Moving forward...2 years
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
Moving forward...2 years
Hi All,
A big thank you to everyone who continue to support each other in our journey to become become better and happier people. It has been 2 years since I stopped drinking. I have no desire to drink and have moved forward and onward with my life..without alcohol. Love this quote, "Don't look back, it's not the way you are going."
The first few months were nasty, as many state, but did get so much better as time went on. My anxiety, which was the biggest reason I decided to stop, has completely gone away. I am able to handle what comes my way. I am also not ashamed of myself any more. I do not wake up with regrets. Is my life easier? I would say no. How I deal with the hurtles of life however, has drastically changed.
I found SR after stopping drinking for about 3 months. It was very helpful, as I felt quite alone on this journey to change my life. I did not use AA. I live in a very small community where everyone knows everyone else. I also have to admit that I am a very proud person and my profession would make it hard to bring this out in the public, so to speak. Could be all wrong about this, but anyway, just used SR once I found it.
For me, it was important to make the decision to never, ever drink again. I think this helped so much with the AV. It was off the table for good. No going back, only forward. I did have to do this one day at a time in the beginning, but I really don't ever have a thought about drinking now. Quite the opposite. I don't mind being around others drinking, except for those dear to me. I find that I am now using SR and Friends and Family to help me with the feelings I have for the people in my life that continue to abuse substances to alter their world.
So, thank you to all that have shared your journey. Life is a struggle, but there is great wonder and happiness out there also. My you all find peace in your life.
A big thank you to everyone who continue to support each other in our journey to become become better and happier people. It has been 2 years since I stopped drinking. I have no desire to drink and have moved forward and onward with my life..without alcohol. Love this quote, "Don't look back, it's not the way you are going."
The first few months were nasty, as many state, but did get so much better as time went on. My anxiety, which was the biggest reason I decided to stop, has completely gone away. I am able to handle what comes my way. I am also not ashamed of myself any more. I do not wake up with regrets. Is my life easier? I would say no. How I deal with the hurtles of life however, has drastically changed.
I found SR after stopping drinking for about 3 months. It was very helpful, as I felt quite alone on this journey to change my life. I did not use AA. I live in a very small community where everyone knows everyone else. I also have to admit that I am a very proud person and my profession would make it hard to bring this out in the public, so to speak. Could be all wrong about this, but anyway, just used SR once I found it.
For me, it was important to make the decision to never, ever drink again. I think this helped so much with the AV. It was off the table for good. No going back, only forward. I did have to do this one day at a time in the beginning, but I really don't ever have a thought about drinking now. Quite the opposite. I don't mind being around others drinking, except for those dear to me. I find that I am now using SR and Friends and Family to help me with the feelings I have for the people in my life that continue to abuse substances to alter their world.
So, thank you to all that have shared your journey. Life is a struggle, but there is great wonder and happiness out there also. My you all find peace in your life.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,912
Awesome! Thanks for sharing. Consider posting in Stories of Recovery if you haven’t already. But regardless, thank you and so happy you have found the peace and solid foundation to deal with what life throws your way.
SoberOutlook
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,089
Well done on 2 years! It’s inspiring for us lurkers to hear your success and peace with yourself and your achievement. I like that your focus was on a happy and better life, and your means of reaching that was to stop drinking. Thanks for your post.
No Dogma Please
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,562
Congrats on two years!
I'm 18 months in and am in a similar place. Off the table. Little things still crop up, like walking through the airport and seeing a bar, then getting on a plane for 15 hours. It's not really a craving at this point, it's more of a habit, years of behavior. The idea of actually swallowing alcohol is a bit repulsive at this point.
12 Step was useful to me in early sobriety, mostly to be in a community actively talking about and dealing with addictions, but ultimately I found that deciding to never drink again was the most effective way for me to deal with it.
Here's to a lifetime of not drinking or using!
I'm 18 months in and am in a similar place. Off the table. Little things still crop up, like walking through the airport and seeing a bar, then getting on a plane for 15 hours. It's not really a craving at this point, it's more of a habit, years of behavior. The idea of actually swallowing alcohol is a bit repulsive at this point.
12 Step was useful to me in early sobriety, mostly to be in a community actively talking about and dealing with addictions, but ultimately I found that deciding to never drink again was the most effective way for me to deal with it.
Here's to a lifetime of not drinking or using!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
Thank you all for you wonderful feedback. I did want to add that even though I did not use aa as a help for quitting, I am quite sure that for many people this has been a very good thing for them. I have read many posts and see that aa can be helpful. Whatever it takes to stay the course and bring you peace!
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