Sober through time, Spirit and community

Stepping aside from media for awhile. House sitting allows me to be in a much quieter and calmer space. You don’t realize your stress sometimes until you’re away from it.

#recovery #peace #ODAAT

The winter loss of light, the holiday post season, recent retirement & a 2 week respiratory illness
threw me off balance. I’m still trying to find my footing. Just want to stay in bed. New plan: get up, make the bed, get dressed & eat breakfast. That might be my best some days.

#sobersky #ODAAT

Shadowlands in our lives can be teachers, if we don’t get trapped there. The most devious parts of our disease thrive there.

#sobriety #ODAAT #faith #sober

Blessings of the day ☯️

#sober #soberposse #recovery #peace #faith

Alcohol landed me in jail several times. It ceased solving my problems decades ago, despite relapses when I fell back onto old coping strategies. I understand the meaning of loss of freedom. I also understand the fragility of being human.

#sober #recovery #ODAAT #strength #soberposse #Faith

I love the seasons in New England but I do miss my flowers. Isn’t it a blessing to have hobbies or things we can be excited about?

#sober #sobersky #OFAAT

This was my key…..to freedom.

#sobersky #soberposse #recovery #freedom #serenity

If you were able to get through Thanksgiving gatherings clean and sober, you’ve gotten past the 1st of the compressed holidays of the Trifecta. Early in recovery this can be the most challenging time of the year. Reach out for support, go to a meeting, help is waiting.
#sobersky #ODAAT #recovery

A simple wish that we all find our own reasons to be thankful today. I know I’m blessed with many. Have a peaceful, day. ☯️

Photo by Peter Ralston, Ralston Gallery. He lists the stone belonging to Thankful Phinney Burgess who passed in 1891, buried in Carver Cemetery, Vinalhaven.

#sobersky #AA

Half a century of alcoholic binge cycles creates neural pathways used to intensity, drama & putting out fires. The brain needs healing. Years into recovery the pathways are still rewiring. Learning to just “be”; quiet, no distractions can feel foreign. Retiring is next level.

#sober #ODAAT #AA

Coffee on the porch in the chilly afternoon sun slide….time to ponder next steps. I’ve made the decision to retire. Many feelings, hopes, concerns & uncertainty. Heard a paraphrased quote which research attributes to Ira Kaufman;
“Trust is the currency of transformation”.
#sobersky #sober #ODAAT

Unconditional love. Our boy, who is a service companion, loyally watching me as I wait my turn to see the surgeon. Whenever we’re in a medical setting & he knows he’s working, he’s quietly attentive. That’s another piece of joy for me as I compile the days gratitude list.
#sobersky #ODAAT #AA

Lately I find a challenge in recognizing the trap of perfectionism. It comes up at work. My boss & I have conflicting opinions on the definition of a task well done. “Good enough” doesn’t sit well with me. Then I recall page 417, just below Acceptance.

#sober #sobersky #soberposse #ODAAT #AA

Who are we in sobriety, or in our reflective moments? What shapes our character, what connections resonate? We are not our disease, we are so much more…with so much left to discover. Thinking about my life, and these words spilled out.
#sobersky #sober #ODAAT #AA #poetry #freedom #joy

To be of service to others isn’t meant for our recovery fellowship only. The gift of sobriety bequeaths an unconditional and generous spirit.

#sober #sobersky #soberwomenunite #ODAAT #AA #recovery #faith

In the midst of the griefs we all walk through, are the joys in the moment. End of season colors and gifts around my partner’s garden this afternoon. To be able to experience this parallel to my grief is a result of my recovery. I remember that I have today only.

#soberwomenunite #ODAAT #sober #AA

Today I had to say goodbye to this beloved companion of 16 years. She saw me through so much & all with her gentle, loyal & loving spirit. Oh how I’ll miss you Kitty O’Shea. A piece of my heart travels with you. I don’t have to drink to mourn your leaving, for that I’m grateful. 💔
#sober #ODAAT #AA

Tomorrow is an anniversary I don’t want to forget. It’s not remembered to wallow in self pity, but to embrace. surrendering. At 8am that day,officers knocked on my door, escorted me to court & then jail for 2 years for a 4th DUI.

My sobriety means everything to me today 🙏🏻
#sober #ODAAT #Faith #AA

Beautiful and reminds us that kindness, respect and service to others all contribute to a fulfilling sober life ☯️

Like many of us, the current state of things has resulted in my working 2 jobs to not just survive, but have something to set aside, as I’m retiring w/in 5 years. But at my age, it’s draining on many levels. I’m reminded that the T in HALT, stands for Tired. I must stay vigilant.

#sober #ODAAT

Emotional maturity. We’re not stuck in the bondage of self in an unhealthy way. Self-centeredness caused us to stay stunted. Empathy, kindness, respect are the higher traits that feel right.

#sober #ODAAT #sobersky #AA

“Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds”
~ AA, pgs 128-129

I was texting with a friend in recovery that when we were active, situations that were too frustrating caused us to quit trying. We found the easier, softer way. Sobriety gave us tools for growth.

#sober #ODAAT

Finishing up another 4th step, the most extensive one ever. I left no stone unturned. A years worth of writing but I can see the finish line. Both emotionally draining having to review, and then come to terms with repetitive character challenges, but freeing.
#sober #ODAAT #sobersky

Welcome to your new life. ☮️

I took this in a past summer, but the butterflies continue to love the flowers. I’ve had lots of hummingbirds this year as well. Small joys of sobriety which I appreciate.

#sobersky #sober #ODAAT

I agree. Complacency can tell me I’m “recovered”, that the foot can come off the peddle to coast. I get a daily reprieve and when I feel safe from harm, that’s a red flag that I need a self check.

When Bill wrote this, he was talking about soldiers in WWII. But for this alcoholic, it’s about life on life’s terms, when you hit the trying times, or it’s coming at you full speed. Perseverance; it’s everything.

#sober #sobersky #ODAAT #AA #soberwomenunite

The past week has been maximum busy….day off, coffee, reset.

#sobersky #ODAAT #FirstThingsFirst
#sober

The Finnish part of me understands Sisu. Along with time, Spirit and AA , it fertilizes my mindset to stay the course through all that life presents. It’s been a quiet mantra in my family and for that, I’m grateful.

Thank you. Yes they are my flowers. I’m not sure if they’re BB’s, but I bought the pot pre-planted. I love to mix colors.