What I've learned so far
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: east coast
Posts: 1,711
What I've learned so far
About 4.5 months in...sometimes it feels like a year, sometimes not. But, the things I am learning are starting to be noticeable to me now. The first two months for me were about adjusting to every day life without the drink...I owe thanks to you guys and my sober 3D peeps for some of my new knowledge. Some I have figured out about myself on my own. Here goes...
I've learned that I can feel crappy and the world won't end. I don't have to drink to feel better. Eventually the anger, sadness, resentment fades.
I can have fun sober, have real conversations. I can even still be silly and philosophical and write poetry and listen to sad songs...WHILE I am not drinking.
I can plan for the future in little steps. Sacrifice a purchase here to pay down some debt there. I've learned I care about my life and I want it to last and be fulfilling for more than the moment I lived in while drunk.
And sometimes I am tested. But I have come to realize that I don't have to make choices right away. I can say "I need time to think about that". I don't have to over commit to things to prove I am worthy or strong or responsible. I am already all these things. I want to do something because it's important to me or to someone I love.
I have learned that I always believed others saw me by my intentions. Those were better than my actions in my drinking days. I wasn't present but now I can be.
I have learned that what I used to think were my dreams were really only fantasies. Now I am setting up a reality that is full of real people, real activities and a stronger foundation. My name is Erika and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I didn't always feel that way
I've learned that I can feel crappy and the world won't end. I don't have to drink to feel better. Eventually the anger, sadness, resentment fades.
I can have fun sober, have real conversations. I can even still be silly and philosophical and write poetry and listen to sad songs...WHILE I am not drinking.
I can plan for the future in little steps. Sacrifice a purchase here to pay down some debt there. I've learned I care about my life and I want it to last and be fulfilling for more than the moment I lived in while drunk.
And sometimes I am tested. But I have come to realize that I don't have to make choices right away. I can say "I need time to think about that". I don't have to over commit to things to prove I am worthy or strong or responsible. I am already all these things. I want to do something because it's important to me or to someone I love.
I have learned that I always believed others saw me by my intentions. Those were better than my actions in my drinking days. I wasn't present but now I can be.
I have learned that what I used to think were my dreams were really only fantasies. Now I am setting up a reality that is full of real people, real activities and a stronger foundation. My name is Erika and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I didn't always feel that way
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 208
Wow, Erika good job and keep it up. I agree problems would still be there the next day and I would feel like crap. But now I can work on those problems and not fee like crap. I can get more done in a day and still have time to relax and laugh instead of looking at a drink and my mind wondering. Nice to meet you.
now's the time
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,181
Originally Posted by quitforme79 
I can have fun sober, have real conversations. I can even still be silly and philosophical and write poetry and listen to sad songs...WHILE I am not drinking.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: east coast
Posts: 1,711
Nice to meet you too Richie 
It really is SO much better and more productive to deal with issues with a clear head. It will happen fantail, I promise! Just hang in...you will start to belly laugh and won't be able to stop. You will find you are EVEN sillier
It really is SO much better and more productive to deal with issues with a clear head. It will happen fantail, I promise! Just hang in...you will start to belly laugh and won't be able to stop. You will find you are EVEN sillier 
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Gulf Coast, Florida USA
Posts: 5,731
Originally Posted by quitforme79
My name is Erika and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I didn't always feel that way
Today I love my peace and I am not willing to give it up so easy anymore. Great Thread!
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: east coast
Posts: 1,711
Thanks to all of YOU!
Right on deeker! I have been dealing with keeping up with my healthy boundaries lately and although I make mistakes I catch them way sooner than I used to. This allows for me to not get myself into a mess. I am holding onto this new life because it really is so much better. Even when the bad days come I can get through them and know it will pass.
Right on deeker! I have been dealing with keeping up with my healthy boundaries lately and although I make mistakes I catch them way sooner than I used to. This allows for me to not get myself into a mess. I am holding onto this new life because it really is so much better. Even when the bad days come I can get through them and know it will pass.
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,672
Erica, Erica Erica----oh my lord what a post. I'm so inspired by you--thank you so much---you made me see the light. I love your attitude
on everything. it is day 19 for me and after reading your posts i know i will make it through today too. thank you and everyone on this thread for all
the support.\
Babs
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