One Year Without Alcohol!

I celebrated one year of sobriety on August 14.

What a wonderful feeling!

I've proved to myself that I can live without alcohol.  When I started this blog I wasn't sure it could be done. 

The first six months were the hardest.

The second six months were a bit easier, partly because I didn't want to mess up the first six by drinking and having to start over.

I've learned a lot about myself and my relationship with the Lord. Probably the most important thing is that my God is a jealous God. He is jealous for me, in a good way. He wants to be the one to meet my needs. He wants to be the one I come to with my sorrows and burdens instead of running to a bottle of wine.

I have learned so much from the AA guys. Hearing my story in their words. Celebrating their accomplishments. So much strength and encouragement in those guys.

I am happier and healthier than I was a year ago. No more waking up in the morning and feeling condemned. I begin each day with a clear conscience.

Alcohol and my need/compulsion/desire for it had become a heavy burden hanging over me.

And now it's gone. Praise God Almighty for His faithfulness.

I'm FREE!

It's Been a While But Still Pushing On

I haven't posted in a while. But just in case anyone following this blog wants to know, I am still moving forward.

As of today, it's been 6 months and 3 weeks since I had my last drink. February 14 I received my 6 month chip at AA. All the guys were thrilled for me.

I've had several dreams in which I'm drinking alcohol. And when I awake, I'm glad it was only a dream.

There are actually some days when I don't think about alcohol at all. And that's great. I have no regrets about leaving alcohol behind. The best part of sobriety is waking up every morning with a clear conscience. No condemnation. Because the condemnation is shattering. And crushing. And then that turns into self-loathing. And that's really hard, because you can't run away from yourself.

So anyone out there reading this, just know, it IS possible to stop drinking. I did. You can too.

Not Counting Days Anymore

I've stopped counting days. January 14 was 5 months alcohol-free for me.

There are days when I don't think about alcohol. They are few, though.

But it's OK.

 Now when I have the urge to drink I'm trying to think about the WHY. And I'm going to the Lord for the answer.

The Lord showed me that He wants the energy and attention and the NEED for alcohol to be redirected to Him. He wants to be the answer in my life.

Alcohol was never intended to be the answer.

He is a jealous God and anything that takes my attention off Him - well, let's just say He will do ANYTHING required to get me back.

How wonderful.