My sobriety date is August 1st, 2023.
During a recent visit, my parents brought a cake to celebrate my third year of continuous sobriety.
Both they and Michael are proud of my persistence to remain sober.
Every day, I think about my alcoholism.
I have to, because this disease is cunning, baffling, and powerful.
If I’m not diligent, my alcoholism tells me I can have just one drink.
Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book says on page #85
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest in our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.
This past year of sobriety had some ups and downs:
- cutting my hair pixie short with my natural hair colour of silver and dark brown colour – then starting to grow it out because I miss long hair
- becoming very attached with Tessa, a riding-school horse, but had to say good-bye when I stopped taking lessons
- my biological, alcoholic/addict father died
- during this time, a reconnection with my sister from my father’s second marriage
- I loyally followed Walk For Peace; my plan included a weekend trip to Washington, DC to join the monks at their final destination but cancelled with fear for my safety during a messy Trump America.
- had a snake tattoo put on my left wrist in honour of a “quality” snake bracelet purchased December 23rd, 2015 at Khan El-Khalili Market in Cairo, Egypt; after a few days from purchase, this beloved bracelet broke into pieces revealing a sand interior rather than solid metal
- a wacky, outrageously stressful school year because of the adults – the kids made it bearable
- I attended Recovery Dharma – a Buddhist approach to alcoholism
- I have a new AA home group
- I met my recent sponsor in this group who is guiding me through a deeper dive through my second round through the steps
- I missed my step-daughter’s wedding because of the amount of alcohol and celebratory/party atmosphere; I left within the first hour of our early arrival, experiencing a panic attack while sobbing as a profound sadness and fear of alcohol flooded me
- a busy, hard-working start to summer with moving us from the RV into our dome home
There were moments when I thought about having a drink to change the uncomfortable feelings in my mind and body – but it was just that – a thought. An old go-to. An old habit. A destructive way of coping with life.
Not anymore. There isn’t any problem or situation in the world that a drink, for me, would make better.
This year of sobriety, I noticed a growth in my ability to skillfully regulate my emotions, more awareness of aligning with my values and beliefs while checking in with a Higher Power (of my understanding) to help me along the way.
I’ve paid attention to how often I felt irritable, restless and discontented rather than happy, joyous and free.
This ties into my spiritual conditioning that ebbs and flows like the shore to the ocean.
Each day, my spirituality is a repetition of devotion to my continuous sobriety.
I must always remember I am an alcoholic; if I drink I will eventually end up in jail, an institution or death.
Therefore, I stay sober, one day at a time while staying connected to my Higher Power and in the middle of Alcoholics Anonymous.
S, 🌻
Year of Short Hair
Tessa
saying Goodbye
Walk for peace
The Egyptian Snake bracelet
Design Ideas
Getting The Tattoo
The Kids made it worth it
From RV to Dome Home
3 years of Continuous Sobriety
My Struggles With Alcoholism
2018
- Mystic Order – Reiki Level 3A – 21 Day Cleanse – My Alcoholism Is Gone
- Spiritual Discipline – My Alcohol Addiction – My Story Now
- Personal Development – Still Alcohol Free
2019
- Is Too Much a Choice or Addiction?
- Personal Development – After 10 Months – This Wild Woman Is Drinking Again
- Reiki Principle For Today – I Will Not Worry
- Personal Development – This Wild Woman Still Struggles With Alcohol
2020
- One Year No Beer – 28-Day Alcohol Free Challenge
- Personal Development – A Wild Woman Redefined? Absolutely!
- Personal Development – Living Alcohol Free – Day 78
2021
2023
2024
2025
- Overthinking & The Joys Of Living My Twenty-Four Hour AA Program
- From Anxiety To Sobriety: My Life Journey From 52 – 56
- The Distinct Languages of AA, DBT & CPT
- Am I Willing To Trust In God?
Congratulations on three years! That is a major milestone!
I don’t have any firsthand experience with alcoholism or the sobriety process, but I have heard people say that’s even in recovery, you are still an addict.
Keep fighting the good fight. You got this!
Thank you Rob. 🌻 Science has not yet explained why some of us are alcoholics and others are not. What I do know is that, for me, alcohol is cunning, baffling and powerful. I have the mental obsession and physical craving for more. I cannot have just one drink, yet at times I could. But, the times I could have one drink, the next time I would have more. One bottle of wine was never enough.
Congratulations!
Thank you! 🌻
Congratulations on 3 years!! 🥰
Thank you! 🌻
Beautiful pictures and congratulations! 👏👏👏😊🧡
Thank you! 🌻💛🙏🏻
I love reflections💕👍
I agree. Life is busy, so writing a reflection gives me an opportunity to revisit and feel how far I’ve come.