Noticed ?? I (we) don't act out as much since sobering up One thing that comes to my minds eye often in sobriety is the thought that, I have gained some wisdom and I don't act out as much as I did when I was drinking or drunk. Sure, there is still the battle of the flesh and at times even while sober in mind and body I may make a wrong turn. But, often these sober days I realize that I'm heading in the wrong direction and make a turn about before it's too late and I need not be headed down the road that leads to a wrong decision being made. Take road rage for an example. Many times in AA meetings over the years I have heard ones share that something happened while driving that in the old days while under the influence they would have done something stupid. But, since they were now sober they just let it go and did not let it disturb their serenity. This thread should be of encouragement for the newcomer who is suffering from the wreckage of their past. Have no fear -- stay sober -- and -- better decisions will be made. Which will not only effect you in a positive way but, also your loved ones, friends and even strangers. MM |
Sometimes the wisdom is shown with just keeping my mouth shut. Giving a little more thought to things said and done is a blessing. When drinking I spoke out way too often before thinking my thoughts out. In sobriety I have found that sometimes the best way in which to show love is to say nothing at all. How many times these sober days am I so very glad that I kept my thoughts to myself. MM |
I drank, partly, to cope with things and keep calm. How ironic - it caused just the opposite to happen. I was filled with anxiety, & my feelings were always raw & on edge. I agree, MM - I'm much more serene. |
Most relgions, mental disiplines, recovery movements and even some philosopies have a name for the state of mind where we experience this kind of peace of mind; Serenity - Recovery Equanimity - Psychology Apatheia - Stoicism Shoshin -Buddhism ZaZen - Zen Pu - Taoism Nishkam Karma - Hindu Mushin - Martial Arts Spiritual Detachment - Meister Eckhart Holy Indifference - St Ignatius of Loyola :Meditate: |
one of the fruits of the Spirit -- Self Control
Originally Posted by Boleo
(Post 5604087)
Most relgions, mental disiplines, recovery movements and even some philosopies have a name for the state of mind Self Control not much of that when I was drunk. MB |
Originally Posted by Mountainmanbob
(Post 5604673)
Christian religion -- one of the fruits of the Spirit Self Control :Meditate: |
I'm only 2 days sober, but I was thinking about this today, how happy I'll be when my embarrassing Facebook posts are a thing of the past. Or my embarrassing rambling phone conversations where the person on the other end doesn't know I'm intoxicated and also doesn't have any idea what I'm talking about. Or the texting/messaging conversations where I'm misreading what they write and getting heated over things they didn't say or clearly didn't mean. SO many embarrassments. I wasn't a bar drinker or a partier. I drank at home alone usually, but that didn't stop me from acting out and making embarrassing posts that I didn't remember the next day. Sometimes posting things that offended family or friends. And then there were times I would put my laptop and phone away before drinking so there was no possible way I could do or say something stupid or offensive only to have nightmares that I had posted something stupid or offensive, and I would wake up in the middle of the night (sometimes still drunk) and scroll through everything I could think of trying to make sure the dream wasn't real. That's a horrible feeling. |
I know, BellJar - that awful 'cold sweat' feeling of having done something mortifying. All the making amends and excuses - losing credibility with everyone. It's so good to be free of it. Congratulations on your 3 Days. :) |
Not drinking today gives us a little time to think before acting out in a unhealthy way. I thank God for that. I will admit that at times even though sober I entertain some thoughts that are so not right but, now I play out the consequences in my mind before making any unreversible moves. The thought of what I could be responsible of today if drinking truly scares me. Mountainmanbob |
Originally Posted by Mountainmanbob
(Post 5620955)
Not drinking today gives us a little time to think before acting out in a unhealthy way. And when fear/anger does flare up and my reaction becomes unhealthy it`s generally not blown out of proportion. |
Originally Posted by Ken33xx
(Post 5622011)
And when fear/anger does flare up and my reaction becomes unhealthy it`s generally not blown out of proportion. Life is much easier today We must not forget that for it is easy to forget how bad when drinking it was. MM |
Originally Posted by Mountainmanbob
(Post 5604078)
