My Sobriety Journey – Reflections Of A Year Ago

After giving up drinking alcohol and approaching my first year of sobriety, I often wonder if it has been worth it and if I have really changed for the better. For the most part, sobriety has been a real eye opener and an amazing journey of self discovery. It has felt so good not to experience the many negative thoughts, feelings and consequences associated with abusing alcohol. But, there have also been many extremely difficult times when I have felt so depressed, unhappy and hopeless. Fortunately, the low times have not outweighed the high times of my sobriety. During sobriety, this is not something that you think of often, which is why I was pleasantly surprised when I read an article ‘Be Kind, Please Rewind: Reflections From A Year Ago‘ from ‘My Supercharged Life’. 

This time last year;

I was in a constant state of panic and anxiety fuelled by alcohol consumption and hangovers
My every move was dictated by whether or not I would be able to drink alcohol
I argued with my spouse on a daily basis about random unimportant issues
I had no self control
I was depressed
I was angry
I was lost
I could not envision the future
Getting out of bed was a huge effort
I was totally self absorbed

This list could go on and on, I was really in a bad place. Alcohol had really reduced me to a miserable wreck. So, after reading through this fabulous post, I reflected on just how far I have come and how much better my life is right now.

Now;

In the course of the year, the panic and anxiety I experience is on occasion, NOT daily
I no longer rely on alcohol in order to function. I lead a busy but fulfilling daily life that I enjoy
The few arguments that I have with my spouse now are ‘normal’. They do not turn into the nonsensical, loud and over the top arguments that used to escalate 
I have self control - I have given up alcohol, cigarettes, self pity
I am no longer depressed, I have some moments but nothing like a year ago.
I have let go of the anger
I know who I am now and where I am headed
There is not enough hours in the day for me to do all the things I want to do
I am able to be a support for those around me when they need it

Part of my motivation comes from reading articles such as this. My Super Charged Life authored by Jeff Nickles is one of my favorite reading spots, I recommend it highly for some much needed motivation. 

Have you reached a year of sobriety? What are your reflections?

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