enormously reflective right now

[sophia1]

Just wanted to add my thanks too for your reflections. I first started on the site July 2006 so we may have been starting out at the same time, I too have remained AF and started the long rocky road of getting to know the real me. I can honestly say I like me. I have a photo of myself sitting over my computer screen now, I am about 5 or 6 looking directly into the camera, I couldn't look at that little girl without hating her, now I can look her in the eye and tell her I love her. and that feels so good. So thank you and thanks for being with me at the beginning of My Way Out. Carole

[lorisunshine]

Hello Sophia,
Yes, I remember coming here in spring of 2006 and it took me a long time to get my act together. I have been sober going on 17 months and like you, I have began to like myself quite a bit. It is so good never having to think about the substance, where to get it, when to consume it, trying to gauge the level of stupor, the lies, the missed opportunities, the daily sessions in self-hatred and the neverending physical discomfort. It has all gone away and will stay away as long as I never touch the stuff again.
It really was such a small price to pay for the contentment, enthusiasm and general good health that I am allowed to experience fully every day.
Be well.
Lori

[corkish]

I cannot tell you how much your post had an impact on me. Still sober here and wishing I could talk to you and thank you for your honest which tuched me so much. C

[lodestar]

So glad someone responded to this post today. A wonderful, inspiring read. Thank you.

[Davie Souter]

Wow - what a post. I read it a couple of times. So honest and frank - truly inspirational. Has really made me think about getting real with myself and taking complete ownership for my problem and simply dealing with it.

[Guitarista]

bump

[About time tooo]

Hello mwoers,

I am the original person who started this thread.

I was listening to some audio tapes about the meaning of life and spirituality etc and it got me to thinking about mwo.. so I came here to where I used to post to see this post that I wrote over a year ago still sitting here.

Anyway, I read what I posted. I am happy to report that what I posted was true. I did not make it up.. and it is still a pretty good reflection of what happened to me as I made the decision to live my life.

I am really honoured that people have read and commented so kindly on this post which was written as a stream of consciousness.

You know, I think we (well, I did) can get quite obnoxious about what is a way out of drinking and we can trifle about this method over that one. What (I think) we cannot trifle over is a dogged determination of outright honesty. If I can look myself in the eye and say this is who I am, then I must deal with the person that I am.. not the person I want to be.. that is yet to be created (by any action I might take and whatever hope I have in my heart). No, I have to be honest with who I am right now.

Secondly, it is my opinion that to get out of the hole we have to face some inner pain with eyes wide open.

Thirdly, I think any program can only be supported by good practices of regular and ongoing healthy eating, exercise and reflection of some kind.

So.. thats what I think (not that anyone asked, mind you).
About time too.

[JimBeam911]

"I am not someone who has given this up to a higher power because actually it’s me that has done this, not some abstract power. I take responsibility for getting me into that hole I was in 3 years ago and I’m the one who has climbed out."

This sentiment captures my own thinking, even though I'm still in the early stages of going AF. Whoever wrote this post, I thank you very much! This has been one of the most honest and inspiring posts I've ever encountered on this website. The big lesson I take from it is that while quitting alcohol will not automatically resolve all of life's problems, we are in a much better position to deal with the trials of life with a sober mind.