Originally Posted by kenton

Totally agree with Willow and Badge about the wonder that is Mother Nature. At the risk of sounding a teeny bit crazy, I'm going to share what I did on Saturday. Warning .... this is a little bit bonkers but it harmed no one and it's far less bonkers than numbing emotions with poison so here goes....
Every Saturday afternoon I take my dog for a walk through these beautiful woods. Last Saturday as me and dog set off, I thought to myself, 'today I'm going to find a beautiful stick and bring it home with me'. As we walked through the woods, I kept my eyes peeled for beautiful sticks on the ground and after 40 minutes or so, I had about 15 sticks in my hands. Then I stopped at this massive tree trunk and laid all the sticks out and looked at them. Then I had to work out which sticks weren't going through to the next round and eventually I had 2 sticks in the grand final. One was green and wonderful and the other was red and white striped. I wanted them both to win but there could only be one winner.... and when dog and I walked out of the woods, I brought the winning stick home with me. The winning stick wasn't important (it was the stripey one)... what was important was the fact I spent an hour immersed in nature and focused on something that has nothing to do with responsibility, grief, worry, fear, anxiety and all the other big stuff us humans have to handle. And it made me think about my kids. They're always collecting stones, shells, leaves, pine cones etc. They notice stuff ... they notice stuff all the time. .. stuff that often passes me by. Maybe it's because kids haven't forgotten yet... they haven't forgotten that this world is wonderful and magical and if you want to have fun you don't need to spend a load of money or get stressed about the details. I loved my hour in the woods collecting sticks.... I'm going to do it again this saturday. Reconnecting with nature has been one of the most joyful and unexpected consequences of sobriety.... and the miracle of nature is right there... outside my door... all the time. Makes me feel so blessed. Congratulations to everyone celebrating a milestone today and 24 more for me please xx

Originally Posted by Red78

I missed the check in but I'm going for a productive sober 24 hours..

Originally Posted by kenton

Totally agree with Willow and Badge about the wonder that is Mother Nature. At the risk of sounding a teeny bit crazy, I'm going to share what I did on Saturday. Warning .... this is a little bit bonkers but it harmed no one and it's far less bonkers than numbing emotions with poison so here goes....
Every Saturday afternoon I take my dog for a walk through these beautiful woods. Last Saturday as me and dog set off, I thought to myself, 'today I'm going to find a beautiful stick and bring it home with me'. As we walked through the woods, I kept my eyes peeled for beautiful sticks on the ground and after 40 minutes or so, I had about 15 sticks in my hands. Then I stopped at this massive tree trunk and laid all the sticks out and looked at them. Then I had to work out which sticks weren't going through to the next round and eventually I had 2 sticks in the grand final. One was green and wonderful and the other was red and white striped. I wanted them both to win but there could only be one winner.... and when dog and I walked out of the woods, I brought the winning stick home with me. The winning stick wasn't important (it was the stripey one)... what was important was the fact I spent an hour immersed in nature and focused on something that has nothing to do with responsibility, grief, worry, fear, anxiety and all the other big stuff us humans have to handle. And it made me think about my kids. They're always collecting stones, shells, leaves, pine cones etc. They notice stuff ... they notice stuff all the time. .. stuff that often passes me by. Maybe it's because kids haven't forgotten yet... they haven't forgotten that this world is wonderful and magical and if you want to have fun you don't need to spend a load of money or get stressed about the details. I loved my hour in the woods collecting sticks.... I'm going to do it again this saturday. Reconnecting with nature has been one of the most joyful and unexpected consequences of sobriety.... and the miracle of nature is right there... outside my door... all the time. Makes me feel so blessed. Congratulations to everyone celebrating a milestone today and 24 more for me please xx

Originally Posted by Willow68

Thanks Dee
Thanks Suze and Badger ❤️ It’s been a crazy roller coaster journey since I stopped drinking in May. I honestly didn’t think I’d make it through the silly season without drinking, but having lost Mum and Dad I couldn’t bear the thought of letting them down. I feel I owed it to them, to stay sober and present, for this first Christmas without them, (especially to Mum who waited till my monumental day 100 before heading off on her journey to Heaven). I’m not usually a church goer, but I took great comfort in going to church on Christmas morning and lighting candles for them both. I felt closer to them being sober than I could have if I’d been drinking. And I’m so glad to start the New Year sober. Now that I’m home I can fully see how challenging these last weeks, actually months have been. But I feel I’ve turned a corner. I still miss them like crazy and my life will never be the same, but I’m so grateful that I’m doing it sober. It doesn’t seem like sobriety is s burden, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I have more clarity, even though it is swathed in moments of stark sadness. I have occasional moments of lightness, especially when surrounded by nature. They are fleeting, but by seeking out nature, I intend to bring those moments into my life more often. I will get there. One day at a time.

Thank you all here on SR for being here ❤️❤️❤️

Originally Posted by 1newcreation

Hi Ms V? You used to think of me but not anymore so feelings are hurt
24

Originally Posted by Delilah1

You are doing so well, I'm so proud of you Willow!❤️

Originally Posted by Kris47