Who would have thought it? Certainly not me, that's for sure. It has become a new way of life for me, I no longer need a drink like I used to. That is not to say I don't wish I could have one most days, but for me I have found other ways of coping. You see, alcohol became my way of coping with my feelings or a situation. And drinking on a feeling is the best way down a one way street.
I wanted to share with you guys today because while I have stopped drinking and it is something I am immensely proud of, it doesn't mean that everything is sorted out. It makes life a LOT easier and simpler. I don't regret it for one second. Actually, I can say with 100% certainty that stopping drinking is the best thing I have ever done in my life. Because I can tell you now, I would not have my husband and beautiful children, nor my friends if it weren't for becoming sober.
But it just means the feelings I suppressed through drinking are much more apparent and I have a lot of bad days! Anger, irritation, anxiety, feeling down, lethargic, no energy, no enthusiasm are just a few of the feelings I suffer with some days. But I have learnt that this is my personality, my genes and I need to learn to cope with them (not with alcohol!) and find ways of concentrating on the happy things.
This isn't always easy, some days I have to just accept that it is going to be a hard day. On these days, I just get through the day. I do what I need to do and get stuff done. I am kind to myself and I ask for lots of hugs and try to take joy from the simple things in life. A little hand holding mine, a hug from my husband, an extra cup of coffee or a long talk with a friend. You need to take these simple things and savour them. This is how I cope.
I think what I am trying to say is, if you have a problem with alcohol, stopping drinking is just the first step. You need to also sort out the root of the problem. I have been under the illusion for a few years that by my stopping drinking - that was it. Well Done, slap on the shoulder, now get on with life and be happy. However, it is not always that simple.
All the things you were hiding from with alcohol have to be faced too - and that is OK!
All the things you were hiding from with alcohol have to be faced too - and that is OK!
Mental health is a HUGE thing worldwide - there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of if you are affected by this in anyway. Just know that you are NOT alone.
And keep going. One day at a time.
♥♥♥♥♥
Carry on reading my other posts about how I stopped drinking, on being 1 year sober and no regrets.
Carry on reading my other posts about how I stopped drinking, on being 1 year sober and no regrets.
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