Sometimes the wisdom is shown with just keeping my mouth shut. Giving a little more thought to things said and done is a blessing. When drinking I spoke out way too often before thinking my thoughts out. In sobriety I have found that sometimes the best way in which to show love is to say nothing at all. How many times these sober days am I so very glad that I kept my thoughts to myself. MM Thank you AA! We can read more about the AA take on self-restraint in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. (page 91) To restraint of tongue and pen, we can add restraint of keyboard and mouse these days. SR and other forums sometimes become battlefields when we show a lack of self-restraint. Pride takes over and humility goes out the window when we forget to stop and think, or even pray, before reacting in anger. Another gem I heard in a meeting was a checklist: Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said now? Does it need to be said by me? Silence is golden. Sometimes in meetings here, nobody will share for a few minutes. At first, it seemed awkward. Then, It became tolerable. Now, it is comfortable. Learning to be comfortable with silence is a gift that keeps on giving in oh so many situations. |
I know I act out much less while being sober. Though, I wasn't a wild / angry drunk. I just did stupid things. Though, during the days, I'd have a bit more anger and things would tend to overwhelm me a bit. Not so much anymore. :-) |
Noticed ?? I (we) don't act out as much since sobering up Dispute over a tree with a neighbor here on the mountain top. A while back my neighbor and I got into a heated discussion and things almost got out of hand. Acceptance is still at times an issue for me. Neighbor and I had a visit yesterday that was very pleasant. Sure better than when we were (both) acting out. My neighbor does not know it but, he is an alcoholic who drinks a lot most every day. When he is (often) acting off the wall, I see my old drunk self in him occasionally. Today sober I have a fighting chance. MM |
. . "And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone . . ." . ~ Alcoholiocs Anonymous, 1st Edition, page 84. . . |
Sorry to go off topic from the current discussion but I just gotta say, to the original post: spot on! I have noticed that I have just chilled out more since quitting my DoC. It's kind of amazing really how things don't bug me and the things that don't bug me yet bug others. I just wonder what exactly it is about my journey into using and the recovery from that lifestyle. There are just certain things in life to me now that are more pleasant, like, I am content just standing out and watching the moon for a bit, it's relaxing. Food for thought? Thanks, -TG |
Agree with TheGamer and MountainMan's OP -- the ability to keep my mouth shut has increased vastly with sobriety! And that's helped so much! I used to constantly snap at people. Heck, even couldn't resist picking a fight online with a stranger if I couldn't find someone to fight with in real life! I think that many of us have achieved PATIENCE in sobriety, because being in recovery we need to practice patience to see results. This translates to fewer impulsive actions in all phases of life...and we all notice the improvements. |
Originally Posted by Ken33xx
(Post 5622011)
Exactly. And when fear/anger does flare up and my reaction becomes unhealthy it`s generally not blown out of proportion. |
Originally Posted by LiveInPeace
(Post 5711489)
Ken33xx--how would you say you deal with fear/anger flaring up now? "As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day "Thy will be done." We are then in much less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. We become much more efficient. We do not tire so easily, for we are not burning up energy foolishly as we did when we were trying to arrange life to suit ourselves." If something does kick off, which hardly ever happens these days, it's instant step ten, right there, and amends if called for. I find it a good policy to not let anything sit and fester. |
Originally Posted by BellJar7
(Post 5619347)
I'm only 2 days sober, but I was thinking about this today, how happy I'll be when my embarrassing Facebook posts are a thing of the past. Or my embarrassing rambling phone conversations where the person on the other end doesn't know I'm intoxicated and also doesn't have any idea what I'm talking about. Or the texting/messaging conversations where I'm misreading what they write and getting heated over things they didn't say or clearly didn't mean. SO many embarrassments. I wasn't a bar drinker or a partier. I drank at home alone usually, but that didn't stop me from acting out and making embarrassing posts that I didn't remember the next day. Sometimes posting things that offended family or friends. And then there were times I would put my laptop and phone away before drinking so there was no possible way I could do or say something stupid or offensive only to have nightmares that I had posted something stupid or offensive, and I would wake up in the middle of the night (sometimes still drunk) and scroll through everything I could think of trying to make sure the dream wasn't real. That's a horrible feeling. |
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