Soberjoy1

I was so fooled. I thought that I would probably never feel good without my bottle. Lo and behold, I have found that sobriety feels so much better than drinking. I don't think I realized when I decided to stop, back in August, how much better I would feel mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

I have had some lapses, most recently one brief, but very heavy and extremely emotional binge last weekend. After each one, I am so regretful and I feel so miserable. And since then, I have zero desire for poison. I know the cravings will come again. That is one of the reasons I am writing this-so I can go back and read it, if ever tempted again. Another is that I am writing this to encourage anyone who is fairly new to this and who is fighting a craving, please don't give in. Learn from my mistakes. It's not worth it. You can feel good without it! Keep coming here!

ScottFromWI

Glad you are back salgal. Do you think there is anything you could add to your plan to keep from returning to drinking? Have you tried local support of any kind? Don't forget SR is here 24/7 if you need someone to talk with when you get urges.

Soberjoy1

Oh yes, ScottfromWI, I have learned a lot from each one. I have a detailed plan. I am definitely hanging around here a lot. It helps me tremendously. Going to go to AA for the face to face support. I feel so happy to be sober tonight, I just can't explain it. I felt the such despair a mere week ago.

OklaBH

Glad your back and doing well! You are right being sober feels so much better than being drunk

courage2

Beautiful post, Salgal. I know the feeling. Wonder, gratitude, safety at last.

Soberjoy1

Thanks, OklaBH and courage2. Yes, such gratitude! I feel like I have woken up finally- there is no there, there.

And I want to add I hope this doesn't sound like I consider myself anything other than a newbie trying to encourage other newbies. I thought it would take me 6 months to a year to start to feel better.

jaynie04

Great post Salgal. I 100% agree, and the further I get away from the bottle I have realized what a small thing not drinking is compared to all I have gained in return. It is by far one of the best deals I have ever made in my life!

sunshine1919

Thank you for your inspiring post. I needed that today!

FreeOwl

I often marvel at this too...

The holidays brought a few brief feelings of sadness at nit drinking... But those quickly morphed into feelings of puzzlement; why on earth would I want to dull my experience and mind like that when I was having a nice time and enjoying togetherness and the experience of my life?

I watched several people in my life behave as I have so many times..... And with fresh and sober eyes I saw my own behavior in them as sad and enslaved... I was thankful to be free of it.

SoberLeigh

Great post, Salgal. When I first embarked on this sober journey, I could not envision or understand how great sobriety could be. It is so liberating and empowering.

Power on, girl.

neferkamichael

Salgal, you are just FANTASTIC, rootin for ya.

JanieJ

Thank you for the inspiring post, Salgal

I've been close to relapsing a few times, so close..

You are right -sobriety is amazing and you are awesome.

BernieE

Great post, Salgal. Thank you for your honesty.

Soberjoy1

Thanks for the nice comments, y'all!

Soberwolf

Great post Salgal

LBrain

thanks for this post Salgal. Keep yourself in line!

Made me think of the first time I tried a cigarette. I coughed and hacked and said why would someone want to do this to themselves. I never smoked. I wish the first time I drank I would have had that instant sickness from alcohol. But I didn't. And I continued to poison myself for another 40 years.