One Year Yesterday
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 370
One Year Yesterday
The day that seemed so far away and impossible is finally here, one year without a drop of alcohol. I suppose this journey is different for each of us, but like many, mine was a very rough beginning. I made a complete fool of myself, and the most important people in my life gave up on me. Pushing forward after that was the toughest thing I've ever done. but I did.
Things really seemed to smooth out for me around 4-5 month mark. There was a shift from believing I could succeed, to believing I was succeeding. That was also about the point I felt confident I had surrounded myself with the right support network.
There have been many major life challenges along the way, some early, some more recently. But I have managed to deal with them without needing to drink. I have come to realize managing life's pressures are as important as just not drinking. I allowed far too many unhealthy things in my life before, I don't have the ability to ignore them now.
The best reward is a more peaceful existence. No longer is there a second persona I am ashamed of, I am exactly who I appear to be now.
Things really seemed to smooth out for me around 4-5 month mark. There was a shift from believing I could succeed, to believing I was succeeding. That was also about the point I felt confident I had surrounded myself with the right support network.
There have been many major life challenges along the way, some early, some more recently. But I have managed to deal with them without needing to drink. I have come to realize managing life's pressures are as important as just not drinking. I allowed far too many unhealthy things in my life before, I don't have the ability to ignore them now.
The best reward is a more peaceful existence. No longer is there a second persona I am ashamed of, I am exactly who I appear to be now.
Great post; glad you are doing so well.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,781
The best reward is a more peaceful existence. No longer is there a second persona I am ashamed of, I am exactly who I appear to be now.
Congrats on the first of many sober years.
And thanks for an inspiring message. 
Living Sober
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 555
Hey NoJimmy, nice job.
You're story is a fantastic example how well things can turn out, if just given an honest chance. You should be very proud of what you've accomplished.
I recently hit my one year mark a couple of months ago, and I was very proud. I never would have thought I'd actually be one of those 'sober' guys, but here we are, a year later.
You're story is a fantastic example how well things can turn out, if just given an honest chance. You should be very proud of what you've accomplished.
I recently hit my one year mark a couple of months ago, and I was very proud. I never would have thought I'd actually be one of those 'sober' guys, but here we are, a year later.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 315
Congratulations and thank you for the post. It is inspiring to someone who is fairly new to sobriety. I love the idea of not being two people anymore. Managing stress is also one of my goals. Just starting to learn how to do that without alcohol (SR, meditation, exercise).
This gives me hope for the future!
This gives me hope for the future!
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