Daily Positive Posts
 

I'd like to start a thread that focuses on positive effects of sobriety. Not sweeping changes, like "my life is so much better now." More like, what specific thing happened or did you notice today that made you pause and think, "this is better or even possible only because I am sober"?
Whether you've been sober a day or many years.

I'll start with mine. Today I had the energy to enjoy beautiful sun and a long walk with my dog because I was not hung over like most Sundays in the past. :)

Great idea Betty :)

I'm able to plan for my music day tomorrow - there would probably be no music day if I was drinking.

D

I take good care of my dogs and cats now. We don't miss walks or meals cause I'm too drunk or sick. They get the love and care they need and deserve. :)

Just went to a fun kids event on a late Sunday afternoon. Then to dinner and ice cream. Completely present and laughing with my kid on a Sunday night. Priceless.

The weather is warming up a bit here and I walked for about two hours this afternoon. I sure didn't have any energy for that when I was drinking.

My home looks so much better cause since I quit I have the energy to clean, organize and decorate more. I'm feeling house proud. :)

Delfin

Love this. I just took my dog for a long walk on the beach without feeling ill/hungover or sneaking into the pub.

I had a wonderful hot yoga practice. Then I spent 3 hours planting a flower garden. It's beautiful. I haven't spent much time in my yard since my husband died. It feels good to care again.

I feel good after a shower, instead of wet and still sick and sweaty.

Even if you sleep in and spend time doing the boring stuff (cleaning, grocery shopping, etc.), the weekends feel so LONG! I feel refreshed on Sunday nights, rather than anxious, depressed, exhausted and wondering where my weekend went :(

These are great! Thanks everyone. Staying focused on the positives is such a motivator for me. Hope to keep this going :)

I got up and walked 2 miles to work today. I put in my 8 hours, and enjoyed my time at work. I had good conversations with co-workers. Then I got home and had dinner with my son and girlfriend. Now I'm on here reading and chatting with all the wonderful people. :thanks

I'm present the whole day. Good bits, annoying bits, feel like I'm living instead of checking out

Pulled out some old dying bushes and planted some colorful plants today. Way more productive when I am not holding a beer all day long.

We were nurturing our new plants yesterday cooked a lovely lamb roast and we almost have the floor money saved up (were doing the floors in our house)

I was able to commit to a plan with a friend and actually come through and have a great time vs locking myself in the house and drinking.

Andrew

a great but somewhat quiet weekend, that's fine by me though and how I now enjoy it, productive none the less and plenty of fun with my wife and daughter but also quite relaxing too - find I'm helping out much more and doing more than my fair share instead of shirking - new found interest in gardening - oh and all this with a smile on my face.

I woke up at 2am and did the old "uh oh, how much did I drink and how am I going to feel in a few hours" and then realized I haven't had a drink since early March. I forgot what that was like and it was GOOD when reality hit me.

Last night I had friends over for dinner.... They each had a few beers and I have a pretty good notion they'd also had a bit of marijuana... or something.

It was nice to hang with them and catch up. I hadn't seen them in some time and just chilling out in our own space with visitors was a good time.

Yet I was able to observe behaviors - repeating things, not really 'getting' pieces of the conversation, interpreting things oddly - that reminded me how nice it really is to just enjoy life and to interact with life around me with a clear head and conscience.

Thank you for this lovely idea. I woke extra early this morning to meet friends for a special event that took place at dawn, followed by breakfast with them where we shared jovial conversation and company. I was sober, fully present and grateful to greet the day in this meaningful way.

Only on day 9 here but have noticed clear benefits to not drinking..

- Sleeping better
- Not driving drunk
- Girlfriend is proud
- Eating better
- Working on my issues rather than drowning them

Those are the obvious benefits but I have noticed a greater appreciation for a nice day .. sun shining and warm .. I find myself not wanting to miss out on it. I have missed out on so many nice days sitting in my dark apartment drinking alone.

Enjoying a nice day makes me feel like I have re-joined the human race.

Happy Monday all.
Fricka's last sentence sums it up for me.
My garden is benefitting greatly from sobriety. All the unfinished projects are receiving the attention they need.
I tore out the winter veggies and got the summer plants in. Pruned the orchard and sprayed all the apropriate sprays at the right time of year....
Sunny excellent day outside with my family.
Jonathan

I noticed this morning a relieved feeling when caught for an quick conversation with my boss that I didn't have any fear of residual booze breath, only coffee breath!
I can completely relate to following through on plans Andrew. So many times I cancelled something fun because I was not up to it. No more!

The three runs a week I now do would not have been possible when I was drinking...I feel an immense sense of pride and achievement each time I run that bit further xxx

I woke up not hung over- and I have followed all my healthy eating goals so far today!
Thinking of taking a walk in the rain :)

Felt really low yesterday but took the 'lowness' on board and busied myself in the garden despite myself. Moping wouldn't have helped. Besides when I pick up I will feel better over that gardening. Great thread Betty!:lmao

Yesterday for the first time in a really long time I didn't panic that it was Sunday and I had to get to the shops for wine before they shut!
Instead I bought some beautiful organic meat and vegetables and spent the evening cooking.
While drinking I would have ordered a pizza or just had wine for dinner.

Today I had a chat with a co worker who I previously thought didn't like me - but for some reason it clicked today that it was me that didn't like me!
I had just never bothered speaking to him because I was always hungover and paranoid!

Today ( day 18 ) I'm actually starting to feel better - in fact I feel good :)
I might even be getting some of my mojo back :)
I'm still waiting for my sense of humor though .........

Exactly, even if you don't feel too prime at the time you will reap the benefits later down the track!:c011:

Today I noticed when I got my direct deposit notice for check on Thursday that I still have money left over from last check! Lots more breathing room in the budget if my money isn't being sucked away by alcohol.

^This!^ More money for cool stuff! I went to ballet (got great seats) and just got tickets to see Cirque du Soleil.

Delfin