10 benefits of sobriety
 

I am the sort of person who needs to make lists of targets to help me keep disciplined.

I wonder if anyone else thinks it would be helpful to list 10 things that they personally feel would be a benefit of staying sober? The list can contain anything that matters to you.

Here's my list...

1) A healthier mind
2) More money
3) A better social life
4) Better relationships with people I love
5) No more indigestion and reflux
6) Repair any liver damage
7) Get my self respect back
8) Be in control of my life
9) Weight loss
10) Less worry about health and finance

I think this will work for me. To achieve all 10 things on my list makes that glass of wine in the back of my mind seem a waste of time.

I like myself.

No hangovers!!

This is a (mostly) woman benefit, but: lower risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis!

Maybe we could compile the definitive list?

Maybe even a top 100?

That's a brilliant idea.

16. Easier to quit smoking

17) Being respected more by others
18) Doing better at work

19) Can exercise now without feeling like a hypocrite.

20. Better breath!

21. Knowing I am living in the sunlight of God

22. Being able to remember where I was last night.

23. Being more aware/critical of people I allow in my bed with me!

24. No more anxiety..

This one's a biggie for me, no more waking up with that panicked feeling thinking "who did I talk to on the phone last night? Did I get on the computer? What kind of things did I say to my husband?"

One of the worst feelings in the world, for me anyway.

26. Being able to brush my teeth in the morning without vomiting.

* "real" sex life

28. no more "where did that bruise/injury come from?"

29. knowledge that family's and friends' tears have ceased

30. No more being abusive online/through texts/on the phone/ to my lovely kids- then feeling ill the next day remembering!