speak.
The relationships that I have are built on truth.
I could go on and on. Thanks for reminding me how good things are now..
Karen
I like myself.
I saved my house from foreclosure.
I have the love of my life living with me.
I am building a spiritual life, truly, for the first time.
I do things that I previously thought of but never did: I went to a political rally yesterday..
I don't wake up with that feeling of doom.
I don't fall asleep counting my worries..I count my blessings. (cheesy, but true)
I spend time with my children.
I am less selfish.
I am more positive.
I think before I speak.
The relationships that I have are built on truth.
I could go on and on. Thanks for reminding me how good things are now..
Karen
Looking For Myself...Sober
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Where the heart is
Posts: 10,209
I dont really have long and this is the umpteenth time again. But I can tell a big difference this time. I feel alot more positive. I dont feel sick. I feel like I am finally breaking free. My family can most definately tell. They dont usually get too excited because they know the drill. But I think we can all see a bigger change this go around. I think it is all in my attitude and how I am handling things and myself.
And the biggest way I can tell...My pockets. Most definately by the amount of cash I have. I even have some saved.
And the biggest way I can tell...My pockets. Most definately by the amount of cash I have. I even have some saved.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
These have all come true for me....
These are the AA Promises
as written in the First Edition of our
book.....Alcoholics Anonymous
^*^*^*^*^
Promises
^*^*^*^*^
"We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone,
we will see how our experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
We will lose interest in selfish things
and gain interest in our fellows.
Self-seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
We will intuitively know how to handle
situations which used to baffle us.
We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us
what we could not do for ourselves."
These are the AA Promises
as written in the First Edition of our
book.....Alcoholics Anonymous
^*^*^*^*^
Promises
^*^*^*^*^
"We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone,
we will see how our experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
We will lose interest in selfish things
and gain interest in our fellows.
Self-seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
We will intuitively know how to handle
situations which used to baffle us.
We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us
what we could not do for ourselves."
Recovering Alcoholic/Addict
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sarasota, FL
Posts: 102
I spend time in the house with my family instead of in the garage drinking beer.
I can get in my car and drive any time I want rather than staying home because I'm too drunk to drive.
I am starting to think more clearly than in many years.
I am getting done a lot of things that I previously would have put off because I was drunk.
I can get in my car and drive any time I want rather than staying home because I'm too drunk to drive.
I am starting to think more clearly than in many years.
I am getting done a lot of things that I previously would have put off because I was drunk.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: California
Posts: 358
Great thread! Thanks to everyone who posted.
I'm only 31 days in. That said, I'm comfortable with myself. I trust my own judgment. I can look people in the eye. I take pleasure in small things, like an interesting conversation or a nice song on the radio. I see a future. It's cloudy, but at least it's THERE.
I don't feel like I need to be an extraordinary person in order to justify my existence. I can just be me. I'm honest with myself. I'm honest with other people. I do what I can, with what I have, where I am. And I'm satisfied with that.
Finally, and this may seem small, but it made me feel good. I got asked out on a date for Thursday by a really nice, funny, attractive person. Going into it, I don't dread someone finding out who I really am. I'm comfortable with her discovering me. And let the chips fall where they may.
Thanks again Standfast!
I'm only 31 days in. That said, I'm comfortable with myself. I trust my own judgment. I can look people in the eye. I take pleasure in small things, like an interesting conversation or a nice song on the radio. I see a future. It's cloudy, but at least it's THERE.
I don't feel like I need to be an extraordinary person in order to justify my existence. I can just be me. I'm honest with myself. I'm honest with other people. I do what I can, with what I have, where I am. And I'm satisfied with that.
Finally, and this may seem small, but it made me feel good. I got asked out on a date for Thursday by a really nice, funny, attractive person. Going into it, I don't dread someone finding out who I really am. I'm comfortable with her discovering me. And let the chips fall where they may.
Thanks again Standfast!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: TX
Posts: 542
The main thing is alcohol is no longer my master. There are still many ways I need to change. I need to be less selfish, a better husband, a better father, a better steward with finances, a better employee, I need to be more honest. The difference now is I can see the areas I need improvement in, and I want to improve in these areas.
Silly Rabbit
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 956
DRINKING:
-cheated on boyf.
-never talked to dad/dad's side of family
-lied to every person i saw, just about
-owed money everywhere, never paid it back
-spent other people's money with no intention of paying it back
-sick every morning
-called off work all the time
-depressed
-scared
-lonely, even in crowded bars
-never home for my dog
-left my responsibilities to be handled by others
-didn't pay rent
-couldn't pay bills
and if that weren't enough, my soul was dead. now let's look at...
SOBRIETY:
-haven't cheated ever
-spent my dad's last year on earth with him, quite close with the family
-honest with mama bear
-great dog owner
-haven't missed a rent payment
-pay my utilities
-still owe money, but getting better and actually have some things taken care of
-haven't borrowed from anyone i haven't paid back
-happy
-true friendships with kids who want the same things i want
-a relationship with the big guy in the sky
-little to no fear, and tools to help me rid myself from fear
-responsible at work (i was actually employee of the month!)
-in a healthy relationship with someone active in recovery
-able to go anywhere, do anything, and love life
-much healthier (i got my teeth cleaned yesterday, first time in years!)
-physically active
-full of interests and goals, and able to accomplish them
-and on and on and on...
i have a soul today. i like myself, mostly. i get to take other girls through the steps and watch them get these miracles themselves. i am aunt emily, i am a good daughter, a good employee, a good friend, a good sister... and i'm grateful for all of it.
-cheated on boyf.
-never talked to dad/dad's side of family
-lied to every person i saw, just about
-owed money everywhere, never paid it back
-spent other people's money with no intention of paying it back
-sick every morning
-called off work all the time
-depressed
-scared
-lonely, even in crowded bars
-never home for my dog
-left my responsibilities to be handled by others
-didn't pay rent
-couldn't pay bills
and if that weren't enough, my soul was dead. now let's look at...
SOBRIETY:
-haven't cheated ever
-spent my dad's last year on earth with him, quite close with the family
-honest with mama bear
-great dog owner
-haven't missed a rent payment
-pay my utilities
-still owe money, but getting better and actually have some things taken care of
-haven't borrowed from anyone i haven't paid back
-happy
-true friendships with kids who want the same things i want
-a relationship with the big guy in the sky
-little to no fear, and tools to help me rid myself from fear
-responsible at work (i was actually employee of the month!)
-in a healthy relationship with someone active in recovery
-able to go anywhere, do anything, and love life
-much healthier (i got my teeth cleaned yesterday, first time in years!)
-physically active
-full of interests and goals, and able to accomplish them
-and on and on and on...
i have a soul today. i like myself, mostly. i get to take other girls through the steps and watch them get these miracles themselves. i am aunt emily, i am a good daughter, a good employee, a good friend, a good sister... and i'm grateful for all of it.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
