Kjell

Hi all-

What's 2011 going to mean to you? Yes, yes, I know, live one day at a time, but we all think ahead a bit.

For me...

2008 - I started having consequences b/c of my drinking and blacking out.
2009 - Kept drinking, even though I'd been broken up with, fired, had to move, and finally dui and totaled car #2. Started AA in Sept, but struggled for a few months still trying to control my drinking.
2010 - finally got sober, finally did the work, finally got sentenced, finally decided to participate in my own recovery and reality.

2011 - Lots of hope for this year. I got a lot to do b/c of my sentence, but I'm really looking forward to sobriety, to really finding out who I am now the the "fog" has sort of worn off, and to being able to drive again

I'm also looking forward to what life has in store for me. I so happy I'm willing to be open to new ideas now.

Viva sobriety!

Kjell

PaleMale

I'm hoping that one day at a time, 2011 will be my first entire year sober since I was 17. High hopes but a great goal!

LaFemme

2011-first entire year sober since I was 17

endlesspatience

Yes, I've done the ground work. 2011 starts with me chairing an AA meeting at 1000 on New Year's Day. Who would have believed it a year ago?

artsoul

Thanks for the topic, K! I've been thinking a bit about this myself....

I have several goals for this year, the main one is staying sober of course. Without my sobriety, I might as well forget about the rest of them. One thing about being sober is that I care more about my life. I think I even like myself! So, I'll be doing some things that go along with that (like making some healthier choices, going to the doctors for a check-up, etc.). I need to quit smoking too.

I have plenty to work on, but just beginning this year as a sober person really means alot to me. And seeing the successes here, too..... it's wonderful....I'm looking forward to a great 2011!:day6

MyGraySkies

I look forward to celebrating a year of sobriety in 2011. I hope to be able to help others with their struggles, be a good friend, a better mom and wife.

Isaiah

2011 could be quite a big year for me. I have spent the last two trying to work on my sobriety and deal with all the negative consequences of my drinking. It was hardly much of a "normal life." Start of this next year I am moving, going to start working, see what comes of this romantic relationship I have, and other things I never could've had drunk. I sort of feel like the "promises" are being laid out in front of me, so I'll be working sobriety hard to make sure I get to have and keep them.

bellakeller

GOALS
1. Start really working on my physical health
2. Finding a new Full-time job w/ my own benefits

Next year I'll take over the world!

Forwards

Well I'm starting 2011 sober and plan to stay that way, but thinking of the year ahead is daunting to say the least.

Yes, I know there will be blessings ahead in sobriety but over the last couple of months I have come to the stark realisiation that after so many years drinking, not only do I not know what I am 'supposed' to be doing with my life, career, relationships etc. I don't even really know who I am any more. Obviously that poses a bit of a problem looking at job interviews etc.

Oh well, one day at a time. I'll get stuck in to AA and see if that helps. Warmest New Year's greetings to everyone here at SR.

Anna

I have been amazed about how many layers there are. When I feel like I've reached a plateau in recovery, something is revealed to me to let me know there is more growth yet to come.

2010 was a year in which I felt more comfortable with myself than I ever have. It almost felt like I was being given a second chance to live my life as a person who cares for herself.

2011 is going to be amazing. My 3rd grandchild will be born in April and I am thrilled about that, not to mention grateful.

NEOMARXIST

Hope...

I will keep staying sober 'just for today' and working my recovery 'one day at a time'. I will let what is instore for me reveal itself to me as it's intended to do. This is what I have done in 2010 and things worked out positively.

I have faith in recovery and I look forward to what's instore for me. I know that by making sure that I look after today means that I can have a brighter tomorrow.

I relate to where you're at mate and remember the immense hope I felt last new year. I have manged to build my life up courtesy of sobriety and recovery and I also relate to the excitement at driving again. I am still grateful everytime I get in my car like 16 months since I got driving again! It makes me appreciate it more having lost my license and also I know that I could kiss goodbye to my license if I ever drank again! 'Just for today' that ain't going to happen...

Peace and Happy new Year!!

sleepie

Meditate, exercise a bit. Get happy. Continue to cultivate meaningful and mutually respectful relationships with people. Quit drinking. Stop dating fools. If I get one or two of those it will be a different year.

FBL

Well, 2010 has been the first full calendar year that I've been totally sober since 1979, when I was 13 years-old! Hopefully 2011 will be another year of sober, grateful and joyous living.

ISPYSOBRIETY

2011 to me means hoping for the world to get smart and correct our paths. It will mean I quit drinking LAST year and am a responsible person, who no longer accepts being abused by any element, going forward. I'm sober. I analyze. I'm realistic and I'm focussed. I am responsible for my actions and my life. Nobody owes me squat. It's all me now and I like it.

Leaving alcohol is a monumental part of my life, with many bad memories. I see things clearly now, for what they are. They were not good times, but awful times with awful consequences from hangovers to a dui.

At the same time, I will not allow my leaving alcohol to be a highlight in my life, anymore than I will allow any other bad experience. I will not give it such power to live with me or scar me. I'm in power now. It has been rendered powerless by ME~

Zebra1275

2011 will be my first full calendar year of AA. With the tools and fellowship of AA hopefully I will be able to handle anything that life throws my way.

least

2011 will be my second full year of sobriety! Will continue to take it one day at a time and keep on counting my blessings every day. Will enjoy my life, my dogs, my home, and life in general. Will try to save some money each month so I won't be stranded in case of a crisis.

Dee74

I'm excited about new years and the possibilities an opportunities they'll bring, & this year is no exception - and, given my history, I'm always grateful I get to see another new year

happy new year to all
thanks Kjell

D

Toronto68

Kjell, I sure hope it's better. It was good for me from the standpoint of being a year sober, but there was a lot of crap too, mostly due to my own fears, I think.

PaleMale, when I think about it technically, this was probably my first year going a full year since I was 17 too. I say I didn't start drinking until after I was legal (19), but I technically did have some before that, once when I was 18 and once when I was 17 at a military dinner. Hoping you will get there. Breaking it down into smaller units (just today; repeat, repeat) seems to be the way to keep going, plus something special each person figures out for themselves.

oakleaf82

2011-- I really want to work on changing my life for the better. This included staying sober; but it's more than that. I want to be healthier; be more positive; do things that are enriching and fulfilling; start volunteering; looking at grad school; and really work on improving my relationship with my husband.

Lots of these things seem possible with the absence of alcohol. I hate falling into the same patterns of worrying about the same things; having the same fight with my husband; something needs to change. I feel like if I can give up drinking that will be a MAJOR change, and more things will be possible.

Fandy

i look forward to 2011 i want to wipe 2010 right off the map..except for getting sober and coming here.

i want to put myself first for a change and take a few hours every week to spend on enjoying myself both body and mind...i'm tired of working 6 days a week...the $$ is good and i know i am very fortunate with my job, but i want to have a little fun too...i am tired of playing beat the clock from the minute i wake up until i get back home.

i think i'm due for a happiness turn around, 2009 and 10 were pretty sucky..both relationship-wise and it is draining to see my mother decline (she has advancing dementia) so fast.

but through all that I managed to pull my head out of the wine bottle and get sober....that is the best part.

i'm fearful to plan too far a head, but each day is a step in the right direction. i am also looking forward to more daylight every day...i hate this time of year with no sunlight until 730AM.

thanks for starting the thread...HappyNew Year!