6 Week Reflection!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
6 Week Reflection!
Well, reached the 6 week milestone today and feeling pretty pleased with myself. As I sit here and reflect on the past 6 weeks I sense a state of calmness in myself and much less anxiety than I ever had when I was drinking.
Like most of you, I've had numerous failed sobriety attempts before but I vowed this time would be my last and tried to prepare myself for all the 'pitfalls' that lie ahead which on previous attempts I've failed to avoid. They are numerous and can present themselves at any time and it only takes a weak moment and 'bang' you're back drinking again, sometimes for months before you find the courage to try another attempt at sobriety.
If I had to choose one of these 'dangers' above all others that I find the most difficult to avoid it would have to be....... instant gratification. I like the feeling of just getting things done, I tend to be impulsive and impatient and when it came to alcohol, I loved the way it could instantly make me forget any problems I had, irrespective of the consequences.
How can I get 'instant gratification' from something that is going to take the rest of my life to achieve? The answer is to stop looking for it. I have now come to understand that sobriety is more than just giving up drinking and need to change many aspects in my life. Alcolholism is progressive, but so is sobriety. Over the past 6 weeks I have felt less anxious, I am much more patient with my children/wife, I am more productive, I have a more positive outlook and I'm learning the joys of living life sober. Progress is the new 'instant gratification'.
Alcohol is still on my mind on a daily basis, but that's OK because I have 'tools' to deal with it. If I can see this much progress in 6 weeks I can only imagine what it must be like to have 6 months behind me!
Thanks SR
Julynine
Like most of you, I've had numerous failed sobriety attempts before but I vowed this time would be my last and tried to prepare myself for all the 'pitfalls' that lie ahead which on previous attempts I've failed to avoid. They are numerous and can present themselves at any time and it only takes a weak moment and 'bang' you're back drinking again, sometimes for months before you find the courage to try another attempt at sobriety.
If I had to choose one of these 'dangers' above all others that I find the most difficult to avoid it would have to be....... instant gratification. I like the feeling of just getting things done, I tend to be impulsive and impatient and when it came to alcohol, I loved the way it could instantly make me forget any problems I had, irrespective of the consequences.
How can I get 'instant gratification' from something that is going to take the rest of my life to achieve? The answer is to stop looking for it. I have now come to understand that sobriety is more than just giving up drinking and need to change many aspects in my life. Alcolholism is progressive, but so is sobriety. Over the past 6 weeks I have felt less anxious, I am much more patient with my children/wife, I am more productive, I have a more positive outlook and I'm learning the joys of living life sober. Progress is the new 'instant gratification'.
Alcohol is still on my mind on a daily basis, but that's OK because I have 'tools' to deal with it. If I can see this much progress in 6 weeks I can only imagine what it must be like to have 6 months behind me!
Thanks SR
Julynine
Great post JulyNine, and well done on 6 weeks! 
instant
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 5,711
Love your post- my screen name relates to that issue. We live in the moment. In time the driven mental activity and thinking about alcohol/recovery settles down. It does take time.
I am 15 months and I am still improving.
I am 15 months and I am still improving.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 49
Congratultions on your milestone. I can really relate to the things you mention, instant grtification and the pitfalls of trying to live sober. I'm starting my sobriety now and I would be very grateful if you any pointers - how to avoid the pitfalls or how to train yourself to be happier sober and how to push yourself for more positive outlook. I try to be positive all the time and I want to be a better person, it's just hard being consistent with that idea.
Jack
Jack
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Posts: 10
I want to be where you are. My wife and daughter are out of town this weekend and I drank. I sit here this morning hungover and depressed. Last weekend I didn't drink and it felt so good to wake up Sunday feeling refreshed. Congrats to you and I hope I can make it to that point.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 49
I can relate. That morning after, that's the most powerful thing to remember. The regret and the unhappiness. It's hard but if we can remember that feeling before we pick up the drink, we win. I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Notheast US
Posts: 524
Well done!
For those of us who have less sober time under our belts, looking back over the past 6 weeks, when did you struggle the most and why?
Again, congrats, and keep adding those days and weeks!
For those of us who have less sober time under our belts, looking back over the past 6 weeks, when did you struggle the most and why?
Again, congrats, and keep adding those days and weeks!
That bell or bike person
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: london
Posts: 4,978
julynine ,
you're an inspiration .
I find driving in the rush hours in london a good way of testing my tollerance and patience when confronted by some frankly mad, pushy and agressive people. It's also a good way of practaicing the letting go of resentments and starting afresh as soon as i go through my front door .
Bestwishes, M
you're an inspiration .
I find driving in the rush hours in london a good way of testing my tollerance and patience when confronted by some frankly mad, pushy and agressive people. It's also a good way of practaicing the letting go of resentments and starting afresh as soon as i go through my front door .
Bestwishes, M
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,308
Congats July9,
A very insightful post. With self awareness like that you would will be very unlikely to pick up IMHO.
Early in sobriety I was very afraid of picking up again for the very same reasons as yourself I wondered if I could get back up on the wagon again.
I use AA and SR to stay sober.
Love
CaiHong
A very insightful post. With self awareness like that you would will be very unlikely to pick up IMHO.
Early in sobriety I was very afraid of picking up again for the very same reasons as yourself I wondered if I could get back up on the wagon again.
I use AA and SR to stay sober.
Love
CaiHong
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