Meaplus3 Posted July 25, 2009 Posted July 25, 2009 I'm taking a moment here this am to give myself a big pat on the back for remaining drink free for 1 year and 1 month. It was a little over one year ago that I woke up to the realization that I had become powerless over alcohol. You see, I began using the drink as an escape for things that have bothered me from a very young age. In the beggining, this was not an easy task. I remember seeing others with a drink in hand.. and the craving to indulge in that alcohol induced stuper where intense. But, the more I focused on the fact that I had become powerless over the drink the more I gained the confidence and courage that I could live each and ever new day without the need to live in a drug induced state the better I felt. It took lot's of will power and soul searching.. but I have mastered it and I consider this something to be very proud of. I did not choose the AA route but instead relied on my own willingness to get better. I am not putting down AA in anyway.. for I know it's a life saver for many. I hope this post can inspire and encourage those that have an issue with alcohol that there is hope.. and that one can be free from this demon. So kudos to me for doing this. while I still suffer from some anxeity, living free from something that started to comsume my life is the most powerful feeling in the world. Mea:)
whichwayisup Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Congrats Mea! You've worked really hard and you should be so proud of yourself! I am proud of you! AA does help alot of people, but if it's not for you and you don't believe in the philosphy of the program, (religious aspect etc) it makes it harder. A friend of my H's stopped drinking without AA and my bestfriend used AA, and both are sober. He's been sober for over 10 years and my bestfriend just had her 18 years sobriety.
Tony T Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 A major accomplishment. CONGRATULATIONS! People who have not been there cannot easily appreciate what it took for you to get to this point. All good wishes for continued success in your recovery!
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 Thank you Tony and West. I feel blessed. And I hope for anyone else out there that could have issues with drinking, that they like me can find the strength and courage to walk away, hold their heads up high and be proud of such a wonderful gift to give to themselves and those who love them. Mea:)
whichwayisup Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Now, if only I can take your strength, and make it my own so I can quit smoking!
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 Now, if only I can take your strength, and make it my own so I can quit smoking! You can quit smoking. You will do it when your ready. That's what I was told, and that's how it went for me. I found it to be so true. And I will add that giving up cigs is way worse then dropping the drink. At least is was for me anyway. Mea:)
whichwayisup Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 I know I can do it, I just have to get into a total mindset about it. Thinking of joining a quit smoking group or something, since I am going to need support.
jerbear Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 You can quit smoking. You will do it when your ready. That's what I was told, and that's how it went for me. I found it to be so true. And I will add that giving up cigs is way worse then dropping the drink. At least is was for me anyway. Mea:) Congrats on the milestone. Just takes some will and to do it.
westernxer Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 I know I can do it, I just have to get into a total mindset about it. Thinking of joining a quit smoking group or something, since I am going to need support. Just go for it. Like right this minute. Dump everything down the toilet. The pain of withdrawal is quite a trip. Three days of hell and you'll be on your way to recovery.
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 I know I can do it, I just have to get into a total mindset about it. Thinking of joining a quit smoking group or something, since I am going to need support. I joined a support group and it helped me a ton. Most local hospitals offer free ones and boy are they useful. Congrats on the milestone. Just takes some will and to do it. Thanks Jer. Yes.. will. I never thought I could be this strong. But, I've proven to myself that I am a storng person and you know that feels good. Mea:)
whichwayisup Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Three days of hell and you'll be on your way to recovery. That's what I'm afraid of..The three days of hell! Thanks Mea, I will definately check out the local hospital nearby, they do offer up some kind of service, free as far as I know too.. Sorry to threadjack your thread. I'll shut up now and start my own since your thread is so special and should be JUST ABOUT YOU!!
2sunny Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 congrats Mea!!! how great for you! i just passed my 18 month mark. so worth it... freedom really!
marlena Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Now, if only I can take your strength, and make it my own so I can quit smoking! Yeah, me too although I have come a long way in cutting down. Congratulations, Mea!! It is no doubt a major accomplishment. And all by yourself, too!! Just goes to show what we humans are capable of when we set our minds to something. It must feel great to be healthy and in control of your life!
