People, Places, and Memories

January 17, 2023

171 days! 

I started blogging about 100 days ago.  I have been so amazed by the people that have reached out to me and connected about alcoholism and/or sobriety. It is wonderful to know that we are not on this journey alone.  I recently read a quote that said, "The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been, and the memories we've made along the way." This quote truly defined this past weekend for me. 

THE PEOPLE WE LOVE. As I have mentioned, time and time again, the people in my life have helped pave the way for my success.  They have been so supportive and have encouraged me every step of the way. This weekend I had the pleasure to celebrate birthdays with two of my besties. Kelley is truly one of a kind. She has been my ride or die the past 11 years! She is beautiful on the inside and out…doesn’t look a day over 18! She has stood by me through so much bullshit, and I will forever be grateful for her loyalty. She has seen me at my worst, and it will take a lifetime to repay her for the kindness she has shown me! Renee is one of the most genuine people you could meet. I love her for being who she is and she isn’t afraid to say how she feels! She is remarkably talented and determined enough to turn that talent into a booming business! These are two people I am so proud to call my friends. They have been great examples of of two selfless individuals abundant with love and kindness! 

THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN. Ok…so I’ll be honest. This weekend was full of places where I used to get my drink on! Outriggers, Sebastian Saltwater, and boating used to all be some of my huge triggers for drinking. Going to these places brought me happiness the majority of the time, and that happiness led to me drinking. By the end of the night, the happiness would have diminished, and I was a blithering idiot. Happiness and sadness and everything in between were all great reasons to drink, in my eyes, prior to sobriety. This eventually led to complete misery.  Early in sobriety, I knew that I could not be a hermit though, and I was determined to battle this disease with my head held high.  Eventually, as I grew stronger in body and mind, I knew I could return to doing the majority of the things I loved.  I just had to be aware of triggers that could potentially lead me to drinking.  Learning to live life again was important to me! 

MEMORIES WE"VE MADE ALONG THE WAY. My weekend kicked off on Friday, by waking my husband up last minute and asking him to go to the Stuart Boat Show.  Yes, I initiated this, and he was so excited to go!  This would have never happened during my days of drinking. I always felt like shit. As we approached the boat show, I saw a big TITO's sign!  I used to love drinking TITO's with orange juice and cranberry juice. I could literally feel my lips begin to pucker at the potential onset of a drink. I quickly communicated this to my daughter and husband, who kindly reassured me that "You've got this!" I have found that communicating my triggers, is playing a huge part in my success. Sunday, the weather was beautiful outside for Kelley's birthday gathering.  Being able to attend in complete coherency, brought me a great deal of happiness.  I love Outriggers' atmosphere and their fish tacos are seriously the BEST!  Trust me, I had some triggers while being here, but I ordered a pitcher of sweet iced tea, and I felt so much better! Monday, with the day off, I had the opportunity to meet Renee for lunch.  Afterwards, we walked along the river, and I truly laughed with her!  In the midst of this wonderfully busy schedule, my husband and I managed to still find time to shrimp. As I have posted on Facebook, my husband and I have been shrimping almost every evening! It is so nice to make these memories with him.  I would have never participated in something like this previously, unless I was drinking. In order to combat potential triggers while boating, I pack a cooler full of Cokes and/or Pepsi.  I find this is a nice treat for me, since I don't keep them in the house any longer.  I look forward to having my "soda" when I am on the boat rather than a beer. 

All of these people and places hold a special place in my heart and I've made some fond memories.  We are so blessed to live where we do, and I will always treasure living near the river. I truly look forward, now, to each occasion and place I can embrace, with excitement to be with the people I love dearly. I would have never been able to accomplish a weekend with this much in the past.  I either didn't have the energy, was hung over and sleeping from the binger the night before, or I was in the process of getting drunk again. It is nice, now, to feel good about everything I am doing. The weekend, overall, was just chilly and perfect! There is no need to let past indiscretions, tarnish my future happiness.  Reflection is key, and I plan on readjusting myself, as needed, according to God's plan. 




Shrimping Highlights:

 



Friday was the Stuart Boat Show:



Sunday we celebrated Kelley's Birthday at Outriggers Bar and Grill:










Monday, we celebrated Renee's Birthday by going to Sebastian Saltwater:


Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2023 at 6:31 PM

    You a truley doing some amazing work! Surely not easy keep it up. The idea to reward yourself with a coke only when your on the boat is genius. Choosing to NOT to be a hermit open ups the world entirely to you ! You can pick and choose when and where. You are aware what is best for you and what will bring you the most joy. In return you'll truley embrace the people, places and memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scarlett ChesserJanuary 18, 2023 at 3:47 PM

      Thank you so much for your kind words! They truly help get me by through the good days and bad days! It’s so nice to know so many people care!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2023 at 5:47 PM

    I love that you can be vulnerable and share with the world. You are inspiring many others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scarlett ChesserJanuary 20, 2023 at 5:43 AM

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting! It means so much to me to know that people are so supportive.

      Delete

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