I joined this community in March of 2017. I was 56 years old and had been drinking since I was 15…that is 41 years…add in a lot of other drugs and harmful behaviors in those 41 years as well…I was at my end.
Why was this sober attempt the one that stuck? So many tries, so many stumbles, trying to find my way for years to a different life …a life that felt good and clear and honest.
All I know is that a week into my final quit I downloaded SoberTime/ Talking Sober and read and read and read. The forum was 2 years old then and I think I was able to read every thread on it.
I had been working on my sober muscles…reading quit lit and sobriety books, was a member of WFS and Soberistas, dabbled in other forums…but this one really clicked for me. The community forum was easy to follow and come to when I needed inspiration, support, advice or needed to kill time instead of drinking. And somehow those impossible numbers others had…30 days, 60, 90, 120, 365!!! they rolled around. No one more astonished than me as the days added up and I didn’t drink. And here I am 7 years later. Still here, still sober. I truly believe the community support aspect of TS contributed greatly to my continuing sobriety.
My life has changed in so many ways…some enriching, some depleting. Life is life and it doesn’t stop being a challenge when we get sober. But I am not adding bad decisions to my resume of life anymore. Lord knows I have a full one already. When it all feels too much, I remember…
Let go, or be dragged.
And breathe in, breathe out.
I have learned so much about myself through sobriety/recovery, TS and all of you. I am grateful each day for TS and especially to Robin for bringing us all together…for those who are still here and those who came and left…everyone has left an imprint…all of it a learning experience. I hold no answers for others, only for myself. Find your path and embrace it.
Never ever give up on your self. Each day is a new beginning an opportunity to begin a new chapter, even in an old worn out book. It isn’t easy, it is painful and it is worth it. YOU are worth it.
Along the way…
My program…