Life’s demanding never slowingly give you a chance to breathe you look it in the face as your senses are sensing but you can’t seem to catch a break . Everything leads to using . But what’s your reason. . Mine is im the soul surviving parent to my two youngest I am a man of my word when I say I won’t bend break or crumble to the material things of this world the vices , the lore of anyone else’s sad story . Because nothing good has ever came of people pleasing . Because wheat is do for one friend in my sobriety or addiction none would do for me , well not none but a select few . & I wouldnt have it any other way . I’ve seen highs & lows I’ve suffered the loss of my loving parent losing my kids my dignity pride sense of self worth . But through sobriety Im gaining it all back . Happy , fresh minded clearing the clutter addiction hoarded these negative thoughts & now I’m always on a daily focused on how to at the end of my day empty my cup to fill it with the necessities of life sobriety & being a better father,brother,son,Uncle , service member to my fellowship & community . Fill it with what’s beneficiary to all those things . So what’s yours .?
Good question. For me the number 1 driver for my sobriety is health, both physical and mental, but mostly physical. As a drinker in adolescence I always took drinking occasions to the extreme and drank as much as I could, that carried on throughout my teens and twenties, I didn’t drink every day. At some point in my late 30s drinking became daily/almost daily. I’m now in my early 50s and and I was getting the warning signs of suffering a debilitating condition like stroke or heart issues, or even death from those conditions- it runs in my family. My drinking was unsustainable.
I don’t want to be in a box or seriously debilitated by the time I’m 60 and that’s where I was heading.
It’s not a real solution to any problem/task/duty I have, and I can’t waste time on nonsense that only makes things harder. I need to constantly think/meditate/pray for the wisdom to find what solutions there are, that are out there, and keep my eyes and ears sharply peeled for legitimate signs of promising value and hope. It’s kind of like I have a spiritual help wanted sign, and I am not even interviewing anyone that is a complete mess. Hardcore warriors only at this company.
Way of life after nearly 40 years sober wish you well
Big reason, like above: it’s just not good for me, or for anyone. I am not sure I ever had fun, just would be “happier” as a different person. I am glad I decided the way I am is the only way to be.
Welcome to the forum!! Thank you sharing a bit of your story!
I think my main reason for not using drugs or drinking is for myself (my health, clarity of my mind, and longevity in life) but honestly… my son comes very, VERY close to that number 1 spot. He was and still is, one of my main motivators to get clean and stay clean. I want to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually so that I can be the best mom I can be for him. The only way i can do this, is to be clean and sober and to take care of myself in all ways.
He is also one of my main motivatiors now in me working towards my weight loss goals (as I gained a bit of weight when getting clean). So im in another 12 step program for that.
To be honest… I dont know if I wouldve had that final rock bottom, if my son wasnt in my life. I had struggled with drugs for 22 years and if it wasnt for him, idk where Id be today (or if Id be here today honestly). He saved my life (along with God of course).
Welcome AQ! Love your profile pic. What a cutey pie you got there 
I’m in recovery to be the best version of myself. Motivation comes from my disabled daughter and my career. I get to suit up and show up for both every single day. What a gift!
Wishing you the best on your journey
I don’t want to partake of the selfish sin of addiction and don’t want to be a drunken loser. I could never really handle my alcohol and too often drank in excess.
Because these kids already have enough gray hairs to give me—I don’t need to be one of them.
Because my husband and I fought too damn hard to build this life to let one bad decision burn it down.
Because every single one of my babes deserves the best version of me—the one that’s present for bedtime stories, school events, camping trips, car shows, belly laughs, and the chaos that somehow follows us everywhere.
Because I want my kids to remember that when life got hard, I got tougher—not numb.
Because I have a future I’m proud of, a family I adore, and way too many people counting on me to go back to a life that almost always takes more than it gives.
Sobriety means I get to wake up every morning knowing exactly who I am.
And besides… somebody has to keep this circus running, and apparently I’m the ringmaster.
My babes are my reason. Every single day.