To Drink or NOT to drink?
 

To Drink would:
Bring me to a place I do not like to be which would involve a hangover, money spent on meaningless beverages that have no positive effect on my life or wellbeing, I would be right back where I was over a year and a half ago wishing so desperately to be where I am today in my recovery, I would lose more loved ones, possibly lose my career, I would lose trust, respect, maybe my house, the ability to function as a mother, the list is endless.

To NOT drink:
Brings me peace of mind knowing I am able to drive at any given moment in the event of an emergency or just because I want to go somewhere at any time of the day.
Keeping my self-respect and dignity
Saying what I mean and meaning what I say to everyone I come in contact with.
Living without shame or regret or remorse.
A little extra cash on hand for lunches, dates, or a new toy for my son.
A toolbox to deal with life as it comes
Pure emotions, raw emotions.
The energy to enjoy life OR to be lazy on the weekends and not beat myself up about it because I drank too much the night (morning) before (of).

The list is endless on both sides however I like the NOT to drink side better. Nothing good comes from a bottle, ever for me.

To those who are still struggling, I have been there. It took me 10 years to want to be sober for myself and no one else. I knew I had a problem from a young age with no major consequences (thank GOD) but enough was enough.

Life has turned around for me and it can for you as well. It starts by NOT buying it, NOT sitting in a pub, NOT going to those parties (until you are VERY comfortable within sobriety) and most importantly HONESTY!

If you can be honest with yourself this journey will be so much easier.

Relapse is a CHOICE, not an option.
May your choices be those that are healthy.

That's all I have today.
Blessings,
DC

There's no way a little 3-4 hr buzz is worth all that!

So true
 

I'm going to save your post, maybe print it out and put it on my desk. Probably continue it with some "pros/cons" of my own. It's the perfect read whenever I have the rare thought of grabbing a drink. Thank you!!

I have never woken up sober and wished I had drank the night before. :)

LOVE THIS QUOTE. Haha isn't that the truth.

I absolutely *LOVE* waking up sober.

When you become fully sober it's amazing how much you learn to appreciate something as simple as waking up and not feeling like a pile of steaming garbage.

Toward the end of my drinking, I never had a buzz that lasted more than a few minutes. The buzz would just become me craving more, and the next drink never improved the situation.

That's all I meant, the entire thing from start to pass out. Its just not worth it for the ramifications involved.

Thanks DC :You_Rock_

D