Happy and Content Sober Living

[Wildflowers]

:hxo:l

[Prodigal Son]

I don't read this forum as much as I use too, but since I'm over four years without a drop thought I'd say hello. Through my sobriety I've learned many things. One of which is what a big scam alcohol is, & how it pervades our society. I've learned more about myself, I discovered I'm introverted. So just being alone, or staying at home with my family is what truly gives me peace. I was finally, after 43 years, able to live life on my terms, because I now understood what those terms actually were. I'm looking after my health better, getting out on my bike regularly. Cycling alone, something I use to enjoy so much as a kid. I don't feel angry or scared as I use to. It helped my career as well as my new found courage, in otherwise hard times, got my family & I into a much better place than before. Last, but not least, it's made me a better parent too I needed to set a healthy example for my sons.

Doing that first month was the hardest, then doing the next couple. Wanted to celebrate my achievement with a drink, but I got through that. Had dreams of alcohol, subconsious playing nasty ticks on me. Over time I redefined myself as a non drinker. When I first visited this forum I was very impressed reading about the long term abstainers. They inspired me to keep going to find how it could be for me in future. Without their stories & those of others, I wouldn't have got where I am today. So thanks to all of you.

[Wildflowers]

That Is Excellent Prodigal Son!.... A Big Congrats On Your 4 yrs Of Living An AL Free Life!

I too read this forum! It's where I often find "Pearls Of Wisdom".

I also enjoy being alone & spending time with my family more than anything!.... However, I also have been told over & over through the years that it's very important for many of us to stay connected & to not isolate. I sometimes forget about that & am thankful there are folks here that remind me, as I can tend to not reach out, or spend to much time alone. But what ever works to keep one off the poison & live a healthy & reasonably happy life!....


Wishing You Continued Success In Your AF Journey & Life!

[dzdnzwfho]

[Pie]

I came across this thread today, and think it deserves a bump. The posts, some of them from 2009, give me warm goosies. I'm really strengthend by success stories from long-term, happy, sober people. :happyheart:

[mario]

Good read.

[mario]

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I have gone through many changes in the last 11 months all for the good,
I understand myself more than i ever did before,I have learned what was the matter with me and i no know what makes me tick, I will never be alone again,I am just one of many who have the illness of alcoholism and one of many who have learned what to do about it, I am not an odd fish or a square peg in a round hole, I seem to slowly been finding my right place in the world, I am content to face the rest of my life without alcohol, I have made the great decision once & for all, I have surrendered as gracefully as possible to the inevitable,I hope i have no more reservations,I hope that nothing can happen to me now that would justify my taking a drink,No death of a dear one,No great calmity in any area of my life should justify me in drinking, even if i were on a desert isle far away from all you here should i ever feel the right to drink, For me alcohol is out-- period, I will be always safe unless i take that first drink.
I also have learned to be honest,what a relief,no more ducking and dodging,no more tall tails,no more pretending to be what i am not, My cards are on the table for all the world to see,I am what i am, as popeye used to say in his comics, I have had an unsavory past. I am sorry, yet, it cannot be changed now, All that is yesterday and is done, But now my life is an open book, Come and look at it, if you want to, I am trying to do the best i can, I will fail often, but i wont make excuses, I will face things as they are and will not run away,as i have said i am one among many and i do not have to depend entirely on myself anylonger.

8 years later...