I recently celebrated an incredible milestone—30 years of continuous sobriety. It’s been a profound journey that’s reshaped who I am and how I interact with the world around me. So, in this special solo episode, I’m sharing my reflections and takeaways from three transformative decades of living a recovered life. Sit back and join me as we delve into this remarkable journey together.
The Humbling Journey
First and foremost, I must say that I’m humbled to have reached this milestone. The path wasn’t always smooth; in fact, sometimes it was downright rough. I’ve been through emotional ups and downs, but the constant has been my sobriety. I’ve been aware, awake, and alive for 30 consecutive years.
A Spiritual Intervention
The truth is, 30 years ago, I was in a dark place, fighting a battle against alcoholism. It was a spiritual intervention that led me to a 12-step meeting in San Francisco. I walked into that meeting and haven’t touched a drink since. It’s as if the universe lined things up just right to give me a fighting chance.
Gratitude and The Mystery of Long-term Sobriety
Gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind when reflecting on these 30 years. There are many who have faced tougher challenges and have not been able to maintain their sobriety. I’ve learned that while there are actionable steps one can take, there’s also a bit of mystery surrounding long-term sobriety.
The Unchanging Relationship with Alcohol
I’ve heard people say they’ve changed their relationship with alcohol. In my experience, that relationship hasn’t changed. What has changed is how I perceive that relationship. I’ve accepted that I am an alcoholic, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that I can’t safely engage with alcohol, no matter how much time has passed.
The Interpreter and Acceptance
Early on, I realized that my thinking was flawed. I call this internal narrative the “Interpreter.” This Interpreter would often tell me that I was on the wrong path, that sobriety wouldn’t work, that I was doomed. But the Interpreter was wrong. Accepting my powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of my life was hard, but it set the foundation for my recovery journey.
Daily Reprieve and Higher Power
Every day begins with the acceptance that I am an alcoholic in need of a daily reprieve. For me, that comes in the form of a connection with a higher power. I’ve realized over time that this connection is not about a deity but about having a personal relationship with something greater than myself.
Pursuing New Things
I’ve always encouraged myself to try new things, whether it’s taking up gardening or attempting to learn meditation. The point is to always keep growing—not just in recovery but in life in general.
The Mystery and Uncertainty
Finally, there’s always an element of mystery and uncertainty in recovery. And that’s okay. There’s no manual for sobriety, but there’s a community, and there’s the willingness to improve.
Takeaways:
- The path to sobriety is humbling but enlightening.
- Accepting that you’re an alcoholic changes how you perceive your relationship with alcohol.
- Having a daily reprieve, usually in the form of a higher power, is essential.
- Sobriety is not a destination but a journey, one that encourages continual growth and exploration.
- While the basics are crucial, the journey has its mysteries and uncertainties, which is perfectly fine.
