December 23, 2007
What Happened Next…
So it’s been 75 days since my last drink and nearly 4 months since I began this odyssey — to sober up, wake up to my life, start a daily spiritual practice something like worshiping a higher power, something like trying to be a more loving person.
As slowly the cravings, mental and physical subside, replaced by new rituals and people and habits, hope increases. Hope that there is more that I can give, more to experience, and a greater sense of gratitude folded into the dailyness of things.
I used to think that a cracked up wit, saucy attitude, and brain full of literature were the tools I’d need to combat the challenges of motherhood and life over age 25. Turns out it’s all so much more prosaic than that. Soft heart, courage, determination, and humility seem far more important to the task these days.
All is not perfect happiness by any stretch, but broken down into 24 hours segments, I can say I haven’t felt this hopeful and resourceful for years and years.
V & I on a quiet snowy afternoon — just one of life’s joys I would have missed before…
Meanwhile, more at Imperfect Parent.
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Redsy,
Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you. Thank you!
December 23rd, 2007 at 8:11 pmMerry Christmas to Redsy and the little reds.
I am so glad you post here, tell your story. It’s inspiring.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:28 pmMerry Christmas!
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:52 pmStanding ovation, my friend.
December 23rd, 2007 at 10:21 pmYou are truly my hero this holiday season. I think of you all the time and the journey you are on. I can only hope to be half the woman you are.
December 23rd, 2007 at 11:50 pmRock on with your sober self, little momma. You just rock on.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:39 amWow!
Enjoy the holidays
December 24th, 2007 at 3:18 am[...] Beautiful. [...]
December 24th, 2007 at 4:14 amMerry Christmas my friend. Hope your new awareness makes this the best one yet, you’ve worked hard for it.
December 24th, 2007 at 7:40 amCongrats and warmest wishes for a bright, happy holiday season!
December 24th, 2007 at 11:35 amMerry Christmas.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:32 pmIt’s hard to learn the prosaic little truths of life, but I’m glad you’re on the path.
Have a good holiday.
December 24th, 2007 at 1:05 pmLooking more and more like the face of contentment. Well done, my friend.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:39 pmHi Rachael,
December 24th, 2007 at 5:56 pmHave a great Christmas and a fabulous 2008!
x
Congrats on 75 days! And more on the good you’ve brought in to your life. Here’s to happy holidays and a wonderful 2008!
Julie
December 26th, 2007 at 9:07 amUsing My Words
Love!
December 26th, 2007 at 8:05 pmBeautiful picture — and beautiful sentiment. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
December 27th, 2007 at 11:58 amI can’t express in words how happy I am that you’ve found such joy and peace.
And you brought it to yourself; you know this, right?
You’re awesome.
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:13 amI’m not sure how I stumbled upon your site, but hello. I’m also a redhead and the wife of a recovering (not so gracefully) alcoholic. Congrats on taking your steps into sobriety. I truly hope that 2008 is a wonderful year for you and your family, one day at a time.
January 14th, 2008 at 4:27 pm[...] In 8 days I’ll have 6 months sobriety. We’re not supposed to count our chicks before they hatch, but I get another coin (pretty blue) to add to my growing pile, so it’s especially exciting. One half year of not drinking and following a spiritual program. A program which is becoming less about not drinking and more about fellowship, service, and (incredibly for someone like me — a perennial cat wearing a wool suit) serenity. [...]
March 27th, 2008 at 6:58 pm[...] Beautiful. [...]
April 8th, 2008 at 12:34 pm