Compass1

I relapsed on this day a few years ago, after a few weeks of sobriety and my first attempt. St. Paddy's day has always been a big drinking holiday in the past, one of my favorites. I have 37 continuous days today, the longest that I have ever maintained my sobriety, even though I have been stringing together weeks at a time throughout the past two years.

I am getting some things done today, before heading into work for an overtime shift. I will admit that today isn't as fun as it has been in the past, and I don't feel as though I'm on that pink cloud, but I do respect myself. I have my own health insurance and full time job for the first time in 5 years. I pay my own bills. I did my laundry. Just ordinary little things that don't get done when I'm out drinking or recovering from a hang over. It helps me to try to find the "sacred in the ordinary." I blamed a lot of my shortcomings in life on my drinking, and it is to blame for some. In a way I had this idea that I'd become wildly successful, and into amazing physical shape, if I could only keep alcohol out of my life. When I didn't see amazing things happening right away, and I was going through a stressful time or even a happy one, I'd just say "screw it" and go back out. What I know today is that I am a much more reliable and functional person without alcohol. I make some progress each day that I do not have to nurse a hang over - even if that means a typical day of going to work, doing my laundry, cleaning, etc.

I'm sure that there is much fun to be had today, but for the first time in a very long time, I feel fine just doing me. Happy St. Paddy's day and for anyone out there struggling today - stay strong, its a great day to invest in yourself.

Michael66

That's fantastic to read that you're just happy being you. No need for escape!

Hawk07

Thank you for that post... I'm anxious about today because it was always a day I looked forward to for all the festivities, friends and of course the drinks...

But alas that tradition will change today. Going to have my St. Paddy's day fun at an AA meeting after work for the first time ever..

Nonsensical

Last year on St. P's Day (weekend) I woke up in my neighbor's bushes, but I didn't know that's where I was, so I rang the bell (rather late at night) to ask for directions to my house - which was literally right next door. Next morning I drank my breakfast (Chambord? - ) and passed out for most of the day, waking up with a big lump on my head from hitting it on who-knows-what.

This year I am having a much better time being free.

SayAnything

Thanks for that, Compass1. I like that term, finding "sacred in the ordinary." It may be a common one, for all I know, but I've never seen it. Happy sober St. Paddy's and congrats on your accomplishments!

Hawk07

Nonsensical
I got a good chuckle out of that. Talk about drunken bumps and bruises. A few years ago I lived within walking distance of all the bars in town. One night after a few drinks I decided it was time to 'sprint' home and get into bed as I had work the next morning.. As I was literally happily skipping home (i was wearing high heels ) I tried to leap up onto a sidewalk curb and totally missed... I remember my foot hurting 'a bit' and proceeded to continue walking home the rest of the way. I woke up the next morning with a broken foot the size of a football. uggg

Here's to being free from those kind of nights. Happy St. Paddy's

Crossfitdad

I never understood the draw of St. Patty's Day and Cinco de Mayo. It seems like they are just excuses to drink until you are **** faced.

Compass1

Nonsensical - I enjoyed your comment. St. Paddy's day was always a wild day for me. I honestly forget what I did last year, but the year before that all I remember is taking too many shots before puking in the Penn Station bathroom. Someone in the stall next to me passed me a paper towel under the door. What a life.

Hawk07- Deciding to "sprint" home made me laugh, too. Reminds me of something I would try to do. Insanity.

Aarryckha

Compass, thank you for this post and congrats on 37 days!

I agree that I like the phrase "sacred in the ordinary." There's a lot of truth there.