I can't even pretend to fully understand what you've been through, Al. But I'm glad you survived the path you were on and can so eloquently share the wisdom you've uncovered as you've ventured to the virtuous path you're on now.
A very timely post. I woke up today with the unquenchable desire to escape - maybe I should just go get a bottle of wine, maybe today is a good day for an edible - I’m in pain, I’m menstruating, I deserve it, etc. But I am 39 days free of alcohol and cannabis, and ultimately I will stay with the trouble for at least one more day after reading this. Maybe more. Thank you.
Alex, this was an absolutely beautiful piece. I read it twice and had a nice cathartic cry. Thank you for sharing your story and insights. I'm in awe of your journey.
Congrats on 7!!! Incredible. I totally relate to your mixed emotions here. I get it. When ‘normies’ say it there’s always that slight lingering left in the back of your head--are they being condescending? I think usually no. Doesn’t really matter in the end. We’re sober!! I too quit the bottle in my late twenties. Yay us!
Congrats, Alex. I just hit five years back in November. Our paths differ slightly, but our stories are the same. Thanks to sobriety, I have an incredible relationship with my ten-year-old daughter, who, at one point, I didn't see for a year, which only spun me deeper into the abyss, zipping around infinity’s loop with a broken flashlight and a pocketful of justifications.
What would you say has helped you the most, other than support?
Just reached 18 months in early February. Thank you for writing this. I relate to so much and it’s always good to feel solidarity instead of isolation.
I’m an artist (dance teacher) and I make an effort to shout out my sobriety during classes where it’s relevant. It’s astonishing to me how many people will come up to me afterwards and thank me for making them feel less alone, especially people in early recovery.
Your recovery is remarkable. I applaud your strength and determination and all you are doing to help others. Never forget how incredible your journey has been. I am so proud of you!
Thank you for sharing the depth of your journey. I am a normie but I still appreciate learning. I have dealt with chronic illness for 14 years and it's perhaps like recovery. Nobody wants to hear about how hard things are for me. There hasn't been recovery thus far. I think we often benefit when we hang out with other people that have a sense of our pain. I hope you have a recovery community that is supportive and people that celebrate your huge wins. And again, I celebrate this writing as it helps me understand suffering beyond my own.
I can't even pretend to fully understand what you've been through, Al. But I'm glad you survived the path you were on and can so eloquently share the wisdom you've uncovered as you've ventured to the virtuous path you're on now.
A very timely post. I woke up today with the unquenchable desire to escape - maybe I should just go get a bottle of wine, maybe today is a good day for an edible - I’m in pain, I’m menstruating, I deserve it, etc. But I am 39 days free of alcohol and cannabis, and ultimately I will stay with the trouble for at least one more day after reading this. Maybe more. Thank you.
Alex, this was an absolutely beautiful piece. I read it twice and had a nice cathartic cry. Thank you for sharing your story and insights. I'm in awe of your journey.
Alex, Xanderman, oloal, We’re privileged to rejoice in your recovery and to share our love. 🌈
Major congrats! and a beautifully penetrating piece to celebrate. Lucky #7
Congrats on 7!!! Incredible. I totally relate to your mixed emotions here. I get it. When ‘normies’ say it there’s always that slight lingering left in the back of your head--are they being condescending? I think usually no. Doesn’t really matter in the end. We’re sober!! I too quit the bottle in my late twenties. Yay us!
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Congrats, Alex. I just hit five years back in November. Our paths differ slightly, but our stories are the same. Thanks to sobriety, I have an incredible relationship with my ten-year-old daughter, who, at one point, I didn't see for a year, which only spun me deeper into the abyss, zipping around infinity’s loop with a broken flashlight and a pocketful of justifications.
What would you say has helped you the most, other than support?
Just reached 18 months in early February. Thank you for writing this. I relate to so much and it’s always good to feel solidarity instead of isolation.
I’m an artist (dance teacher) and I make an effort to shout out my sobriety during classes where it’s relevant. It’s astonishing to me how many people will come up to me afterwards and thank me for making them feel less alone, especially people in early recovery.
Alex
Beautiful piece of writing ✍️. Your ability to weave the words of your story to our time in history is a gift. Keep writing.
Your recovery is remarkable. I applaud your strength and determination and all you are doing to help others. Never forget how incredible your journey has been. I am so proud of you!
Love, Debbie
Thank you for sharing the depth of your journey. I am a normie but I still appreciate learning. I have dealt with chronic illness for 14 years and it's perhaps like recovery. Nobody wants to hear about how hard things are for me. There hasn't been recovery thus far. I think we often benefit when we hang out with other people that have a sense of our pain. I hope you have a recovery community that is supportive and people that celebrate your huge wins. And again, I celebrate this writing as it helps me understand suffering beyond my own.
Bravo, Alex. This essay is a king hit. 👏
Thank you for sharing about your life.
❤️