Ethos23

As I move through my recovery journey, things are still changing and falling into place. When I began this journey on January 1, 2014, I had the simple (and hopeful) view that since I wasn't drinking all would be well with the world - in fact, I thought it would all be sunshine and roses. I soon learned this would not be the case. In fact, life would "feel" more bumpy because I wouldn't have alcohol there to simply numb out when I didn't like the direction my life was going. I quickly realized two things (1) each good or bad point in my life would end, and (2) alcohol would only make things worse. In keeping with the "keep it simple" mantra, I stayed committed to my bottom line of don't drink no matter what. So, if things were great, I didn't drink, if things got bad, I also didn't drink. I may be an irritable SOB from time to time, and I may think of the drinking escape, but I try to control and reframe those thoughts and then just ride out the bad emotion until I can squash it and turn the corner.

As I said in a post a while back, I wholeheartedly know that I can no longer drink and I am dedicated to that end. No matter how bad I feel, I won't make it worse by picking up again. That is one thought that I don't let get distorted. Alcohol only makes things worse. It is a mask. It will not treat the true emotions. It will make things worse...way worse.

PurpleKnight

Fantastic post Ethos!! Many true words!!

Jsober

Great points! Life does go up and down- but I know the downs will occur more often, be longer, and be way more serious if I do drink. Grateful for that simple but very important reminder today! Thank you!

JT0626

Excellent post!!!! Wonderful insight!!

DontRemember

Thanks for this post..exactly where I keep stumbling/relapse.

Ethos23

I am terrified of intensely I would drink if I got to that point now. I honestly think I would be dead in less than a month because I would pick up where I left off and have a head of steam behind me and a body that is no longer used to it. I don't like to think about it.

Soberwolf

Awesome post Ethos

MyShadow

Thanks for this post. Just great.

retiredusaf

Good post. I needed that today!

soberclover

Lovin' the read about your sober journey

immri

I love this

Ethos23

I read something the other day (can't remember if it was on this site or not), that said throwing in the towel and drinking is like getting a flat in one tire and then popping the other three. I think that sums it up nicely. A tough day or days or a period in life is no reason to introduce something into your life that will kill you if left unchecked.