This is almost my exact timeline, too! Are you 36 years old or near that? 😂 I love what you said about your standards getting higher! I love the word “discerning” as I move in sobriety. I have enough worth to believe I deserve choices.
I'm 30 at the moment and quit alcohol at 26. My high standards are definitely the benefit I notice the most, because they apply to so many situations: do I want to stay home, do I want to go out, what should I choose? Now I can make decisions with a clearer mind. Thank you, and congrats to you too!
Good for you, Flavia. Congrats on your sobriety. Your experience sounds a lot like mine, only I drank so many years that I started to actually prefer to drink alone. And I'd get antsy if I had to share the bottle - there might not be enough for my enormous appetite.
I had to stop when, one day, a school counselor asked my son what games he liked to play with me. My son said "when my dad is sober.....". That was the nail in the coffin for me.
Sometimes seeing the situation through someone else's point of view (especially when it's someone meaningful) can be the missing piece that sparks an internal change. Congrats!
Thank you Flavia. Excellent article. I found out much of the same when I quit. I also became capable of making money and helping others and finding the little moments of joy.
The best thing about being sober is that I remember my great ideas from the prior evening and can write them into a cohesive post in the morning. "The morning fog has lifted!"
And when you can find the cohesive post and actually read your own handwriting... It's such an awesome feeling to connect with yourself without alcohol! Congrats!
Thank you for sharing! I love mornings now. I look forward to my first cup of coffee. If I’m still tired, I can go back to bed or have a nap later without thinking “when will I feel better?” I have higher standards for my free time. I prefer me time and hate staying out late. 8 hours of sleep is king.
Just like you mentioned, 8 hours of sleep is also my holy grail! I'm so glad I don't have an 'intruder' in my life anymore constantly stealing my recovery time (alcohol).
Courageous. Poignant. Inspiring. Thank you. You are going to be just fine. You see the future. At some point alcohol will be a distant memory in your rear view mirror, a blurred negative reflection of your positive self.
Thanks a lot for your kind words, John. Just like you said, I'm in the process of reconnecting with (or discovering) the positive version of myself that I used to hide behind alcohol.
Congrats on your achievement, Christopher! Life doesn’t get easier, but I do feel we can make clearer and more meaningful decisions when we’re not under the influence.
If anyone had told me before that sobriety could bring gifts, I would never have believed it. I thought headaches, regret, and shame were just part of life. Girl, was I wrong... Congrats to you too!
I remember my life as it were in addiction. I felt like my most inner self was rotten. I felt like my life was tainted beyond repair. My spirit felt broken and deeply damaged.
I was seeking relief in evil spirits. I thought alcohol provided me with calmness. But it was making me more anxious. This anxiety was building the pressure of resentment. I had vengeful thoughts against people, because I was so irritated with myself.
When you are insecure with yourself, you will cast that negative energy into others. Everyone will become your enemy and your life will radiate your self doubts.
It wouldn’t be until I got tired of feeling like a failure that I would cry out for help. I called out to God for a life that gave me peace. God’s grace and mercy showed up. His love came crashing through and opened up a skylight.
I was able to reach up for His hand. And His presence came and grounded me. His goodness penetrated a powerful symmetry in my heart. I was now able to claim a firm foundation. God’s omnipresent grace caused my soul to overflow.
Thanks! A lot of people in the comments resonated with the 'higher standards' achievement. I’m glad others are enjoying this beautiful benefit as well.
Cheering you on, Flávia! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring. ❤️
Thank you for the opportunity and the kind words, Dana :)
Sober since 2016 and loving it. I resonate
It's really a life-changing experience. Congrats!
This is almost my exact timeline, too! Are you 36 years old or near that? 😂 I love what you said about your standards getting higher! I love the word “discerning” as I move in sobriety. I have enough worth to believe I deserve choices.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing 💕
I'm 30 at the moment and quit alcohol at 26. My high standards are definitely the benefit I notice the most, because they apply to so many situations: do I want to stay home, do I want to go out, what should I choose? Now I can make decisions with a clearer mind. Thank you, and congrats to you too!
Good for you, Flavia. Congrats on your sobriety. Your experience sounds a lot like mine, only I drank so many years that I started to actually prefer to drink alone. And I'd get antsy if I had to share the bottle - there might not be enough for my enormous appetite.
I had to stop when, one day, a school counselor asked my son what games he liked to play with me. My son said "when my dad is sober.....". That was the nail in the coffin for me.
Sometimes seeing the situation through someone else's point of view (especially when it's someone meaningful) can be the missing piece that sparks an internal change. Congrats!
Thank you Flavia. Excellent article. I found out much of the same when I quit. I also became capable of making money and helping others and finding the little moments of joy.
I appreciate your input, Paul. It's beautiful to be able to show up for yourself and for others, right? Congrats!
The best thing about being sober is that I remember my great ideas from the prior evening and can write them into a cohesive post in the morning. "The morning fog has lifted!"
And when you can find the cohesive post and actually read your own handwriting... It's such an awesome feeling to connect with yourself without alcohol! Congrats!
Thank you for sharing! I love mornings now. I look forward to my first cup of coffee. If I’m still tired, I can go back to bed or have a nap later without thinking “when will I feel better?” I have higher standards for my free time. I prefer me time and hate staying out late. 8 hours of sleep is king.
Just like you mentioned, 8 hours of sleep is also my holy grail! I'm so glad I don't have an 'intruder' in my life anymore constantly stealing my recovery time (alcohol).
Courageous. Poignant. Inspiring. Thank you. You are going to be just fine. You see the future. At some point alcohol will be a distant memory in your rear view mirror, a blurred negative reflection of your positive self.
This from an alcoholic in remission for 25 years.
Thanks a lot for your kind words, John. Just like you said, I'm in the process of reconnecting with (or discovering) the positive version of myself that I used to hide behind alcohol.
Share with me if should you need a sounding board. J
"My standards got a lot higher."
Nailed it. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Flavia. - Christopher M., 15 Months SOBER!
Congrats on your achievement, Christopher! Life doesn’t get easier, but I do feel we can make clearer and more meaningful decisions when we’re not under the influence.
Congratulations! I have been sober since 2016. No more waking up with headaches regrets and shame. That in itself is a gift!
If anyone had told me before that sobriety could bring gifts, I would never have believed it. I thought headaches, regret, and shame were just part of life. Girl, was I wrong... Congrats to you too!
I remember my life as it were in addiction. I felt like my most inner self was rotten. I felt like my life was tainted beyond repair. My spirit felt broken and deeply damaged.
I was seeking relief in evil spirits. I thought alcohol provided me with calmness. But it was making me more anxious. This anxiety was building the pressure of resentment. I had vengeful thoughts against people, because I was so irritated with myself.
When you are insecure with yourself, you will cast that negative energy into others. Everyone will become your enemy and your life will radiate your self doubts.
It wouldn’t be until I got tired of feeling like a failure that I would cry out for help. I called out to God for a life that gave me peace. God’s grace and mercy showed up. His love came crashing through and opened up a skylight.
I was able to reach up for His hand. And His presence came and grounded me. His goodness penetrated a powerful symmetry in my heart. I was now able to claim a firm foundation. God’s omnipresent grace caused my soul to overflow.
Glad you were able to find peace in your decision. Congrats!
Wonderful reflections here Flavia - loved the observation that your standards got higher! They truly do - one stops settling!
Thanks! A lot of people in the comments resonated with the 'higher standards' achievement. I’m glad others are enjoying this beautiful benefit as well.
You have started a wonderful journey.
Thank you :) It's had its ups and downs, but I never would have experienced so many wonderful aspects of life if I hadn't made this decision.