9 Years - What's changed?
waking down
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,641
9 Years - What's changed?
9 years sober today, so I thought I'd check in. This was my support in those early years. Thanks much to the SR community. So, what's changed?
My health is better, I'm in better shape in my sixties than I was in my 50's. I have more stamina.
I can drive anywhere, anytime. I don't have to plan ahead how I'll get home from gatherings, gigs, shows...
I don't have to worry about being drunk or high if I encounter a cop or if there's an emergency.
I'm more content, less driven by desires, including thrill-seeking.
I'm still employed, good job, same place over five years now.
I've saved tons of money and I've been able to focus more time and resources to healthy hobbies, my music, in particular.
I read more, learn more, have increased curiosity and motivation, more creative.
I don't get as depressed, not as often, and I bounce back faster.
I'm less anxious.
I'm not as angry.
I'm less reactive, less snippy, improved relationships.
I love mornings.
I sleep better.
Don't get me wrong, the early months, really the first couple of years were challenging, but the past five years have been smooth. It's a lifestyle change more than anything. That's what makes the difference. Meditation has been essential. Sobriety is not about doing, it's about not doing, it's about being and not feeling like anything in particular has to be done, it's about befriending myself and allowing my thoughts and emotions to come and go. I don't really have to do anything. Sometimes the "solution" is to not act. Painful thoughts? They come and go. Cravings? I can ride them out. Powerful emotions? They remind me I'm alive. Life is absurd. This I can embrace. Read The Myth of Sisyphus by Camus. Don't try too hard to find meaning in the world when the meaning can only be found in the heart and mind. And, yes, get down to the funky beat.
If I can do it you can do it. And actually, most of it has been pretty fun.
My health is better, I'm in better shape in my sixties than I was in my 50's. I have more stamina.
I can drive anywhere, anytime. I don't have to plan ahead how I'll get home from gatherings, gigs, shows...
I don't have to worry about being drunk or high if I encounter a cop or if there's an emergency.
I'm more content, less driven by desires, including thrill-seeking.
I'm still employed, good job, same place over five years now.
I've saved tons of money and I've been able to focus more time and resources to healthy hobbies, my music, in particular.
I read more, learn more, have increased curiosity and motivation, more creative.
I don't get as depressed, not as often, and I bounce back faster.
I'm less anxious.
I'm not as angry.
I'm less reactive, less snippy, improved relationships.
I love mornings.
I sleep better.
Don't get me wrong, the early months, really the first couple of years were challenging, but the past five years have been smooth. It's a lifestyle change more than anything. That's what makes the difference. Meditation has been essential. Sobriety is not about doing, it's about not doing, it's about being and not feeling like anything in particular has to be done, it's about befriending myself and allowing my thoughts and emotions to come and go. I don't really have to do anything. Sometimes the "solution" is to not act. Painful thoughts? They come and go. Cravings? I can ride them out. Powerful emotions? They remind me I'm alive. Life is absurd. This I can embrace. Read The Myth of Sisyphus by Camus. Don't try too hard to find meaning in the world when the meaning can only be found in the heart and mind. And, yes, get down to the funky beat.
If I can do it you can do it. And actually, most of it has been pretty fun.
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oxnard (The Nard), CA, USA.
Posts: 13,900
BIG CONGRATS! Zero
I'm finding that is coming true for me bit by bit.
Thank you for a wonderful inspiring post Zero
Originally Posted by Zero
If I can do it you can do it. And actually, most of it has been pretty fun
Thank you for a wonderful inspiring post Zero
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