I just wanted you to know that what you said on the grateful thread is one of those thoughts, feelings that I hope I to one day own and cherish. Your words will remain with my soul and spirit.
QUOTE
Today I am grateful that I'm able to accept being sober as normal, and that being drunk isn't.
Your words had a truthfulness and profoundness that I respect, admire and want.
I quickly read the board yesterday and shared it with a man after the meeting who's going to have 21 years of sobriety at the end of the week. He told me he didn't start to think this way until a little over 1 year of sobriety. That I may to find, that I think and feel this way with more sobriety time.
I wonder if this is true for others here who have more sobriety time then myself?
I've also always been amazed at how you can go out to the pub and drink apple juice with your friends, early on. I know it's different for everyone. Yet, I to want to experience this type of reality one day.
I justed wanted to say Hi and Thank You, for sharing your ESH with us.
As for going to the pub with my friends, I might just clarify that there are some pub situations that I do need to keep myself out of. The group of friends that I go out with have been meeting every thursday for years now; they are the type of people who happen to drink while they socialize. The people I work with tend to socialize while they drink (to get drunk) , I avoid those situations.
Speaking of apple juice, I had a neat experience a few thursdays ago. Cindy, a long time bartender stopped working thursdays before I stopped drinking. She was on shift a few thursdays ago, saw me come in and was about to pull a pint of pale ale for me. Shelly, the other bar tender stopped her and told her that I drink apple juice now. Cindy came over and told me (in her sweet,kindly way) that she was so happy to hear this....
Hmmmm, I used to think no one noticed that I drank too much... I guess Cindy did, anyway it was nice to have the positive affirmation of my choice to not drink.
one day at a time, Cookster
by the way I still haven't figured out how I managed to drink the quantities of ale that I used to, two mugs or tankards of apple juice as Lacey would say (waving hi at Lacey) and I need to pee so bad it isn't funny.... oh well, one of life's mysteries
Hey Cookster it was same way for me when I gave up drinking. I thought no one noticed how much I drank. boy was I wrong! lol. People that I thought didn't have a clue have mentioned to me that they know I gave up drinking and they knew I used to drink a lot. We thought we were hiding it so good uh? lol . Also when I told my friends I quit the booze I thought everyone was gonna be asking me why instead they all told me they were glad that I gave it up. UNREAL. Now I either drink lime juice or lime pop because that is something totally different for me. Makes you feel good though when we can say we don't drink doesn't it.? I love this board and the people I meet here because I know everyone here knows what I have been through because they been all through it themselves. I have understanding here and I get inspiration here also from people who have gone on before me and is further along in their sobriety. Isn't it strange how one can feel so connected to strangers and come to depend on their ESH.? Thank you for sharing cookster. You have a wonderful sober day. God bless and take care
You have wise awareness in seeing the differences in how others are using alcohol. Even wiser that you appropriately keep yourself in a group of friends that drink just socially. Being sober gives you this insight.
Funny or perhaps once embarrassing for myself that others could see I had a problem with drink before I did. I'm glad your at a place that it didn't bother you when Cindy complimented you. Of course she handled it with integrity.
Myself, I'm not sure that it was a mystery as when I drank beer I had to pee constantly. Oh yeah like Zak I peed myself more than once. I'm so happy you didn't experience this type of humiliation. My bladder is actually better off now than it use to be. Except when I drink to much coffee which is known to excite the old bladder. Luckily, I make it to the latrine. Perhaps you are just more aware of bodily functions now, lol.
You are one of my mentors and I have much respect for you and your sobriety. I to one day will be stronger as I continue on the my path of healing, learning and sobriety. Thank You for sharing your ESH with all of us!
