Sunday, July 11, 2010

3 weeks sober

I have been sober for three weeks. I am back into sleepy mode- but that could be more from a little depression/stress that I am going thru, rather than being sober. 
I have been going to the gym a lot lately- especially this week. It is definitely becoming a stress reliever for me- today is Sunday- so it's rest day. I am thinking maybe some ice cream with the kids might be in order. 
I wish I had some profound reflections right now, but I don't. Thankfully, I haven't had any recent dreams of relapse. Sometimes I wonder if the stuff I am going thru is "normal" for my stage of recovery. Haven't had the energy to find new recovery blogs to read- but I am thankful to those that I visit. 

UPDATE - 07FEB13: I decided to update this particular post today because "3 Weeks Sober" is by far the most searched and read blog post that I have. When I reread it- I see that it doesn't offer any particular insight or inspiration. 
Today is my birthday. I turned 39. Getting closer to old lady-hood I guess. Today was also one of the worst days I have experienced in quite a long time. One thing after another had my emotions really spiraling out of control. 
I am 4 months shy of 3 years sober....and I plan to stay that way. Out of that time I have spent less time thinking about alcohol than I have spent thinking about it. When I first wrote this blog post on July 11, 2010 I didn't think that was possible. But through all the initial false starts (before I started writing) and the roller coaster of emotions in the beginning I have done pretty well. I am comfortable telling people I don't drink without the need to explain myself to them.  People still ask me how it's "possible to have fun if you don't drink". That phrase seem ridiculous now. I just tell them I make a GREAT designated driver. 
I have managed to stay sober without the help of AA- though my way is only one way to get sober. I suggest you pick one that works best for you (key words there "one that WORKS) whichever that may be. 
So- today was a horrible day. And is some remote part of my mind I asked myself if drinking was an option. (it never is) But one thing that made it easier to push that thought out of my mind was the sheer number of people who have googled "3 weeks sober" and have found me....and then have gone to my front page and saw that I was still sober. I am..sober. and I love it. Truly. Life does get better.
I didn't think there would ever be a time in my life when I didn't want to drink.... and I was scared when I first thought about quitting that I would be missing out on something when I saw other people in a restaurant having a drink. But I'm not, and I don't think like that anymore. 
Today my drink of choice is a Shirley Temple. I didn't have one today- but I will tomorrow when I celebrate my birthday with my kids- sober, happy, and healthy. 

11 comments:

  1. I came across your site because I searched "sober for three weeks" - that's where I am right now. To see that this was several years old and that you've maintained your sobriety the whole time is invigorating to me. Thank you for taking time to write about your recovery...

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  2. Congratulations on your decision.... I know it seems impossible now- but being sober gets easier. Hang in there!

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  3. Hi, Im 3 weeks sober, this is my 3rd attempt. This time feels different though, I have finally accepted the fact that I cannot drink again, no matter what. Ive never truly believed that until now.
    Your recovery is truly inspiring, thankyou for sharing.

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  4. Mick,
    I wish you the best. Knowing that you can never drink again is a big step in the right direction. I came on today to get a little strength- I am glad to know my writing has been of some use. Thank you for your comment.

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  5. 3 weeks sober today. Its nice to hear you are still sober. I am tired and just not feeling well today, but your writing is inspirational. Thank you for sharing :)

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  6. your welcome. I hope you are doing well. Hang in there. It gets better.

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  7. Hi
    3 weeks and a day for me. 42 Y/old drank for 25 years non stop 8+ drinks a day.
    What a waste if NY time money health and relationships.
    I have .......at last, thankfully, given the drinking away.
    I am content 3 weeks In and know I can't drink again.
    Your story inspires me.
    Take care
    K

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    1. I will be 44 in under a month, I drank for over 25 years. Today ,it has been three weeks sober for me. It feels good so far other than a couple of rough days.
      It is never too late to make the change. I came to a point where I was so bored of drinking that I am excited to see what sobriety will bring to life.
      Time to make some dreams come true! Even if they don't come true it will be better to try making them come true sober.
      Don't back down!

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  8. Congratulations! It takes a lot of work initially but it does get better. Hang in there.

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  9. Hi
    Its K again.
    33 days today. Feel so tired today, didn't sleep well the last few night's.
    Very positive otherwise, completely committed to my sobriety, life is getting better.
    I read somewhere " no matter how bad things get , a drink will make it worse " , I like this
    Statement it hits a cord with me. I like your site here, your writing seems very honest.
    Are you going well?
    K (from Melbourne Australia)

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  10. K,
    I am doing well. I think it's true that a drink always makes it worse. In my previous attempts to get sober having "a" drink always led me right back to life as an alcoholic.
    Please email me if you ever need to talk or need additional support. imperfectly.healed@gmail.com

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