Day 90: Less is More.
What I want often hurts me. What I don't like is usually good for me. In my sober journey, I have had to engage with myself 'wanting' something and then overruling that desire in favour of a happier, healthier, and better choice. A constantly recurring theme....
Day 67 to 80 – As far as the East is from the West
Living an alcohol-free life This sentence has five words, yet two steal the limelight. "Alcohol-free" AKA, Giving up something. AKA, Not having something. AKA, Less. AKA Living a lesser life. Incorrect. Alcohol-free high jacked the sentence. There has indeed been a...
Day 66 – Head space
Removing alcohol from the equation turns out to be the tip of the iceberg, in a good way. In the early days, my newly hard-won sobriety immediately headlined my thoughts. It took the front page and centre stage in the celebrations that exploded into my head...
Day 57 – Super-vision
I have ceased sedating myself. I am much more aware. I am aware of so much more. My eyes have developed super-vision. Some things I see are shocking and sad. Others are exciting and joyous. Everyday scenes can take on a different vibe through a sober lens. In a...
Day 55 – Mixed blessings
I am standing strong. I do not feel strong, and yet I know that I am. I have remained a sober person, despite feeling a bit crap. This leg of my journey continues to be uncomfortable. Life enjoys blessing with one hand while picking my pocket with the other. My...
Day 52 – Struggles, trials, and tribulations.
I recently asked myself if "I was out of the woods yet". Upon reflection, that question bothers me. There’s misinformation in it.. Here's my problem: I don't believe out of the woods exists.And even if it did, I don't think I would want to live there.Also implied, is...
Day 49 – In weakness, there is honesty, reality, life, and connection.
I feel much more comfortable sharing my successes than I do my struggles. And yet it is, often, in my weakness and vulnerability that I can probably hope to make a better connection. Day 49. A successful day; in that, I didn't drink. (And I really CELEBRATE that!!) A...
Day 47 – Love is in the air
Our need and ability to interact with other people, and to come together as a communal force, has always been Homo sapiens' most cutting-edge advantage. Its superpower. Even more effective than opposable thumbs, or being able to walk upright. I am labelling this...
Day 45 – The straight and narrow.
I am in a strange phase within my recovery process, and expect to sojourn here for a while. I am doing well. I occupy a good place. I believe that I am mostly 'out' of the alcohol trap. Mmm? Caution! Mostly out means partially still 'in'. Right? Careful Duncan. I feel...
Day 44 – Smoke and mirrors – Let’s talk about treats and rewards
I am not pretending to myself that I didn't enjoy alcohol in plenty of circumstances because that would be an untruth. What I am saying is that alcohol was not the friend it pertained to be. In time, it revealed itself to be a deadly noxious element that unleashed...