artsoul

Just wanted to share an idea that has helped me get through some of the rough patches I've had in early sobriety:

If I drink today, I know what tomorrow will bring: feeling hungover and sick, wanting to stay in bed, a wasted day, a return of cravings. If I drink today, it will be harder the next day to stay sober. If I drink today, there are no surprises, no adventure. It will be the same old same old.

HOWEVER

If I stay sober today, I just might be ready for something to happen tomorrow. It could be something I need to be strong for. OR it could be something really good. I won't know until I get there. I might just have a breakthrough idea, enjoy unexpected pleasures with my children, make alot of money, meet the love of my life, or help another alcoholic. If I can get through today, something just might happen and it might be wonderful. I can at least give tomorrow a chance. I can stay sober for one more day and see what happens..... tomorrow.

suki44883

That is called playing the tape all the way through. Good job! :ghug3

julez

This was the most beautiful inspiring thing I've heard yet. I actually printed it out, to keep with me, so I can refer back to it often. Thank you thank you.

BrokenChains

I really needed that tonight. Thank you.

Anna

That's very, inspiring Artsoul, thanks!

NEOMARXIST

Great Post Artsoul.

What you are hitting on there is that feeling of hope. If I drink today then my tomorrow has zero hope. I won't be able to embrace anything, only another drink plus a whole heap of depression.

However by staying sober 'just for today' then I have hope for tomorrow. I love feeling hope. It's a very hard thing to quantify and probably only something that other recovering alcoholics can relate to, but it is nice having an overall feeling of hope.

Thank you.

peace and Love x

gcc572

Thank you for that. My day is just starting out and running that through my head just made my day better and me stronger.

huntwc

Thanks from me too...I printed it out as well..

lildawg

Thank you for posting that. It was very inspiring. The best part, though, is that it's true. If I can stay sober today, something interesting might happen tomorrow.

cat1961

artsoul - that was awesome!

It's amazing how our alcoholic minds think the same.

for sharing that inspiring post!

artsoul

That's exactly it, NEO. I think that being a person who tends to have alot of fear (or maybe perfectionism linked to negativity???), I needed to have that little light bulb go off in my head. Like who am I to say that tomorrow things won't be great?!

I'm so happy others found this idea helpful, too. But then as you said, cat, we're like peas in a pod here!!

onestepforward

That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

Kmber2010

Well said Art and a great post to start my day with. Thank you

Recovery1983

That was awesome! Hope you dont mind but I wrote it down and I'm going to share it tomorrow at my regular noon meeting. I think it will inspire a lot of newcomers and it will remind the old timers and those in between of why we are there.

Did you write this yourself or did you find it on the internet?

Kitey

I love reading your Posts Artsoul, you are truly amazing!

Thank you , you are a Credit to this Wonderful Forum.

discoveringme

wow...loved that!! Needed tha today too!! Thanks Artsoul!!

BobGT

Hey Artsoul,

Did anything happen? I'm only kidding, lol. That was a great post. Thanks.