Finally, a new life
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 1,121
Finally, a new life
Hello friends. Just passed what feels like a significant milestone. Finally. Turned 58 recently. Passed 100 days around the same time. Longest stretch of sobriety for maybe 15 years. After many, many failed attempts over the years, it feels real this time. It feels certain. I just wasn’t ready before. I wasn’t ready to completely surrender that my way didn’t work, no matter what I would say on here. I never really accepted the fact that I was just like everyone else and that the only way that this can work is by coming to peace with the notion that I can never drink again. I’m there now. After 100 days, not only am I at peace, but I’m the happiest that I’ve been in a long, long time. Feels like I’ve cut loose an anchor that has kept me mentally stuck my entire adult life. I’m free.
Not claiming any victories, as each day will certainly bring new challenges, and memories fade over time. Staying close to SR, listening to folks that have walked the walk, helping where I can. Alcohol will always be part of my history, but it won’t define me anymore.
For those of you out there struggling, don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. The reason you keep coming back here is because there is a light flickering inside of you, no matter how dim it is right now. That light is your soul, and the reason that life feels so futile and empty is because you are living in opposition to it. Alcohol has nothing left to offer you. It only takes away. Let it go and find out who you really are.
So much gratitude to the admins here on SR, my accountability classmates, and all the members that have shared their stories. It all mattered. It all led me to where I am today. I have a new life in front of me, and a mere ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem sufficient. Paying it forward is what I will endeavor to do.
Not claiming any victories, as each day will certainly bring new challenges, and memories fade over time. Staying close to SR, listening to folks that have walked the walk, helping where I can. Alcohol will always be part of my history, but it won’t define me anymore.
For those of you out there struggling, don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. The reason you keep coming back here is because there is a light flickering inside of you, no matter how dim it is right now. That light is your soul, and the reason that life feels so futile and empty is because you are living in opposition to it. Alcohol has nothing left to offer you. It only takes away. Let it go and find out who you really are.
So much gratitude to the admins here on SR, my accountability classmates, and all the members that have shared their stories. It all mattered. It all led me to where I am today. I have a new life in front of me, and a mere ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem sufficient. Paying it forward is what I will endeavor to do.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 528
Congratulations! Your post reminded me of the following from the Big Book of A.A.
We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee - Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will. Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions [Steps 1-10], we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. But we must go further and that means more action. Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation....
We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee - Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will. Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions [Steps 1-10], we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. We have begun to develop this vital sixth sense. But we must go further and that means more action. Step Eleven suggests prayer and meditation....
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Where I’ve longed to be all my life…..here, now.
Posts: 7,345
Hi CP,
What an AWESOME post!
Heartfelt, open, and so inspiring………
You DID it!
So proud to have you in our class, you help so many of us as well.
The support here on SR is no less than absolutely life-saving.
Thanks also, for helping to save mine.
What an AWESOME post!
Heartfelt, open, and so inspiring………
You DID it!
So proud to have you in our class, you help so many of us as well.
The support here on SR is no less than absolutely life-saving.
Thanks also, for helping to save mine.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New England
Posts: 4,423
The gratitude emanating from your post is palpable, ClearPath, and it fills me with joy to hear how committed and aware you are of the change in yourself. You're so right about never giving up, and believe that it will happen- that true miracle of no longer being a slave to alcohol. Thank you for all your thoughtful posts and support on this journey- can't wait to see what is to come.
Congrats on 102.
Congrats on 102.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Big City
Posts: 3,895
Awesome stuff brother! A massive congrats for walking your path to where you are now. Stay strong, keep your eye on the prize. Couldn't agree more - the reason you kept coming back, like me and so many of us, is that there is something in you that wants the better life. It's yours and will stay yours for the taking. Good stuff.
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