warrens

I was moved by some force, some energy, to (re)visit this site today. And so, I was rather startled to look under my name to see that I joined in February 2008! Ten years. Ten lifetimes.

I was a mess. Had just received another DUI. I was losing the love of my life. It seemed like I was in final approach.

But, it seems that I wasn't done yet! It took me another four years of delusion, more loss, shame, etc, to find my bottom. I thought I could do it "my way." I wasn't quite convinced, it seems, that I was a REAL alcoholic (as it appears in the Big Book).

Well, I could fill a book about my story, about my rising from the ashes, about dying to my many identities (stories).

I turned 70 this year. Next month I will celebrate 6 years sober. I quit a two pack a day smoking habit the same day I quit alcohol. The 12 Steps led me to a spiritual path of my understanding (Buddhism). Today I backpack, mountain bike, swim, travel, I have many, many true friends, and a loving relationship with the woman of my dreams.

I'll be brief, as my "story" could fill volumes. One welcome loss has been my toxic, grandiose ego. And so, I embrace not knowing. I don't have the answers. But damn, life can sure turn around. At any age.

I owe much to those on this site. I looked at past "friends" here. Most of them gone. I wonder how many are still alive?

There is (amazing) life after alcohol. It begins, I think, with "not knowing" and letting go of the made up identities-who you think you are-and allowing life to flow like a river instead of trying to control it.

Perhaps I can be of some small help to someone here. I am not sure how often I can visit, as my life is very, very full. But, I feel the need to give back in some way.

Hah! I am looking below this and I see the guy being incessantly beat over the head! That was me!!

Joy,

WarrenS

least

Warren! I remember you well. It's good to see you again. Glad your life is going well.

Don't stay away so long next time.

Pete6256

Amazing Warren.

Congrats sir.

thomas11

That is a great post WarrenS, congratulations. I am very glad to hear that you are enjoying what a real life is supposed to feel like.

Hevyn

Warren - I've thought of you so many times. I'm thrilled to know the amazing turn your life has taken. I'm so happy that you have a new relationship, & six years of sobriety! Your post made my day.

warrens

Thank you!! As my sponsor says "More shall be revealed..."

And your words have made MY day, Hevyn. Namaste.

Dubya

warrens

Hey there!! I remember you as well, my friend. And I seem to remember the hell you went through to become who you are.

Much joy,

Warren

taketwo

"There is (amazing) life after alcohol. It begins, I think, with "not knowing" and letting go of the made up identities-who you think you are-and allowing life to flow like a river instead of trying to control it."

Love this concept. Thank you for sharing your story and perspective.

Opivotal

Thank you for stopping by with an update, Warren.

So thrilled for you!

lessgravity

One of the most inspiring posts I've ever read on this site. Thank you so much for sharing Warren.

I hope you stick around.

SoberLeigh

So very nice to meet you, warrens.

Congratulations on your marvelous sobriety and thanks very much sharing your inspirational story of recovery.

Dee74

Glad to hear from you warrens - congratulations on your recovery time!

D

warrens

You are kind... Thank you!

warrens

Thank you, Dee...

Kimura

Nice work.
Just noticed i joined in 2013 and not much has changed.

Rar

Thank you for sharing your story Warren. I read some of your old threads last night and you are an inspiration to me.

warrens

You are kind, thank you. Interestingly, I don't think I can ever go back and look at those old threads. While the man who wrote them was deeply and painfully sincere, he no longer exists. That life is gone, as are the habitual behaviors (in no way limited to drinking). I think I will forgo that bit of archaelogy in favor of inhabiting the present moment.