How we stay sober
 

I ponder sobriety thoughts sitting on my porch drinking coffee making sure my Spinger Spaniel doesn't get into trouble while he keeps my cul-de-sac safe from baby bunnies and squirrels.

I am of the belief that there are two main phases of sobriety. Getting sober and staying sober. I got sober multiple times only to return to alcoholic drinking as soon as my resolve evaporated.

It will be 7 years in July and I doubt I will ever drink again because I never want to return to the hell my life had become but I am certain that I am capable of drinking again if don't actively maintain a program of recovery.

I'm not saying my way is the right way or the only way but I am saying this is why I remain sober.

Everyday is the same. I wake and do 4 things. I ask God for a day of sobriety and direction. I read AA daily reflections, I read a couple of pre-selected bible readings, I pray the 3rd step prayer, I check in on SR and will comment if I think I can be of help.

I have a large social net of sober friends on Facebook and I see what they are up to. I pay special attention to a few that are going through some major life challenges.

I go to 3 AA meetings a week. I always come early and stay late. I renue old friendships, make new ones, and maintain existing ones. These people are my friends and I love them.

Everyday I try to grow, I help where I can, I'm as honest as I can be and i have a whole set of social and non social activities.

I understand a lot of the world drinks but I avoid drinking situations but I will do fun things with people who have a beer or a glass of wine.

When I go to bed I thank God for a day of sobriety.

These activities have become my life and they are why I am sober.:tyou

Sobriety is not magic. Just curious what actions do others take on a repeating basis?

Check-in on SR several times a day. Had a beer in my hand when not at work for most of my life so i needed to replace that routine. I alternate with water, coke zero, or coffee. More water mostly. I give myself a daily check up from the neck up by reading about something negative mentally or physically that will happen with long term heavy drinking. Works for me......

Did i mention reading daily on SR:)

Jimmy

Thanks for the great post, MIR.

I do my best to keep balance in my life. I walk a lot, I read spiritual books regularly, I spend time with my family and people I love. It's very seldom that I do something because I 'have' to. I try to live in the present in a Mindful way, and I feel gratitude all the time.

What helps me to stay sober (besides just not wanting to drink) is taking good care of my critters. Their love inspires me to stay sober so I can continue to take good care of them. :)

Anna reminded me that gratitude is another good way to stay sober. :)

I check-in on SR first thing every morning, offering help when I can or even just simple hello's or I'm listening's. This prepare me to be ready to be more likely to come here and ask for help when I need it myself. I also check back in here at least once every three or four hours unless I'm at work, and it's actually usually a lot more often than that. I don't just stick to my own little cliques here but try to always be welcoming and inclusive to newcomers.

I go to at least two AA meetings a week but usually at least four. Though I don't work the actual 12 steps, I find that the face-to-face fellowship is of the utmost importance to me, and I always hear something at meetings that I can use here and in the rest of my life. That 12th step is an amazing one. It's the difference maker in my own recovery.

I try and keep my side of the street clean in all areas of my life. If I feel like I owe someone an apology or other amends, I do so immediately. By taking immediate responsibility for my actions, I don't let those things fester in my head and build up into something bigger that might lead me to drink.

I spend time here but I also make sure my life is in balance like Anna says.
If I have a life I Love, I want to keep, and I don't want to escape, it's all good :)

D

I'm attending AA meetings now on a weekly basis at least once if not twice. I will be off from school soon so will be attending more. I'm hoping this will help me connect to more face-to-face support. I come on to SR multiples times during the day and try to respond daily. I say the Serenity Prayer....a LOT. I really try to stay out of my head and in the moment rather then projecting on the future or trying to figure out the past.

When I wake up I meditate, I make a list of things I want to get done today, and I get ready. (I didn't get ready for 10 years as a heroin addict, so I enjoy getting dressed and doing my make up now everyday).

I make sure I take all my vitamins and all my medicines. I used to be terrible at taking medicines at the same time each day or hell even consistently everyday, not anymore! :)

I continue to go to counseling even if things are going smooth and I am feeling healthy and balanced. You don't need to be in a crisis to be going to counseling!

I continually look for ways to better myself and improve my life.

I come on here and comment where I feel I can add something, push someone, or just root someone on!

I end each day with reading a book I enjoy, saying my prayers and doing the rosary, and then I thank God for yet another day sober.