SweatyHands

Evening all! As I mentioned a few months back, my wife and I have been looking for a house. We closed on our new home in June, and have been living here for about 3 weeks. The changes that I have noticed in my mental and emotional health since moving have been so much more than I had expected. Having a home again--not sharing walls with strangers in a huge apartment complex, and enjoying the privacy and tranquility that comes with that, has been huge for me. I have definitely been extremely busy with moving, unpacking, painting, making repairs, landscaping, etc... But just knowing that every bit of effort that I put in is for our home, not just making somewhere that I don't want to be less unpleasant, makes the work feel like a privilege.

Today, I cleared the last of the boxes out of the garage, and while doing that, I had a fantastic experience. I had the same sort of clarity and lightness that I had on my first day out with my wife after reclaiming my sobriety. It was day five when that happened, and I was just filled with so much energy and positivity and hope. This afternoon, I had the same feeling. Sometimes I forget to stop and look around, to enjoy my life. Today, I remembered why I decided to choose life over alcohol.

Mags1

Congratulations to you and your wife, SH, on your new home!

You made the right choice. There is so much life..... After alcohol!

SweatyHands

Thanks so much! When we moved out here from the East last summer, we went from owning a home for 10 years, to living in a giant (1400+ units) apartment complex. Shortly after that, I relapsed for about six months. I don't think the move caused my relapse, but the sudden and huge change, mixed with instability and my mortal enemy--boredom, certainly contributed to me not keeping my defenses up. It's good to be able to take my dog out at 3:00 am into my private backyard instead of a disgusting courtyard. And knowing that I won't have to drive around for half an hour looking for a parking spot when I get home makes the drive back from school/work so much more enjoyable.

OldTomato

I'm happy for you SH!

teatreeoil007

This is awesome news Sweaty and glad to hear that you had a great day!

Yeah, a little solitude is so nice...Happy for you and your family.

saoutchik

Great news Sweaty Hands and congratulations on getting sober

Soberwolf

Congratulations Brother

SweatyHands

I also have to say, living in my new home while closing in on six months in recovery feels great. I would never have been able to accomplish this if I was still drinking. Putting all of my efforts back into my sobriety helped me to more clearly see what my priorities should be, and how to make them a reality. And after months of being an absolute train-wreck that my wife had to tiptoe around, I am able to finally, truly be a partner again.

PurpleKnight

Very positive post, very happy for you both!!