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 congrats Mea!!! how great for you! i just passed my 18 month mark. so worth it... freedom really! Thanks 2sunny and a big congrats to you to sweetie! Yes.. it is freedom.. so very true! Yeah, me too although I have come a long way in cutting down. Congratulations, Mea!! It is no doubt a major accomplishment. And all by yourself, too!! Just goes to show what we humans are capable of when we set our minds to something. It must feel great to be healthy and in control of your life! It does feel great to feel healthy and know that I can face my problems head on on now. No need to run from them and drink them away.. for that did not work anyway. I appreciate your kind words and support. Mea:)
mark982 Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 mea,absolutely fantastic----i'm so happy for you. to the people who don't know it is like freedom. i wish you many more days of soberity.
Trialbyfire Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 'Grats to Mea and anyone else who's done it!! It really is evil firewater when it takes over your life!
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 Mark, TBF and Lizzie.. Thanks. I'm just remembering how one year ago I was just a month sober and I was on vacation. Every where I looked there was someone with a drink in their hand. I was was tempted and antsy. I thought " ok.. well I can have just one." And then I thought again how one would turn into two and two into three and before I new it I would be pouring my heart out about every woe from the age of 2 to some complete stranger. Drinking made me sad and very emotional. I was never a mean drunk. I can honestly say with ease now that I will never drink again. I was lucky that my kids did not once see me under the infulence and I intend to keep it that way. They are my life and I love them more than I loved drinking! Mea:)
Trialbyfire Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 That's it, that's it, that's it Mea!! Infuse personal power where it belongs, in what you love, value and what's also healthy for you, mentally, emotionally and physically!
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 That's it, that's it, that's it Mea!! Infuse personal power where it belongs, in what you love, value and what's also healthy for you, mentally, emotionally and physically! Oh I'm doing it alright! Nothing like going from feeling powerless to powerful it's one amazing feeling. Now if I can master my anxeity and fears in the same fashion, I'll be on top of the world! I have the faith that I can and will with time. After all Rome was not built in a day. Mea:)
Trialbyfire Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Oh I'm doing it alright! Nothing like going from feeling powerless to powerful it's one amazing feeling. Now if I can master my anxeity and fears in the same fashion, I'll be on top of the world! I have the faith that I can and will with time. After all Rome was not built in a day. Mea:)Yup, yup, that's what personal power is all about. While no one is every fully in control at all times, you can take charge of behaviours and responses, where you do have control. While I'm no longer religious, the Serenity Prayer is one powerful piece of literature, particularly this excerpt, stripped of its religious connotations, that I personally struggle with and have aspired to, all my life and continued life. The person granting this, would be YOU! Grant us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know one from the other.
Author Meaplus3 Posted July 26, 2009 Author Posted July 26, 2009 Yup, yup, that's what personal power is all about. While no one is every fully in control at all times, you can take charge of behaviours and responses, where you do have control. While I'm no longer religious, the Serenity Prayer is one powerful piece of literature, particularly this excerpt, stripped of its religious connotations, that I personally struggle with and have aspired to, all my life and continued life. The person granting this, would be YOU! Grant us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know one from the other. Yes! That prayer is very powerful and applies to so much in life. You know when I really sit down and think about things, I see now how my thinking in so many ways was all about control. I needed to accept that I do not have control over everything.. and let go. Acceptance is such a major part of recovery. And I don't mean just from drinking but to all things that can consume one's life in an unhealthy fashion. Mea:)
Trialbyfire Posted July 26, 2009 Posted July 26, 2009 Yes! That prayer is very powerful and applies to so much in life. You know when I really sit down and think about things, I see now how my thinking in so many ways was all about control. I needed to accept that I do not have control over everything.. and let go. Acceptance is such a major part of recovery. And I don't mean just from drinking but to all things that can consume one's life in an unhealthy fashion. Mea:)Yes, there are two sides to the same coin. So, when you have someone else involved in the equation, you can ask for whatever you want. If they choose not to or are unable to give you what you want, then you have to decide what you want to do about it. Do you continue taking it on the chin, in essence letting go and accepting that this is the way it is or do you simply accept incompatibility and let go of the person? Weigh it and decide. Ultimately, in either case, you control your own behaviours by accepting your personal choice!!! Crazy stuff, huh?
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