Dee74

Thanks again for all my well wishes.

I'm not trying to get a double dip here LOL - but I try and force myself to personally share at least once a year.

I just want to talk about some of the changes that have occurred, or evolved ,in my recovery this last year.

Last year I couldn't have imagined the changes that have happened - new town, new place, old career in music back, old friends coming around again

That's just a sample - there were other changes too - but each and every one of those changes threw me for a loop for a while...

but I had you guys with me, I got through and they've all been good changes in the end

The most surprising thing is a further integration of my old self into my new self...

maybe it's the music and old friends but I'm less inclined to keep quiet, not argue and keep the peace at any cost now.

I worried about this a bit - was this my AV trying to whip up drama? Ego run amok? was I in danger of letting my feelings rule me again? was my recovery better when I always took the high road?

I've decided I'm ok

I spent many years saying nothing for fear of offending someone or fear of people not liking me. I had a fear of anger too and conflict too.

It feels good to let those fears drop away.

I really think it's another step forward in my recovery, and my journey to who I'm meant to be...altho I'm open to other interpretations

The bottom line is I don't want to drink or drug.

I consider that a miracle and I don't take it for granted

I just wanted to share with you guys that this journey, this growth (or regrowth) seems to be an ongoing thing. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Recovery really is possible - and it's still great.

I look forward to the surprises this year brings.



D

neferkamichael

Dee74, 8 years is just so FANTASTIC, congratulations, rootin for ya.

MythOfSisyphus

That's awesome, Dee! I know you have a challenging year, and I'm glad to see you emerged stronger for it.

TomTom75

Thanks Dee , I see you on here giving advice and being compassionate, you do a great job.

MidnightBlue

Thank you a lot for sharing your story!

So hit home for me.

More congrats on your sobriety time and achievement that came along with it!

LSC1

I think you are allowed to double dip

FeelingGreat

Congratulations Dee. Have you actually offended people when you've spoken up?

I ask because it seems so easy for people who are used to you being quiet to get upset if you finally do assert yourself. I've had it happen to me recently, and it has me second-guessing myself.

Dee74

Not in my real life FG...there have been arguments but nothing irreparable...

Here..yeah sometimes people are offended...but SR is a tough gig sometimes ...I do my best

D

Lenina

Dee, I am so grateful you're here with us. You've touched so many lives, mine included. I'm so happy you're able to get back to music!

You are much loved, ya muppet!

Lenina

LadyinBC

Congrats Dee! So encouraging to see that recovery is possible and that sobriety rocks!

mecanix

Dee ,
For me learning how to deal with others, what we generally regard as negative emotions is a work in progress .
I find there is a difference between stuffing my feelings down , blasting em and myself indiscriminately with booze , learning to sit with them, dealing with them and then expressing them as part of being a healthy individual . I'm not there yet .

I'm glad to see you forging ahead and growing in your own recovery, blazing a trail some of us can pick up on and use on our own journeys .

Thanks for being here , thank you for sharing the gift of your recovery and what you've learned .

Regards , m

Mags1

Congratulations Dee, and thankyou for your words and wisdom.

Gilmer

Thank you, Dee. I'm glad it's been a rewarding year.

Stiv

Congratulations and Thanks Dee!

Littlebear

I've listened, read, and experienced (mostly from the sidelines) how you respond to others Dee, and whether straight talking, or not (yes I see you can be direct - when needed), all you say seems infused with warmth, and a sense of personal humility...it's this quality that makes the difference in human relations...and you have it. May you continue your growth, or 're-growth' x

Inchworm

Congratulations, Dee. Your honesty, simplicity, and caring always shows through on these pages.

Della1968

I say you can triple dip if you want to.

Nowsthetime

Hello:

I also want to say thank you and congrats.

You are an amazing individual and I am so glad that you are here giving advice and helping.

We might be "strangers" but you are truly amazing.

Hawkeye13

Thank you for a glimpse into what is possible with recovery.

Happy Year 8!

Mountainmanbob

Congratulations Dee
I also find this sober life very interesting.
As we sober ones daily examine ourselves asking
is this the new - right direction ?

Best sober wishes for the upcoming year
Bob