Happy Sober Holidays!

 December 29, 2022

152 days of sobriety!

Today I am celebrating  5 months of sobriety! I am also celebrating the fact that I survived the Christmas holiday, and I stayed sober!!!  In general, the holidays can be a hectic time of year for so many people.  The hustle and bustle of the season can definitely just about drive anyone to drink or at the very least test our sanity.  The shopping, the crowds, the traffic, the money, the decorations, the gift wrapping, the cooking, the traveling, the parties, the family...the lists of triggers could go on and on for some. It is not uncommon to hear other alcoholics testify to their levels of stress during this season and the enormous amount of triggers that are present. We are not alone! 

As much as I do enjoy certain aspects of the holidays and the joy it brings my family, I would be lying if I didn't admit to the rise in anxiety levels I personally have experienced as Christmas Day approaches.  There were plenty of times this year, when I thought to myself it would be way easier to drink my way through this, rather than face reality.  The truth is, that avoiding reality is a huge trigger for me in general. Drinking was always a way that I could easily procrastinate my way through life and avoid anything that might make me feel slightly apprehensive. Eventually, though, we must all face the music at some point...as an alcoholic we must learn that drinking alcohol does not cure this disease, it only prolongs the healing  process. 

As I reflect, I am truly grateful this holiday season for the gift of sobriety.  The last 5 months have not been perfect or easy, but they have been embraced with a clear mind.  My brain is still healing, and I am still learning how to do basic things that I once could only do with alcohol.  It is an adjustment, but one that I am fully willing to embrace at this point. I am so grateful for all this life has to offer me, and I am truly looking forward to the year ahead!   

Pic:
Me and my beautiful daughter enjoying Christmas!







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