Sobriety. Hard Choices.
Hard Choices. Every day we are faced with choices—some easy and some really hard.
I would like to say I handle all situations the same, but if I said that, I’d be lying. The truth is, I never know how I am going to handle a particular situation until I am faced with it. Do I go left or do I go right? Do I stand still or do I turn around and go backward? Do I choose the green one, the red one, the black one, or the polka dot one? Do I go for my dream or do I make the safe choice? Do I stay in an unhealthy relationship or do I break away? Do I make hard choices or take the easy road? Do I protect my sobriety or do I let it go. Again, some days the answers are easy, and some days, not so much.
Sobriety. Celebrate Recovery.
Today I heard that someone I love and admire drank after many, many, many years in recovery. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this story, where someone gave up their sobriety. And, I suspect it won’t be the last. But it is always disheartening. Today, it hit me particularly hard, one because I like this woman, and two, because today is my 35th recovery birthday. When I hear stories like that, they motivate me into keeping my life and my little problems in perspective. Stories like that also help me remember that all I truly have is one day at a time—no matter how many years I have.
There is not one day that goes by that I am not grateful for my life and my recovery. Every day, every month, every year is a gift, but a gift that I must protect. If I lose sight of what is really important, it—like all those things I place before it, will dissipate. For that reason, I celebrate recovery.
Some folks who are sober a long time choose not to celebrate recovery. They feel it places took much attention on the “ME “and not the “WE”. I don’t agree. I think every time I celebrate a significant milestone I am saying, thank you to God and to God’s many kids around the world, who have helped me to do the impossible—not drink or use drugs for yet, another year. I also think it is important to celebrate because in this age of addiction on steroids, we have lots of examples of people who don’t stay sober. Many who act out in front of the camera, just to get attention and publicity. We see people acting out, glamorizing substance abuse, and dying. For me, it is important to show that you can stay sober even when life throws you a curve ball.
On this day, I give thanks for my incredible life—all because, I have chosen not to drink or use drugs for 35 years. Staying sober and protecting my sobriety is an Esteemable Act.
What are you celebrating today? Join the conversation and share a good time or a milestone on my website, Esteemable Acts Fan Page. Esteemable Acts Twitter Page.
