New Experiences

 

I am just getting back from a relaxing and refreshing mini vacation in Nags Head, N.C. I had a blast, but I wish it wasn't over yet. This my second time at the beach since I quit drinking in September of 2011, and I wasn't sure what I should expect. My first time going, I was still very early in recovery and thus the experience was not all that great because I was still a very angry person without alcohol or other drugs to numb it or make it even worse. Needless to say, I didn't quite enjoy my first time after I quit drinking. This time was a completely different experience because I was more focused on my recovery, and my head was a whole lot more clear. Before we left, I made my list of the local meetings that I planned to attend while I was there. I started my trip with my focus on my recovery and God instead of alcohol or other drugs and destruction. My fiancée and I were able to be around each other without arguing and fighting. I got to see how enjoyable it was just to relax and enjoy the people and environment that I was surrounded by. We took our two dogs with us, and I was able to see how much they enjoyed it as well as get to enjoy watching them enjoy it. While we were there, I had the opportunity to see other people who's vacation was designed around their drinking and it was sad. I was thankful that I wasn't caught up in that trap this time. I was also glad to be able to see how much I do not want to go back to that state of being.

Two years have just about passed since my last drink, and I am glad that I am no longer caught in the trap of drink, pass out, wake-up and start over again. I was happy to have been able to wake up without a hangover and with the memory of what happened the night before. I made it to an A.A. meeting each of the three days that I was there, and I was able to start my day on the right track and with recovery at the front of my mind. I am glad to experience live with a new outlook and with a new mind. I look forward to enjoying more because I know that this is just the beginning of a limitless load of pay dirt. Vacation, meetings, sponsorship and fun without using. Who would have thought? Please respond with your new found sobertastic stories of recovery. Share the ups and downs so "WE" can help each other find a new way to live in sobriety, one day at a time!.

Jason B. Sober in Recovery since September 12, 2011