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A simple guy making his way
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Maine
Posts: 7,867
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When it comes to being sober I have said from the beginning that it's the effects on my life and how I feel that make the real difference to me.
I was not able to detect the slow boil of my life when 12 shots of hard alcohol (had switched between a few varieties), $500 a weekend crack habit and deteriorating health, relationship, and work life all seemed normal.
Let's dissect things a bit.
Today I get more excercise than I ever did. Not since my mid 20's anyway. Even then I was lazy but a young body cooperates more. My fitbit is proof. The fact I manage to increase my steps and active minutes is proof.
My finances are slowing turning upward. I may have a net worth in a few years. My partner and I ran up over $100,000 by writing credit card checks to pay for drug dealers rent or car payments. And I thought that was ok at the time.
I just got back from the doctor. While I have been dealing with some severr headaches he told me they are not an indication of anything wrong. Circumstances can be traced and rectified.
What I did get was a absolutely clean set of blood tests!!!! Liver is not a high normal but normal. All other functions are not high normal but normal. I had high iron for many years due to poor liver functions. Can we say it all together? Normal!
Depression has been a close friend all my life. Again normal. Not fun but normal for me so I learn to adjust. And not by lighting up a pipe.
My job is more secure than ever. I have a technical job and I saw some design flaws in a product that we were going to implement. I stayed focused on proving that out and as a result we put a halt to the project. The company saw that quality is more important than anything. A very high up person stopped me in the hall to say thank you for being brave enough to say what was right and not go with the flow. Let's see if that flows into my bonus!!! Lol I think it will.
I have some months sober. I struggle more than I say. Struggling has become part of the new normal so unless it's unbearable no need to create a ruckus.
My love life is in retirement for now since my domestic abuse incident but even that's ok. Desire is not a reason to react when I can't say for sure where I am heading.
So be it huh? That's a measurement I can see and feel and savor.
Ken
I was not able to detect the slow boil of my life when 12 shots of hard alcohol (had switched between a few varieties), $500 a weekend crack habit and deteriorating health, relationship, and work life all seemed normal.
Let's dissect things a bit.
Today I get more excercise than I ever did. Not since my mid 20's anyway. Even then I was lazy but a young body cooperates more. My fitbit is proof. The fact I manage to increase my steps and active minutes is proof.
My finances are slowing turning upward. I may have a net worth in a few years. My partner and I ran up over $100,000 by writing credit card checks to pay for drug dealers rent or car payments. And I thought that was ok at the time.
I just got back from the doctor. While I have been dealing with some severr headaches he told me they are not an indication of anything wrong. Circumstances can be traced and rectified.
What I did get was a absolutely clean set of blood tests!!!! Liver is not a high normal but normal. All other functions are not high normal but normal. I had high iron for many years due to poor liver functions. Can we say it all together? Normal!
Depression has been a close friend all my life. Again normal. Not fun but normal for me so I learn to adjust. And not by lighting up a pipe.
My job is more secure than ever. I have a technical job and I saw some design flaws in a product that we were going to implement. I stayed focused on proving that out and as a result we put a halt to the project. The company saw that quality is more important than anything. A very high up person stopped me in the hall to say thank you for being brave enough to say what was right and not go with the flow. Let's see if that flows into my bonus!!! Lol I think it will.
I have some months sober. I struggle more than I say. Struggling has become part of the new normal so unless it's unbearable no need to create a ruckus.
My love life is in retirement for now since my domestic abuse incident but even that's ok. Desire is not a reason to react when I can't say for sure where I am heading.
So be it huh? That's a measurement I can see and feel and savor.
Ken
Marchia in Aeternum
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11,094
One road to loneliness
It's always the same
One road to happiness
It's calling your name
Change changing places
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Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
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A simple guy making his way
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Maine
Posts: 7,867
It's hard to accept the idea that in any way I inspire. Kind words but hard to accept. We are of the same.... We all know what it means to have wins... Big and small. Your comments help me everyday. Everyday.
Trachemys... That's beautiful.
Trachemys... That's beautiful.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 20,458
Weasey, my fitty friend and then some, you've come a very long way from the bloody handprint on that wall. I always find strength (and some similarities) in reading you.
the even better good stuff is coming for you. xxooFandy
the even better good stuff is coming for you. xxooFandy
Clear Eyes Full Heart
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,272
Ken, that is wonderful news from your doctor!!
I think sometimes drinkers embrace the Why be Normal philosophy-we like being more sensitive, more creative, marching to the beat of a different drummer, etc. etc. Sobriety teaches us that normal can be fabulous too!
You are SUCH an inspiration to many!
I think sometimes drinkers embrace the Why be Normal philosophy-we like being more sensitive, more creative, marching to the beat of a different drummer, etc. etc. Sobriety teaches us that normal can be fabulous too!
You are SUCH an inspiration to many!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,937
What a difference it makes Ken! I know where you're coming from; I too feel like my life is beginning to flower anew. Getting close to my degree, considering a big job change, etc. And I too have been pretty committed to strength training as of the last couple months. At 45 I am stronger than I was at 25!
To anyone reading this thread, see what a difference getting sober can make.
To anyone reading this thread, see what a difference getting sober can make.
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