I have been sober for 4 years now. Recently, I started to notice that I was feeling better in general and it all came back to my quit date.
It’s not something that I really thought about but when you are sober, your body doesn’t do the same damage over time like it does when you drink alcohol every day.
My brain is functioning at a higher level than it used to before drinking heavily – even though I am much older now!
There are many other benefits too, such as having more patience with people, being able to focus on tasks without distractions and finding myself waking up refreshed every morning instead of hungover!
Daily Reflections January 17
“The trouble with us alcoholics was this: We demanded that the world give us happiness and peace of mind in just the particular order we wanted to get it-by the alcohol route. And we weren’t successful. But when we take time to find out some of the spiritual laws, and familiarize ourselves with them, and put them into practice, then we do get happiness and peace of mind. . . . There seem to be some rules that we have to follow, but happiness and peace of mind are always here, open and free to anyone.” DR. BOB AND THE GOOD OLDTIMERS, p. 308
The simplicity of the A.A program teaches me that happiness isn’t something I can “demand.”
It comes upon me quietly, while I serve others and am grateful for life’s many blessings in return; when someone reaches out to touch my hand or offer their own strength during our meetings, feeling this gratitude is indescribable!
When I first started my journey with the program, it was difficult for me to understand how recovering alcoholics could be so happy.
As time has gone on and I have worked more closely with people who are in recovery or just beginning their path of sobriety, there is no question that this simple process can change lives.
It may not be easy at times but as we offer our hand to others and help them find happiness through the 12 steps, we often find it ourselves – indescribable gratitude and happiness.