One year sober

Posted on by

I started writing this blog not with the determination of giving up alcohol completely. I was going to dry out. The title of my blog “Moderately Sober” doesn’t take the journey of sober life seriously. I didn’t really think I would be sober forever. I started the blog and started the sober journey because being drunk and blacking out was not leading to a long life. I was killing myself softly.

My blog title is a reminder that moderation is not possible for me.

Today I am sober. I intend to stay sober. I am glad I am sober.

I found a strength that was already within me to stop drinking. I added one day to the next. I felt lost with what to do with my hands, what to do with the new found time up my sleeve. I was amazed at the money I saved. I began to notice that there were others out there also not drinking. A minority, yet, a noticeable number.

The support of the sober community is not to be underestimated. Nudges and the right words at certain times make the difference to lift oneself rather than fall flat. Thank you. You know who you are.

I had a flash of admiration from someone unable to stop drinking the other day. There is no special blue pill to take and voila I am instantly sober. There is a thought, a choice, an idea, a decision. One and all of them. Sometimes it doesn’t work first time, but with the desire to keep trying, one can stop the drinking. Being sober is not just one decision, it is a daily decision. One that if repeated often enough becomes an automatic habit. So automatic that you no longer think about alcohol. Other things in life take your focus. Your spouse, your family, your pets, your renewed discovery of your passion, your mornings, your lifestyle.

I have got back my love of drawing. It must be about two and a half months and I have been sketching daily. The broken ankle ‘helped’ me get back into this. I wonder where this will lead me?

An appreciation and gratitude for everyday tasks has also humbled me. Again being immobile and not being able to do things for myself has taught me patience and also how to ask for help. I am still unable to drive. I love driving. But funnily enough I don’t miss it for now. Crutches and moon boot are only for crowded areas, more of a safety net for me now. Hurray – I am able to carry a cup of tea, I am able to cook. I continue with physiotherapy and getting back to walking with a more regular gait. The moon boot is off while at home. We are coming into summer so walking about in bare feet is just the best. Having my own company for countless days in bed with a foot elevated in a cast has given me peace. I’m fine with my own company. I have been for a while now. Sure there have been days when it drove me round the twist but it was more of the decision of movement having been taken away from me rather than the company.

Having a sober buddy whether they be online, in the same household, same neighbourhood or anywhere really, is incredibly beneficial and much needed support when feeling wobbly. Thank you to my sober buddies.

“My Year of Sober” was a success. I have been thinking about what next?

My Year of Wellbeing is my next focus. I have concrete goals jotted down. This starts today.

Sober as. Always.

37 thoughts on “One year sober”

  1. Congratulations on your sober year. I just hit 10 months. You definitely find your creativity again when you put down the drink…and gratitude for the little things. Wishing you well on your year of wellness!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you. Congrats on 10 months. That’s awesome.
      I’m so grateful. Every time I say this I hear Brene Brown’s voice in my head. She is wonderful.
      The creativity is there but my actions are not being followed through. Having a flat day so it’s computer games today.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  2. Congratulations on one year! I just started my sober journey on January 1 and seeing people celebrating the one year mark helps me see that it’s possible. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  3. You don’t know how grateful I am to stumble across this today, having started my own journey today. Thank you for your words, especially ”There is a thought, a choice, an idea, a decision. One and all of them” Amen.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  7. i will forever be impressed by those with one year sober, because to me..that is the worst of it. I guess because so many things actually change and for awhile we don’t believe that it will happen. Many a time i repeated to myself” the journey of 1,00 miles begins with one step.” My congrats cannot be huge enough! i would have been at one year as well if not for one slip in january..but i soon will be and the changes in my life, my thinking and my soul have been incredible. CONGRATS!..hugs!!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

      • I took the time to re-read your blog this morning, and have committed to concrete goals for next year as well. Although I do have moderation with respect to some areas of my life, it was never while drinking – ever! 1 Dec marked forty months of sobriety and I realized I’ve been giving myself passes in other areas, too many sweets, and fresh bread which of course comes with a side of butter. Thanks for the reminder that goals even small ones are good and necessary. Congratulations again on your one year soberversary!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Lovely 😊 Thank you. Congratulations on 40 months sober 🥳🥳🥳
        My goal today is resting my ankle. I overdid it yesterday putting up the Christmas tree and walking about the house. Working on my moderation. 😬

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Happy Dance for you! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻Congratulations!
    Life is and will continue to get better for you!
    xo
    Wendy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  16. Congrats on 1 year sober!!! I can hear your happiness and peace and so applaud all the hard work. You have won your life back and are stronger, wiser, and truer. What a gift you have given yourself and all of us❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

Leave a comment