This morning I went for a walk with my girlfriend and my dog on the beach...we drank our coffee while we threw the ball and just hung out watching all the puppies play. It was a little chilly but really sunny and there were lots of happy people out playing with their non-canine children at the playground, having barbecues, walking, running...it was really nice.
It may sound like a simple insignificant thing to be grateful for but I've missed moments like this for a long time. Even when I was there I wasn't there...I was too wrapped up in my guilt, shame and hangover from the night/weekend/month before to appreciate it.
the simple pleasures and beauty of this world is what makes it worthwhile, i had no idea how much i'd missed until i sobered up, it's more than not being drunk. i am so glad you had this experiance and wish you many more.
The longer I've stayed sober, the more I have begun to have those 'flashes' of gratitude. I have begun to realize just how much more good it feels to have peace of mind than to have a steady 'buzz' on.
I honestly have to say that lately, when I think of the feeling of being 'buzzed up' on alcohol, I have a negative reaction to the thought. I find myself thinking, "Why did I ever want to feel like that?" Man.....days on end of sobriety is great!
i hear you loud and clear i saw a sunset when first sober and thought it was something new geeeeezzzzzzzzz!!!!!!! take care be safe wagon it really is the simple things
I remember going to see fireworks on the 4th of July, for the very first time since I was sober... I had not seen fireworks since I was wee-little. As I was looking up into the deep black night and watching the incrdeible show of lights and sounds, I started to cry thinking, "What else have I been missing all these years?"
The seasoned AA's who had brought me there each put an arm around my shoulders as I cried. I became 5 years old again, for that moment, mouth gaping open in awe. It was an experience I shall never ever forget!!
another benefit that I'm grateful for is that I start slimming down almost immediately...seriously, when I drink I balloon up like a puffer fish! I can move two belt notches in a weekend! Thankfully after about a week I shrink right back down in the gut and face area.
