The best thing about sobriety
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Join Date: Nov 2013
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The best thing about sobriety
It's hard to pinpoint the single "best thing" about being sober because there are so many positives, but I think, for me, the best part is the feeling of peace and calm in my life. I've lived in and thrived on chaos for so long, it was weird at first .... I didn't know how to just "be" without fighting everything. When I finally chose to throw down my gloves and just live life on life's terms, everything in my little world improved ... and I mean everything. I am so much happier, more content with life, more comfortable in my own skin. I have never felt contentment in my life, which is pretty sad to say at 46 years of age, but I have found it now. 
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Join Date: Dec 2006
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47 here Holly... Yup, I getcha.
I have been spending some time getting to know a new person in my life. Yes, romantically and yes, I realize this is not "suggested" as a great idea in recovery. This person is actually someone from my youth. We knew each other by face and reputation only as we went to high school together (and apparently each had a crush on the other). What blows my mind is how we are "organically" coming to know one another slowly and patiently and it is ..so incredibly lovely. We go to movies, and walks by the river and talk for hours and hours..
What is gone is the drama and painful roller coaster I used to be on in "new relationship" when I jumped into intimacy far too fast. I "feel" like the young person I used to be in highschool before alcohol ravaged my life...
Words cannot express the gift of that. I feel far more confident sober than I EVER did drinking. And I know that if I was to pick up a drink..this relationship would be over as I would circumvent process in one way or another. I would move things along far too quick and then sabotage it all in fear. That was my drinking pattern...and then as usual..would end up alone with my bottle..wondering why I could never find a healthy relationship...
This is the best part of my sobriety right now...as I get to know me...I am allowing someone else the same offering. This is me..warts and all...this is who I am... a bit introverted and not one to "make the first move"..as I have so many times before and fallen into relationship with a "Mr. Wrong"... It is beyond beautiful.
That being said..it is NOT the reason I am sober...it's just a beautiful gift of it. I am so very glad this nice, kind solid responsible man did NOT come into my life when I was so very unhealthy... he would have ran like the wind.
I have been spending some time getting to know a new person in my life. Yes, romantically and yes, I realize this is not "suggested" as a great idea in recovery. This person is actually someone from my youth. We knew each other by face and reputation only as we went to high school together (and apparently each had a crush on the other). What blows my mind is how we are "organically" coming to know one another slowly and patiently and it is ..so incredibly lovely. We go to movies, and walks by the river and talk for hours and hours..
What is gone is the drama and painful roller coaster I used to be on in "new relationship" when I jumped into intimacy far too fast. I "feel" like the young person I used to be in highschool before alcohol ravaged my life...
Words cannot express the gift of that. I feel far more confident sober than I EVER did drinking. And I know that if I was to pick up a drink..this relationship would be over as I would circumvent process in one way or another. I would move things along far too quick and then sabotage it all in fear. That was my drinking pattern...and then as usual..would end up alone with my bottle..wondering why I could never find a healthy relationship...
This is the best part of my sobriety right now...as I get to know me...I am allowing someone else the same offering. This is me..warts and all...this is who I am... a bit introverted and not one to "make the first move"..as I have so many times before and fallen into relationship with a "Mr. Wrong"... It is beyond beautiful.
That being said..it is NOT the reason I am sober...it's just a beautiful gift of it. I am so very glad this nice, kind solid responsible man did NOT come into my life when I was so very unhealthy... he would have ran like the wind.
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: BC
Posts: 557
Originally Posted by Nuudawn 
What is gone is the drama and painful roller coaster I used to be on in "new relationship" when I jumped into intimacy far too fast.
I would circumvent process in one way or another. I would move things along far too quick and then sabotage it all in fear. That was my drinking pattern...and then as usual..would end up alone with my bottle..wondering why I could never find a healthy relationship...
I would circumvent process in one way or another. I would move things along far too quick and then sabotage it all in fear. That was my drinking pattern...and then as usual..would end up alone with my bottle..wondering why I could never find a healthy relationship...
That ^^^ is my relationship history in a nutshell right there!
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 872
My favorite thing so far is having more time to do things I want to do. When I was drinking, I would waste the whole day recovering from hangovers. I would also sometimes feel shame or regret - not the best way to start a day. When I wake up sober - life is good. I feel happier to be alive.
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 67,047
So many things to say but here's 3 light humored reasons i think we can all mostly agree on
Having an appetite (dinner time smelling food when your hungry)
Eating your favourite meal (rib eye steak and chips)
Eating your favourite desert (my mil tiramisu is so good)
Having an appetite (dinner time smelling food when your hungry)
Eating your favourite meal (rib eye steak and chips)
Eating your favourite desert (my mil tiramisu is so good)
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Ga
Posts: 1,511
The shame and regret were the worst. I hated myself. Im taking time to enjoy the smaill things again... pushing my daughter on the swing, watching her play, cooking and eating! Being a better wife. Lighting my favorite candle (leaves from bath and body) watcing it rain, reading my devotionals, sleeping well, feeing like I'm getting things accomplished through out the day.... the list goes on! ending day 7
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Join Date: Nov 2013
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One other great thing about sobriety ... all the amazing, inspiring people that I have met and now consider my closest friends, although they were strangers but a few short months ago. They are a wonderful gift of sobriety, and for that I am forever grateful.
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Join Date: Jul 2014
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I totally agree with the peace and calm. I used to use my children as an excuse to drink- the stress of being a mother- and just felt so out of control and overwhelmed at times. Now that I have stopped drinking I find that I am much less stressed and can handle the natural bumps of parenthood with a calm head and even temper.
I also love how I feel so connected to other people. I adore my two boys and am madly in love with my boyfriend, I have a nice relationship with the father of my children, I don't have many friends here, but the ones I do I appreciate very much. But while I was drinking, despite this love for many people I loved alcohol more. I remember regularly feeling anxious for my boyfriend to leave in the evenings so I could really rip into the wine without judgement or attempts to stop me. Now I am so happy to have him linger and can fully engage with him in a positive way.
My kids are much closer to me, I can feel it. They are maybe to young to understand what the difference is but I know they feel it and I do too. It is wonderful.
I also love how I feel so connected to other people. I adore my two boys and am madly in love with my boyfriend, I have a nice relationship with the father of my children, I don't have many friends here, but the ones I do I appreciate very much. But while I was drinking, despite this love for many people I loved alcohol more. I remember regularly feeling anxious for my boyfriend to leave in the evenings so I could really rip into the wine without judgement or attempts to stop me. Now I am so happy to have him linger and can fully engage with him in a positive way.
My kids are much closer to me, I can feel it. They are maybe to young to understand what the difference is but I know they feel it and I do too. It is wonderful.
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