huntingtontx

I am visiting my kids and grandkids, and I missed the Friday night meeting. My first thought was wish I was there, but then, I looked around, everyone having fun, no one thinking about alcohol or anything but just being a family and being together. It was great. I just wished I could always feel this normal, and that alcohol had never been a part of my life. We had a great time yesterday playing with the kids at the park, and just being together. Her family is a non drinking family. I love it. I do wish I could just be a normal person again. I still worry if I don't keep an eye out I will fall back into drinking, but I wish I were just a normal person. Just venting a little I guess. I thank God everyday that I don't drink, and am so happy to be a non drinker. I am not complaining. Just sometimes wish I were just a normal person.

aasharon90

Being around folks that don't drink
and are living in recovery makes me feel
normal. My little family, a son and daughter
as well as their dad are very normal with
no addictions.

In that 25 yr. marriage with 8 yrs sick
with my own alcohol addiction, then
the remaining yrs living a recovery life
was very trying for me.

The only folks that understood me
and my addiction was those in the
many many many meetings I attended
day in and day out. These folks in recovery
knew me without judgement.

My little family and I were like living
on different planets with the lack of
understanding and communication
which was sad.

I went to all those family gatherings
and always felt out of place. They all
seemed to have fun and communication
came easy for them. Me, I tried to incorporate
my recovery program in the conversation
to only be out voiced by others.

Quiety and resentful I fell off to the side
as if I wasn't even there. So sad. And so,
I went to many meetings so that I could
feel like I belong somewhere's. Where I
could laugh and be myself. What a relief..!!!!!

My 25 yr marriage ended and the little
family grew healthy and happy in their
future lives.

Me, I remarried and am happy, healthy,
sober, honest and mostly am my own
person knowing exactly where I belong.

Im as normal as I possibly can be today
and what an awesome blessing.

Mountainmanbob

We abused booze and now must always be on gard against the liquid devil. It's not that bad of a deal.
MM

strategery

I missed you at the Friday night meeting Hunt and can relate with how you're feeling. We cannot change who we are. One of the things I've come to realize, is that no one is normal. We all have certain quirks that make us unique and things we have to deal with. For us, we have to avoid alcohol or other substances, which I don't think is too much different than having to avoid certain things for health related reasons. For example, people that have high cholesterol are advised not to eat high fat and have to take pills to lower their cholesterol.

However, the awesome thing is that you are sober and have been sober for almost 2 years now! You were able to enjoy that night with your family and can enjoy many more of those nights. Keep on remembering how far you've come!

ArtFriend

I personally don't care for the designation of "normal" vs "abnormal". It has a negative connotation to it. Would you say that a person with diabetes is abnormal? We have a disease that is manageable. Like diabetes. And you are doing that by being sober!

Mountainmanbob

I agree ArtFriend. Even the "normies" that I know, I would not call normal. All will have issues and battles to fight from time to time.

Mountainmanbob

neferkamichael

HuntDear, I wondered where you were and it sounds to me you had a nice meeting anyway.

SoberLeigh

Overcoming alcoholism takes courage and strength well above the norm. Understanding (in an intimate way) the beauty, joy, serenity and uniqueness of sobriety and recovery is something a 'normie' can never appreciate. We can appreciate, for them, a gift they unknowingly take for granted.

PurpleKnight

Hang in there Hunt!!

Sometimes there's good and bad days when thoughts start to creep in from all over the place!!

site1Q84

I think that if I weren't he way I am, I wouldn't have the appreciation of life that I do. I think a lot of "normal" people just kind of float through life, enjoying themselves but not fully understanding everything they're given.

Soberwolf

Soberween

I always try to remember that everyone has their ****. It may not be alcohol, but there is always something or some type of challenge that each person deals with that make them feel like they are not normal.

huntingtontx

Thanks for all your answers. I really appreciate the feedback. I am not down. I guess I just wish I had made better choices in the past. I am happier now then I have ever been. Life is good. Love ya all and thanks again,

Dee74

We're all normal Hunt - we just don't drink.
It took me a while but I finally get what an insignificant thing drinking really is

D

Venecia

You're a wise person, Leigh.

freshstart57

If you wish to consider yourself to be normal, within the normal range of characteristics and behavior, then go right ahead and do so. Appreciate the fact that over half of humans on God's green earth do not consume alcohol. Any. Ever.
It might be more helpful to consider yourself to be normal for you, and that means working to overcome personal challenges to pursue personal growth. Just like normal people do, all the time.

You can do it, you are doing it, so keep doing it. You will never be sorry this way, guaranteed.

courage2

I don't think there's anything abnormal about alcoholism -- where I come from it was certainly the norm.

If you're talking about regrets, everybody has a few -- even Frank Sinatra, he just didn't mention them. And if you're talking about being like the average bloke, you're likely above the average. The average alcoholic isn't enjoying a good, sober & satisfying life!