Something that I've noticed, and it really isn't a huge deal...
When I first got sober and changed my life for the better, everyone was so proud. They were bringing me flowers, telling me how courageous I was, and always so full of compliments. Now that I'm going on a 4 month "anniversary", all that has stopped. It seems like they don't realize that 3 months and 2 weeks is MORE courageous than the first step...more courageous than just starting the sobriety process. I don't discount that first step, I just know that the continuation means that I've fought it for longer...that I've avoided temptations, that I've changed even more...that I'm a stronger, healthier person now than I was 3 months ago. It's hardly ever mentioned.
I know that this falls under the big humility category as well as sounding....errrrr....a little selfish. I haven't passed that part where I want my kudos, I suppose. Is that pretty normal? Are there people in your lives that still cheer you on after you've obtained more sobriety?
Hi there, first off..........congratulations on your almost 4 months!! Isn't it exciting to know you have come this far? It is so nice to be one of the miracles of AA. And, we are all miracles, when we have strung those 24 hours into months!!
When I first got sober, my kids were so proud of me, and.........they thought I was cured!! Holey Moley!! I was always somewhat embarrassed by their congratulations as I really knew how far I had to go. I had a lot of baggage to sort out, fix and get a handle on. Now I have a few years sober, and I am greatful to be living my life more like my higher power intended me to live it. I was living such a lie while drinking, so much in pain and trying so hard to cover it up. It is so freeing not to have to do that now.
Phil is right, we will all be your cheering section, you deserve it, and it is ok to want it. We all go thru those thoughts. Keep doing what you are doing, and one day some one will say congratulations, and your thoughts will go to "What for? I am just living my life". That is the blessing of AA, a few "normal" thoughts. You have a right to be proud of what you have accomplished, just keep on doing what you are doing.
From what I understand the newcomer is always going to be the most important person in meetings. After we get a little time under our belts it becomes our job to take care of ourselves and our sobriety and we can only do this by interacting with other alcoholics. I don't even tell people around me that aren't involved in AA how much time I have. My family could care less. All they want is a sober Justin for today!
Very well done on almost four months of sobriety. That's a major achievement and you must be feeling proud of yourself.
When I first started to get sober, every day was a miracle and I told everyone who knew I was back in AA how many days/weeks it had been since I last picked up. But, after a while, I noticed their eyes glazing over and it was 'old news' to them. They couldn't see what I was making a big deal out of it for. I guess they thought that I had been 'cured'.
But, I still know just how long I have been sober for and that's what really matters. I'm getting sober for me and I'm proud of how I'm doing. That's my daily gift to myself.
Keep on doing it one day at a time.
Hope this helps.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
