Fifteen months!!
 

With the help of the members here and my wonderful addiction counselor, I'll have 15 months sober tomorrow (Tuesday).:) I cannot fully describe the difference in living sober. It's huge, it affects every part of my life. I can participate fully in my life and others' lives now that I'm 'awake and aware'.

I am able to 'do' for Miss Daisy now that she's needing real help, real often. Couldn't do it if I were still drinking. I take excellent care of my beloved dogs and it shows in their happy eyes and shiny fur. My house is no longer a wreck; not magazine-perfect, but clean. I do one dog walk a day, weather permitting, and it's good for all of us.:)

When I was drinking I wasn't living, just existing from bottle to bottle. Now I'm really living and enjoying my life. Keeping my own side of the street clean keeps me busy and out of trouble.;) I wake up most mornings feeling good and ready for the day, not dreading it. And even on mornings where I'm not the sharpest pencil in the cup, I'm still very much aware that it's not due to drinking!!:) And that makes me feel good.

So no matter where you are in recovery, never give up on yourself until you 'get it'. I'm so glad I didn't give up. Happy is my new normal now... and that's so cool, since I used to be a miserable mess.

Hugs to all for being there for me and with me on this sober journey.:grouphug:

SO AMAZING, Least! You are an inspiration!

Congratulations Least! Thanks for teaching me about gratitude.:thanks

Least, what a great accomplishment. For those of us just starting the journey, what do you do when you feel tempted to drink?

:day1:ghug3

Silly emoticons don't quite cut it....but many, many congratulations to you least!

Congratulations least!!! Thank you so much for all your words of wisdom!
:day:day5

I take out the memory of my last withdrawals and how bad I felt, mentally and physically. I take out the memories of not paying bills cause the money was going on wine. I take out all the bad memories of drinking, and there are so many, and just look at them in my head. And the thoughts of drinking go away.:) Actually the whole process takes only a couple seconds for the urge to register and be rebuffed.:)

The biggest thing I've done to want to stay sober is to be grateful, every day. I had to force it at first but the more I was grateful, the more there was to be grateful for.:) I'm proof of the saying: a grateful alcoholic won't drink.

Congrats Least :)

Way to go, Least! Your story is a testament to the power of keeping an appreciative attitude. Thanks --- it's helpful advice for people like me who are just starting out.

Congrats Least.

I'm right about 15 months too and it's been a pleasure sharing in this amazing adventure with you here on SR.

Keep up the good work and keep posting :)

Kjell

You have come so far and are such an asset to this board. You are always an inspiration to the newcomers by welcoming them and letting them know that recovery is possible. This board just wouldn't be the same without you. :hug:

Huge congratulations out to you on your 15 months Least.
Thanks so much for being here.

Congratulations Least!

You are one of my inspirations here at SR! Love to read your grats every day and your wise, funny posts.

Plus, I love those adorable doggies who are getting the best of care!

:ValD007: :dance8: :You_Rock_

Least, you are just shining along with your recovery! :ghug3

Congratulations! I'm so proud of you. Even though we're in different stages of life, I always feel like I can relate to you and you understand me. Thanks for all your encouragement and support!

I love a success story! Congrats, Least. :a122:

least,

your the Most! http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs13/f/20..._bad_blood.gif

lol, Rusty... least is the greatest!

Congrats on 15 months—and your grateful life!

Thank You for supporting so many of us.

Happy for you :ghug3