AngelaE

Dear Tufty,

Well done! The rewards of sobriety are amazing. Being able to do simple tasks (that would have previously been too much of an effort) are in itself motivation to keep taking steps forward however big or small.

I am certain the fact that you are able to collect your daughter from the station in person means so very much to her!

teatreeoil007

Here's a song for you Tuffty...maybe it's like your fiance?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioqZYzI5slg

tufty13

Thanks Teatree, that's lovely. Pretty accurate too!

In fact thank you everyone for your input and support on this thread. You've all been amazing.

I've just read through this thread for the first time and I must admit I'm a bit tearful after reading all the positive comments.

I've come a long way, for sure.

I've grown beyond belief. Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Quite frankly I'm unrecognisable from the drunk me.
Everything I thought I knew I've torn up, I've changed my life completely.

The rewards in my relationship with others but more importantly my relationship with myself are seemingly endless.

I've saved money and paid back some debts I took on when I got divorced. I've doubled my income by bringing in lodgers and I've used that money to buy my oldest a second hand car so she can get better paid work.

Having the company of lodgers has transformed my mental well being as I no longer isolate myself. I can only have lodgers because I no longer get wasted three nights a week at my kitchen table (and every weekend)

I've paid for my other three daughters to do some travelling before they start university.

I'm learning new things about myself and have become interested in Buddhism. I hope to pursue that one day.

For the time being, I still attend Quakers as it was soon after attending my first Quaker meeting that I joined SR and got sober.

For me there is an inextricable link between my faith and my sobriety.

Thank you to everyone here who has supported me on my journey :-)

August252015

I love this!! My boyfriend is in recovery too and has two children; his son just left for college but his daughter is 14 and a freshman in high school. He talks about the way so much is different in their lives now, and one of the things he knows (and SHE knows) is that he'll always be able to get her or take her somewhere safely and with little notice. Sure, he had to cut his time with me short last Fri night to get her from a "boys and girls will be there, Dad" party - but that was more important, possible, and right so everyone wins!

Keep up the good work!

tufty13

Just checking in. :-)

Life has never been better.

I had a depressive episode last week but it was over in no time. Normally they last weeks, so that's different.

I took Molly to Leeds university. Packed her bags and drove a 500 mile round trip to set her on her way to a new chapter in her life.

I was a very proud dad and I'm pretty sure she's proud of me.

My relationships with all my four daughters and my ex wife have never been better. Much more meaningful, so that's different.

The bottom line is I'm happy. I could never say that when I was drinking, so that's different.

Love & hugs to all.

Soberwolf

That's excellent to hear Tufty

Dee74

Excellent stuff Tufty

D

tufty13

Fifty weeks now and still not drinking.

Just wrapped some presents for the twins as its their 20th birthday tomorrow.

How strange not to be last-minute-wrapping on the morning of their birthday with a hangover.

No more wrinkly, twisted paper and sellotape slapped on in all directions in a non caring fashion.

Well that's different.

I'm using the money I've saved from not drinking and taking them to Iceland to go whale watching and to see the aurora borealis.

I've told them we are going walking in northern England so it will be a total surprise for them; until we get to the airport anyway.

Happy sober memories in the making for my family & me.

feeling-good

tufty - keep on keeping on! Life is so much better with sobriety, that's for sure!

Delizadee

Great job tufty! I've really enjoy your thread. Ba year around the corner super awesome my friend thank for being here and sharing with us

Dee74

It's great to see all this positivity and joy Tufty - congratulations
D