One Year of Sobriety
This month I celebrate one year of sobriety. In retrospect, I realize that I was an alcoholic for decades. I rationalized this glaring dependency since I was a successful technology executive and entrepreneur. In fact, I thought that my alcoholism was a sign that I had made it. In some odd way, the more successful I became the more a drunk I was. Now that is all gone.
Gone are the hangovers. Never again will I be barfing late at night hugging a toilet in a public restroom. And no more blackouts. Basically, I was forcing my body into a state of dehydration on a daily basis. And lastly, no more words blurting out of my mouth without considering the consequences.
I feel so good, and a cloud has been lifted. I am 65 years old, and I welcome the rest of my life. Healthy, clear minded and sober. In fact, I have never felt better.
Some of my closest friends have succumbed to alcohol. I rationalized that somehow I am different. I am stronger. For me that is what alcohol represents. A rationalization for my life. Now I know it is not.
I certainly spent a lot of money on booze, but the most important consideration is time. Aside from the health benefits, is the opportunity cost of time.
For me removing alcohol from my life created a hole. Daily, I was devoting hours of my life to this addictive substance and life style. Thankfully, I did not need to go to a rehab center. I needed to change my life which certainly was not easy. Since I began my alcohol journey in the mid 70’s, alcohol is now even more ubiquitous. In the last year, I did imbibe inadvertently. I had received a box chocolates laced with alcohol. Who knew? It is everywhere.
I had many drinking friends. I am sure they don’t miss me much. I miss them, but I don’t miss the alcohol. It is a trade off I am happy to make.
I want to thank the friends that reached out to me during this interesting stage in my life.
Congratulations Rob! We do this Sobriety, one day at a time. I’m very happy for you & your family. I too started in the 70’s in the same town as you! lol ! Fortunately my bottom came in 1988. I celebrated 37yrs in January. Hopefully you can come to our 50th reunion & if you do, I’ll be there to support you. Many blessings to you & your family.
Hi Keith, It is nice to hear from you. When I saw the 50th, I definitely was not going, because I don’t want to be around a bunch of drunk people unless I am one of them. Maybe I’ll try to adjust my thinking. The key to sobriety is to fine something enjoyable and productive to do instead of drinking. For me, I love going to the gym, and cooking a nice meal.
You’re on your way to the rest of your life of serenity! I wish you well. I wish you love.
My husband was sober and a program participant and mentor for 54 years, RIP.
Whether he’s in heaven or became stardust, I believe his influence was and is far reaching as I hope yours will be!
Some time soon I am going to retire, and it is going to be glorious to not have alcohol part of it. I have some friends that have retired, and they actively limit their alcohol in take.
Congratulations Rob!
Thanks Shontelle.
Congratulations Rob, well done. Sobriety is great. I celebrated 31 years this past February.
Hi Joe, I hope you are enjoying your retirement. I am thinking that maybe sometime late this year. I have cut down to 10 hours a week. And of course, I am sober which is more awesome than I ever imagined.
Hi Rob, Yep I am enjoying retirement. I still have the MSP account, but that takes about 10 to 20 hours a month :). I’ve taken up Pickleball and baking Sourdough Bread. Yes, sobriety is awesome.