Wow, times flies.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Wow, times flies.
I don't count days and I don't know my exact quit date. I do know that it was the 3rd week in October of 2015 and I got drunk because I got into an argument with family (I've since gone minimal contact, I recommend it).
A LOT has happened in these last 3 years. I have learned a tremendous amount from the members here and I've learned a lot about myself. I knew that simply stopping drinking wasn't going to be a long term solution (although I started out by simply not drinking). I knew to have a chance at long term sobriety I would need a lifestyle makeover. I changed my mindset mentally, spiritually, and physically. I've established a fairly strict routine and stick to it. My health and fitness is a large part of it, but also spiritually I have changed and grown. That helps as well.
Things I enjoy most in sobriety are the little things. Good sleep, food taste good, a strenuous workout. I remember dates now, I remember the score of the game. In fact I'm learning my memory is pretty darn good for my age.
Lastly, the best thing about sobriety is the freedom we have. We are not in alcoholic jail. I'm not in a constant cycle of planning, drinking and recovering. That's a lot of work. Exhausting really. There is so much more I could say, but I think I've covered the gist of it.
A LOT has happened in these last 3 years. I have learned a tremendous amount from the members here and I've learned a lot about myself. I knew that simply stopping drinking wasn't going to be a long term solution (although I started out by simply not drinking). I knew to have a chance at long term sobriety I would need a lifestyle makeover. I changed my mindset mentally, spiritually, and physically. I've established a fairly strict routine and stick to it. My health and fitness is a large part of it, but also spiritually I have changed and grown. That helps as well.
Things I enjoy most in sobriety are the little things. Good sleep, food taste good, a strenuous workout. I remember dates now, I remember the score of the game. In fact I'm learning my memory is pretty darn good for my age.
Lastly, the best thing about sobriety is the freedom we have. We are not in alcoholic jail. I'm not in a constant cycle of planning, drinking and recovering. That's a lot of work. Exhausting really. There is so much more I could say, but I think I've covered the gist of it.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 17
I love this post. Thank you - so uplifting and inspirational. Yes, food tastes better and I also notice my sense of smell has improved! I love catching the smell of my freshly washed hair. Alcohol really dulls human senses.
under new management
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 2,339
Jeff, I remember rooting for you, when I first signed up here at SR! And, I have never stopped 
This is an amazing, beautiful, to the point post to celebrate your 3 sober years.
There is a lot of life in your post
This is an amazing, beautiful, to the point post to celebrate your 3 sober years.
There is a lot of life in your post
Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: St.Petersburg, FL.
Posts: 1,077
Congratulations on 3 years! You are absolutely correct--time does fly. It's also true that there's much more to sobriety than just quitting alcohol. Everything has to change or nothing will, and a dry-drunk's existence is a sad, joyless business.
My quit date is Dec 23 2015; I've learned a lot too and I had to remake myself in crucial ways to achieve longer-term sobriety. Best wishes!
My quit date is Dec 23 2015; I've learned a lot too and I had to remake myself in crucial ways to achieve longer-term sobriety. Best wishes!
Adventurer
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Tuxedo Park, NY
Posts: 1,101
The planning of life around alcohol which so many of us make excuses about early on is one thing I am happiest is in the past, thanks for mentioning that.
Congratulations on the sober time, I know we both made the effort to quit at about the same time. I unfortunately had a few small slips between 2015 and early 2017 but I am close to two years now.
Congratulations on the sober time, I know we both made the effort to quit at about the same time. I unfortunately had a few small slips between 2015 and early 2017 but I am close to two years now.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 327
Originally Posted by thomas11 
Lastly, the best thing about sobriety is the freedom we have. We are not in alcoholic jail. I'm not in a constant cycle of planning, drinking and recovering. That's a lot of work. Exhausting really. There is so much more I could say, but I think I've covered the gist of it.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
I want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread, it is very rewarding to hear from all of you. I would like to add a thought:
Quitting drinking and entering into sobriety/recovery is a MAJOR life change. RIght up there with a death in the family or divorce. You will change as a person (for the better hopefully). At first you may be viewed as being selfish, you may quarrel with your spouse or family members. For most of us these things are minor in comparison to the problems caused while drinking and drunk. The reason I mentioned that I underwent a lifestyle makeover is because that's what it took. I needed a different life. I sold my house, bought a different one, new vehicles, new career the whole 9 yards. I remade my life. But I find some satisfaction that it is now my life and not the life of an alcoholic. Best wishes to you all.
ps. Regarding spirituality, I was agnostic my whole life. I don't necessarily believe in god, but I do believe a higher power is above us. Hopefully that can help some of the AA folks.
Quitting drinking and entering into sobriety/recovery is a MAJOR life change. RIght up there with a death in the family or divorce. You will change as a person (for the better hopefully). At first you may be viewed as being selfish, you may quarrel with your spouse or family members. For most of us these things are minor in comparison to the problems caused while drinking and drunk. The reason I mentioned that I underwent a lifestyle makeover is because that's what it took. I needed a different life. I sold my house, bought a different one, new vehicles, new career the whole 9 yards. I remade my life. But I find some satisfaction that it is now my life and not the life of an alcoholic. Best wishes to you all.
ps. Regarding spirituality, I was agnostic my whole life. I don't necessarily believe in god, but I do believe a higher power is above us. Hopefully that can help some of the AA folks.
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