2 Years sober using only this forum
Catch and Release
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Crazy Canuck
Posts: 441
2 Years sober using only this forum
If I were a dog, I'd be doing zoomies all around the yard and expressing my joy for 2 years of sobriety!
My only support has been this forum. I read here every day, and post occasionally.
Two years ago I decided that alcohol would no longer control my life and I quit, cold turkey. It was not easy and there were days when my resolve was a hair away from picking up. During those times I would so something to distract myself - like reading here on SR, walking my dogs, playing my guitar, binge watching netflix, eating loads of sweets things, walking. I also got involved in my new community and joined some community groups so that i would have accountability and responsibility to other people.
It hasn't been a walk in the park and there have been days when I've been terribly lonely because my family lives 3,000 kms away and I moved to a new town where I knew no one. But, I've built up friendships, renewed some old ones and got involved.
As far as drinking goes - apart from signing on here and reading, it is rare that I think about drinking alcohol. When I do, I tell myself, I don't drink and I will never change my mind, no matter what. It is very freeing, knowing that drinking is off the table forever.
NO MORE DAY 1s - EVER.
No more worries about whether I sent stupid texts or said stupid things. My health has improved. My looks HAVE improved - my skin is wonderful and people think I'm 10 years younger than I actually am. My anxiety has gone way down (yes there are still some attacks but they are very infrequent and can usually be attributed some stress). I can drive anywhere, any time of day - no worries about being over the limit.
I now face life without any numbing and wow it can be hard, but I wouldn't trade it. I'm fully present and make decision (good or bad) with a clear mind. No one else makes my decisions.
And I am starting a new relationship and quite excited. This will be the first time in my adult life that I will be a relationship fully present.
I'm entering my senior years now . I want to be as healthy as I can and enjoy these years to the fullest. Alcohol has no part in that and would only rob me of things. I have so many plans - see this world, enjoy new things, meet new people.
I know this has been a rambling post and I'd hope to write something that was sweet, pure and inspiring. Mostly, I just wanted those who are struggling with getting sober using a different path to know that it is possible.
CF
My only support has been this forum. I read here every day, and post occasionally.
Two years ago I decided that alcohol would no longer control my life and I quit, cold turkey. It was not easy and there were days when my resolve was a hair away from picking up. During those times I would so something to distract myself - like reading here on SR, walking my dogs, playing my guitar, binge watching netflix, eating loads of sweets things, walking. I also got involved in my new community and joined some community groups so that i would have accountability and responsibility to other people.
It hasn't been a walk in the park and there have been days when I've been terribly lonely because my family lives 3,000 kms away and I moved to a new town where I knew no one. But, I've built up friendships, renewed some old ones and got involved.
As far as drinking goes - apart from signing on here and reading, it is rare that I think about drinking alcohol. When I do, I tell myself, I don't drink and I will never change my mind, no matter what. It is very freeing, knowing that drinking is off the table forever.
NO MORE DAY 1s - EVER.
No more worries about whether I sent stupid texts or said stupid things. My health has improved. My looks HAVE improved - my skin is wonderful and people think I'm 10 years younger than I actually am. My anxiety has gone way down (yes there are still some attacks but they are very infrequent and can usually be attributed some stress). I can drive anywhere, any time of day - no worries about being over the limit.
I now face life without any numbing and wow it can be hard, but I wouldn't trade it. I'm fully present and make decision (good or bad) with a clear mind. No one else makes my decisions.
And I am starting a new relationship and quite excited. This will be the first time in my adult life that I will be a relationship fully present.
I'm entering my senior years now . I want to be as healthy as I can and enjoy these years to the fullest. Alcohol has no part in that and would only rob me of things. I have so many plans - see this world, enjoy new things, meet new people.
I know this has been a rambling post and I'd hope to write something that was sweet, pure and inspiring. Mostly, I just wanted those who are struggling with getting sober using a different path to know that it is possible.
CF
Giving up is NOT an option.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 7,808
So inspiring, Calico! Thanks so much for posting that, and congratulations on two years!!!
I had a nice thing happen to me the other day. I got carded for cigarettes. I'm 53. I know I don't look under 18 or anything, but the girl said they are supposed to card if someone looks under 40. THAT was cool. I recently saw a picture of myself from right before I quit drinking - I can honestly say I look much better now. Just one of the MANY benefits of sobriety!
I had a nice thing happen to me the other day. I got carded for cigarettes. I'm 53. I know I don't look under 18 or anything, but the girl said they are supposed to card if someone looks under 40. THAT was cool. I recently saw a picture of myself from right before I quit drinking - I can honestly say I look much better now. Just one of the MANY benefits of sobriety!
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,491
This is not rambling, this is fantastic!
Calicofish, it sounds like you have found balance in your life for your recovery journey. Balance is so very important to me and has helped me to make choices in my life which support my recovery, just as you have.
Calicofish, it sounds like you have found balance in your life for your recovery journey. Balance is so very important to me and has helped me to make choices in my life which support my recovery, just as you have.
And thanks for such an inspiring post! 
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