Turning around
 

15 years tomorrow (8th April) I found SR.

I was sick, scared and totally lacking in faith I could stop drinking - but I knew I had to try.

I'd been drinking for 20 years before that but for 15 years increasingly heavily.
By 2007 I'd been drinking around the clock for 5 years straight, bar one 2 month period...

The support and encouragement I found here - both hugs and much needed boots in the behind - helped me to realise that not drinking was one thing...but I had change my life if I wanted to stay sober.

My old life facilitated my drinking.
My new life had to facilitate my recovery.

Almost everything changed. I lost friends but I gained new ones and reconnected with old ones.
I changed how I solved problems, how I dealt with life and how I celebrated and commiserated.

Every time I needed support this group was here. The names may change but the ethos doesn't.

Thank you SR! :grouphug:

Congratulations, Dee. You are such an inspiration here and we all love you. (((HUGS)))

How do you feel about cheesecake?

https://i.postimg.cc/cJ4fQzSh/strawberry-cheesecake.jpg

Many, many congrats Dee. You have been and continue to be a great support to a great many, including myself :)

Congrats Dee! That's awesome and we love you!

Congratulations and thank you for all your contributions to SR. I don't know how you keep up with all of us, every day.

Thanks everyone - there's a lot of folks who have helped me over many years, and its a privilege to pass that on.
I like cheesecake Suki :)

D

Congratulations, Dee. And, thanks for the great post. All the wisdom you've gained, you generously pass on to our members every single day.

Many congratulations, Dee. :nyy

Thanks Anna and Leigh :)

D

You are the man!

Congratulations :c011:

Dee - We landed here the same year. I almost can't remember my life without SR. :) Not sure where I'd be without this place - and YOU!
Love you so much. Congratulations on your 15 years.

A great post Dee.
You are much loved.

"My old life facilitated my drinking."
"My new life had to facilitate my recovery."

Walking the walk.

Congratulations Dee. You inspire us all.

Congratulations Dee and thank you for all you do for us here at SR.

Congratulations Dee and thank you for your consistent calibrated support that you share so generously with us all.

Great post, Dee. Congratulations on 15 years here and thanks for sharing a bit of your story..

You have been a big help to me, before in 2013 and again for the past year. You have such a balanced perspective of wisdom and empathy - not too harsh but also gently calling us on our BS from time to time.. I know that I appreciate all of it, and I thank you for all you have done for me and others. You have really made a difference.

Dee, many congratulations on 15 years! I don't know how you are able to give so generously of your time and expertise, and I hope you stay well! All that you do, and all that you give is more than appreciated by me. Thank you!

Congratulations Dee!

And Thank You

Congratulations on 15 years Dee 👌😊

Big congratulations Dee!

Congratulations Dee!

I have watched over the years, through a couple of my accounts, all your wonderful support for everyone. I really think you’ve channeled a way to say good supportive things for those who are new, those who struggle, and those who need encouragement. I’ve found myself trying to model those types of things like staying positive, but persistent in that sobriety is key when talking with others.

Thanks for all you do here.