Hey y'all, formerly hmmokay here. I've posted in this thread a few times in the past and have since deactivated here and there, but I wanted to make a new account to post in this thread again after going through a few of the most recent pages.
I just wanted to say to the folks that are on the fence or are having a hard time getting going in sobriety; keep going, keep getting back up, it does get better, and you can do this. I know I've seen this kind of encouragement on here before but I felt compelled to at least repeat it in the hopes that someone who needs to see it, does. I was that person here and elsewhere on the internet idk how many times before it clicked, but I'm very grateful that it did.
I'm coming up on 500 days sober this week (1yr 4month-ish), something that I NEVER, ever could have imagined even a few years ago. Getting half a sober day was a miracle at one point and now, at least for today, alcohol is something I never wish to fuck around with again. For better or worse my only vice was booze, I never fucked around with harder shit, but as many of us know alcohol (because of its legality) can be for some the most lethal thing there is. I truly feel like I am lucky that I got that "second chance" multiple times, because a lot of people, sadly, do not.
I didn't go to AA though I have thought about it more recently just for a sense of community, but one thing I felt very helpful early on and still today is podcasts about recovery. The one I consistently listen to these days is called Recovery Elevator, but even things I didnt expect to help like Bobby Lee's "Bad Friends" with Santino or a randomly recommended SteveO's wild ride on the topic, stuff like that is has been so valuable when I've least expected it. Try and seek out what you think might work for you, podcasts and similar media are what helped me put two feet on the ground when I thought I was ready to throw in the towel once again. Lately, exercise (running, some weights) has been very helpful for keeping my mind straight and keeping focused.
@Velcro Wallet; IDK already said this to you but I just want to boost their sentiment; no need to say sorry for getting shit off your chest, or getting real. One of the best things sobriety has given me is the ability to be honest to others and myself without thinking twice. Sometimes that's just what you've gotta do and really, that is how you make change within and around yourself. Like others have said, you've recognized what you've gotta do and you're already beginning to make changes, just keep it up. You got this!
Not gonna deactivate this time, so I'll keep popping back in. My sobriety gave me my life back and I want the same for others trying to get there.
Stay up Pals, we got this.
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tldr; coming up on 500 days sober and wanted to share some encouragement to recent posters.