Why not me?
 

I was reading an article about a couple grappling with an terminal illness and what really stood out was their thought process of Why not me? Versus Why me?

It stood out that acceptance of the situation allowed them go at it in a different mindset and possibly a less defeating dwelling type of emotional way.

Works for sobriety? Why not me? Yes I’m an alcoholic and instead of being upset ...well there’s millions of us, so why not me? What can I do about it?

I can be sober one day at a time. The simple advice has really helped on bad days or what not. It’s a really easy and feasible goal and I can be proud of it even in bad times.

That's a great way of looking at it. Why not me? I'm perfectly capable of dealing with the challenges of recovery so why not me?

"Attitude is everything. Pick a good one"
I try to remember that. I've been given many good things in life; I can deal with my alcoholism!

Torn, I really liked your post. And it's actually an insight I had during my own recovery that was helpful. I was sitting there one day wondering why I was dealt the alcoholism card. I didn't want it. I never asked for it. I even looked down on alcoholics. Why me? But given the odds, "Why not?" At first, the attitude sounds cavalier. And no one wants to be cavalier, but it's a serious question, and something we must embrace before we can move forward.

Here's another way to look at it. I've made bad choices that got me here. Why do I even think I deserve to recover from this? On the other hand, "Why not?"

I really like this too. I think it kind of cuts through the self-pity and it works two ways. Why not me? In terms of being and alcoholic.....but also Why not me? In terms of reaching lasting and meaningful recovery...:tyou really got me thinking x

Yes, I agree. And, I think most people have some kind of issue to deal with. It's just the way life is. :)

This is so simple yet so profound.

I remember a youth worker telling me he lived for the 'Plonk' moment when speaking with a young person, when you can almost hear the penny drop and see them think about something in a different way.

Well....

PLONK

Yes, why not us? Why the hell not? I deserve this. Finally, I am getting it. Thanks for the post.

Thank you TE, :)

D

Love it especially the part about acceptance. By accepting that I’m an alcoholic I can move on and think about other things. No more rationalizing moderation. Why not me.