least

and want to tell newcomers that altho it was hard at first and required the utmost concentration, it gradually got easier and I thought about drinking less and less. . So if you're hitting a rough spot, please don't give in and drink or you'll have to go thru withdrawal all over again.. And they get progressively worse the more you stop and start.

The best tool in my sober toolbox is GRATITUDE. . Every day I find something to be thankful for. That always gets me thinking positively and makes me happy when I see how much I have been blessed.

Getting sober was the best thing I've ever done for myself. My life didn't necessarily get 'easier', but it did get simpler and since I had a clear head, I could/can deal with whatever life throws at me, whereas when I was drinking, I couldn't handle any crises or even the tiniest 'bump' in the road and would just get drunk and try to ignore it, hoping it. would just go away.
But now, sober, my life is all the better for it.

So if you're just starting your sober journey, or starting over, keep telling yourself that it will get better, and it will.

Dee74

You should also mention the extreme pain you've been in yet held strong
I hope that your 14th year sober will be pain free least

D

least

^^^ Yeah, it's been so long now (since this time last year) that I'm used to it. But you're right, even being in pain can't make me drink. . I threw away 20 yrs sobriety in 2007 and won't make that mistake again. . I enjoy being sober too much to lose it again. Actually, going back to drinking would not be a "mistake", but a grievous example of very poor judgement.

Another good thing about getting sober was finding SR. . I get so much support here and the members are so kind and helpful. After I'd been here for a few days I knew I had come to the right place.

fishkiller

Whenever life gets hard I always try to think of something to be grateful for.
Then I think of you.
I remember a theme to your replies to my posts when I 1st came here.
Always preaching gratitude.
I'll admit it may have took me a little while to get it but when you do it is a powerful thing. Can make a bad day a little better. Who doesn't want that?
And it's FREE!

Thanks for being here

fishkiller

Oh and,
Good Work!
13 YEARS!

SoberLeigh

Thirteen years is brilliant, least. Looking forward to celebrating your success.

Kaptn

Congrats and very well said!

mns1

Thank you for an inspiring post and congrats least.

Anna

Least, great job on your sobriety. I hope you can find some solutions to your pain.

Zencat

Hi Least. I'm very ❤ glad that you are here at SR sharing the (your) message of recovery.
💫 Sending Healing Thoughts and Good Vibes your way

13 years sober!

PhoenixJ

you inspire those who recover in your wake least

kes

Hi Least,

Thanks for your support since I've been on SR. 13 years wow, that's amazing.

May I ask, after the best part of 13 years sober, do you still take each day one at a time? Or are you able to look further ahead like you are doing with Dec 8th knowing you'll make it, or is your focus still on today.

It's just I can't see me ever being able to think more than today.

Thanks,

MythOfSisyphus

Congrats, @least! 13 years is definitely EPIC!

least

Kes, yes I still take it one day at a time, since we can only live one day at a time. . But I can, and do, look ahead. December 8th isn't that far off and I'm delighted that despite all obstacles, I stayed sober and will soon be celebrating 13 yrs sober. . And yes, Gratitude is the best and most used tool in my sober toolbox. . Being grateful for my many blessings gives me a positive outlook and makes me realize how blessed I am.

At first it was hard for me to be grateful. I was depressed and worried and I didn't see anything to be thankful for. But I made a deliberate effort to be grateful for anything, and it soon became a habit.

PJ, I love that picture of Roxy, all curled up sleeping contentedly. . I am so glad you have her. I am so grateful that you adopted her and made her part of your family.

ZIP

Stick with the plan.
Congratulations, least!

Zebra1275

Congratulations least, on your sober time!

least

the pain is worse today than ever. I asked son in law to please come get Billie and take her to their house cause I can't take care of her with this pain so bad

but no matter how bad the pain, I have no desire to drink.

VikingGF

least, you are a blessing. Congrats on your sober time and I can't wait to celebrate that 13-year mark with you here!

I hope your pain decreases, so sorry you are having to experience that.

least

I value my sobriety more than anything else. if I didn't have my sobriety, I'd have nothing.

RAL

Many congrats on 13 years.
I should gave ten years on the same date but back to the beginning.
Thank you for all you do on here x