I often want to share about how wonderful sobriety is, but that can feel overwhelming because there are so many experiences I could discuss. I’ve decided to share about trusting the universe and what happens when you do.
I stopped drinking on July 2, 2016. My first half year of sobriety was simply focused on not drinking, studying the Women for Sobriety (WFS) Statements and beginning to feel stable without alcohol. By the following spring, I began to get antsy. I knew that my life could be so much better, but how would I even start to make changes? I pondered on that, attempting to discover my purpose. Then, early one morning during my daily routine, I wrote in my journal “I am ready for my change.”
That afternoon, I learned that my teaching contract would only be half-time for the following year due to low student enrollment. My first reaction ~ well it was some colorful language! Then I acknowledged, “This is exactly what you just asked for.” My superintendent offered to help find me a full-time position in another school district, but I knew something else was out there for me.
By mid-summer I was offered a new job in a completely different field, one where I would be able to apply my teaching expertise. After just two short months, I felt overwhelmed and asked myself, “What have I done? How can this be my purpose when I feel so unhappy?” Yet, I decided to stick with it for one year and give it my all. I learned as much as I could in the field and always tried to go the extra mile. Life can be ordinary or it can be great and I was going to do a great job!
Within a year, I found myself applying for another job that someone had suggested. I had only worked in the field for a short time and had almost none of the required qualifications. But when I walked into the interview, I recognized people who had seen my efforts and knew that I had put my whole heart into my work. I felt like crying tears of joy! I was offered the position and thought, “Yes! This is my dream job!”
Nothing is what I would have imagined ~ but my dream job is a perfect fit! I have a vision for what I am doing and I am becoming an expert. This is the coolest thing – I’m still in disbelief – but my new job is so fulfilling! I write a newspaper column related to my work and it’s published in eight papers. Why? Simply because I told them I wanted to!
Here is what I’ve discovered. I am not afraid of my passion anymore! I don’t try to dull my enthusiasm for fear of being ‘too much.’ I’m not afraid to use my voice to advocate for what I believe in my heart is right. Women for Sobriety has taught me so much about compassion and love, and that allows me to connect with people in ways that I wouldn’t have known before I stopped drinking.
I can feel my power inside. I harness that power, along with self-belief and courage, to tackle unimaginable challenges. I have confidence and I trust myself now. I am what I think, and I think positive thoughts throughout my day. I believe this is true because I have experienced it. The more amazing you believe you are, the more others will see it, too!
It’s all a work in progress. Every morning I wake up and tear off yesterday’s page on my Audubon calendar. I ponder my newest feathered friend before my journaling, meditation and setting of priorities begin. I know that the time I spend each morning is an investment in my future. There’s no question that I will do this routine each day for the rest of my life. I can’t imagine going back to my drinking days! Drinking was a closed circuit loop; sobriety is a wide open field. “The sky’s the limit!” This is what I was told when I accepted this job, and I now push myself to reach for it! For me, that’s fulfillment.
Running9bear
Very interesting post Running9bear! When we drink we drown our own voices and feelings. You have demonstrated how liberating stopping drinking is – a New Life is out there and possible. Thanks for telling such a positive story!
Trust the Universe, yes. And Trust Yourself!
I love your description, how your confidence has grown. Alcohol shut down my interests and confidence. Like you, I used the Women For Sobriety Acceptance statements each morning. I identified what I needed to work on: becoming calm, confident, curious, with a “can do” mindset. Life with sobriety is great! Thank you for sharing this story.
I’ve been a member of WFS for more than two years and I’ve learned that becoming free of a substance abuse issue (alcohol for me) is just the beginning. In an online chat I attended just this morning, someone mentioned how chats are akin to online therapy. True! What Women for Sobriety offers is much more than just a pathway for sobriety; it provides a road map for how to live life not just substance-free, but with joy and enthusiasm. The 13 Statements provide the framework, but the connection with others facing similar situations in a safe, nonjudgmental environment brings the messages contained in the Statements to life. Discussing together how following the inherent wisdom outlined in this program is what makes it so effective for me. With WFS, I am finally finding my way out of the woods and into the sunshine. Thanks for sharing your story of success Running9bear.
Sobriety offers us the opportunity to find our true selves. I never believed I was hiding behind alcohol but I was. It is scary to take new steps but if and when it works out it is that much sweeter. Thanks for posting.
When you drink alcohol, your ability to create goals for yourself is extremely limited. Well, for me, I could create goals for the time that I worked at my job, because alcohol was not a part of my working life. But, the true me, was so limited when I drank. Why? Because as soon as I got into my car after work, my goal was to get home and pour that first glass of wine to unwind. Then probably a second glass of wine. Alcohol makes me tired and cranky and fills me with anxiety and gives me acid reflux and ruins my sleep, which then…oh my gosh…actually affects my work life. The life that I thought wasn’t a part of my drinking. But it was. Becoming sober is such a gift we give ourselves. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not the easy gift like buying a ring for ourselves or splurging on that new summer outfit which only requires cash or a credit card. It’s a gift that requires conscious effort, lots of conscious effort the first few months. But then the light envelops you. Wowwwwww. Mornings are the most amazing time of day. I have energy. I have the want to create and take on my new goals. I am grateful. Just so grateful. I can’t thank myself enough for being so brave to give up alcohol, which happened to be the number one “joy” of my day. Living life the way it’s intended, being sober, is my number one joy now.
Thank you, Running9Bear for sharing your story.
Your wonderful post is a testament to the possibilities in life once the devastating powers of alcohol are removed. Only through my membership in this life changing forum and by putting the 13 Acceptance Statements into practice each and every day have I been able to be continuously sober for just shy of one year. My gratitude to WFS and women like you is boundless. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing a part of your story with us. It is only through my membership in WFS and my putting the 13 Acceptance Statements into practice each and every day, that I have been able to reach just about one whole year of continuous sobriety. For me, it took more than to just stop drinking, it took a leap of faith and believing that all things are possible if I take this journey with the support of women who share my addiction, support and encourage me, and have the enlightened perspective that Running9bear so eloquently put forth. I cherish my New Life and I am forever grateful to our found, Jean Kirkpatrick and this program.