Secret Alcoholic - in recovery

I got sober because I was miserable. My health was suffering, my relationships were strained, and I couldn’t imagine carrying on like that. I didn’t get sober because I believed life would be amazing without alcohol — I just knew it had to be better than the mess I was in. I…

In active alcoholism, I wanted everything now. Quick fixes. Instant relief. Constant hits of happiness. I’m learning to appreciate the things that take time and hard work. It’s one of the most significant psychological shifts I have noticed so far.

Does anyone have recovery tattoo/s? I don’t. But the thought crossed my mind today.

Acceptance is key to my sobriety. I’ve learned to accept myself as I am — and to accept that I don’t need to control anyone or anything but myself.

I used to be too scared to go in to meetings. I thought I had to do it alone. But I didn’t. People met me where I was — literally. They walked in with me. Sat beside me. Told me I’d be okay. They were right. It gets easier. And now, just by showing up, I help someone else too.

I have booked a retreat that has been organised by people in A.A. I’ll be going on my own. But it was recommend by my sponsor. Has anyone done anything like this before? Was it good? Please tell me it was good! 😁

Looking back, I now understand that I had no chance of turning my life around on my own. I was too far in the woods to know the way out. Reaching out connected me with people who have got out the woods already. They know the way, and they’ve got a flashlight!

I used to struggle with the whole “one day at a time” thing. It felt too simple, too vague. But as my brain’s had time to repair, I get it now. I don’t need to solve everything at once. Just stay present, stay honest, and keep doing the next right thing. That’s enough.

Someone I met recently said she learns a lot from me. She doesn’t know I’m sober. She just thinks I’m wise or something. Little does she know I used to take life advice from alcohol. Turns out, sobriety doesn’t just change how I see things. It changes how people see me.

One day at a time isn't just about not drinking. It becomes a way of life. Today isn't about who you were. It's not about who you're going to become. It's about who you are, and the choices you make right now. #ODAAT

10 months sober! #ODAAT

Suspecting you have a drinking problem is the first breakthrough. It hurts. But it’s the start of getting free. You’re not stuck anymore. You’re moving.

Not everyone in recovery is a golden retriever. Some of us are cats. Quiet, steady, not always easy to read. But we’re still here, still part of the family. And when you need calm, a cat’s presence is exactly what you want.

Today I felt blindsided when I suddenly remembered something I did about 20 years ago…. I felt deep shame. But this post still holds up.

Sometimes I think about the people that didn’t make it. George Best, Amy Winehouse, Oliver Reed… All hugely talented, wealthy, and famous. I didn’t have that but I still know what it feels like to be an alcoholic. Grateful to be sober today.

Alcoholism doesn’t care if you sleep in a mansion or on a sofa. Once it gets us, we’re all pretty much the same. When I started reaching out for help, I had no idea who I’d meet. Turns out, I’ve met people from all walks of life. And we help each other. That’s the beauty of it.