It was easy to stop drinking.
It was hard to stay stopped.
When I finally accepted this, I was able to seek out the help I needed to learn how to overcome the man I was, when I wasn't drinking.
#recoveryposse
Taking a man through the steps, speaking to groups about my sober journey, and carrying meetings into rehabs and detoxes… that’s about way more than just keeping the drink problem at bay.
That part is almost a moot point now.
I do these things because they help me show up as a better citizen, a better father, a better husband, a better friend, and a better employee.
Though I know a handful of people who’ve had success doing the opposite, my experience in recovery is that men do best working with men, and women with women. This isn’t a hard rule—just a strong suggestion.
Every morning, I take a moment to remember my last days of drinking and drugging. I sit with those memories—not to shame myself or wallow in self-pity—but to clearly remind myself why I never want to go back.
This is Step 1. I take it every day.
Embrace the Simplicity of Sobriety
1. Morning prayer/meditation and inspirational reading
2. Schedule a meeting into your day
3. Talk to at least one other drunk in recovery every day
4. At any point if things get twisted—pause, pray, and start the day over. (I’ve restarted my day hundreds of times in a single day.)
5. Look for opportunities to be helpful
6. End your day with reflection: celebrate what went well (especially that you didn’t drink), and plan a better approach for whatever fell short.
Living a successful sober life isn’t complicated—as long as you follow a simple plan.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
They told me to get a plant, and if I could keep it alive for a year, then get into a relationship.
Well...... I've been in a committed relationship for almost 10 years now, and still can't keep a plant alive.
My desire to discuss any topic political is Zero.
The outcome is always the same: Zero
The amount of days I stayed sober while still consumed by my need to convince others of my righteousness: Zero
The amount of times I've relapsed since hanging up my Opinionated Top Hat: Zero
I don't even like to hear my own opinion anymore.
Working out might work for you—and that’s great—but it never kept me sober.
After everything, the only thing that’s worked for a drunk and drug addict like me is intensive work with another alcoholic or addict.
Because my wife is at the coffee shop on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, taking a sponsee through her 6&7 step, I know she will continue to achieve the goals she has set..... and my kids and I will reap the rewards of a present wife and a doting mother.
Service work saves lives and nourishes relationships.
"DAD! Look at these!"
They pull out their summer work books and immediately bang out 5 pages.
Let me assure everyone- this is ALL their mom's doing. She started it after kindergarten with my son, preschool for my daughter. I actually pushed back initially- I wanted them to enjoy their summer without having to do school work...... I was so wrong.
Now they both love school work, and are excelling as well.
I've learned to accept my position- protect the family. I trust my wife for ALL other decisions.