It’s very character building. I’ve laughed through tears of frustration, screamed so loud in exasperation that my voice echoed off the walls and talked out loud to coach myself through it. I’m painting some rooms in my new home and I can’t believe how time-consuming this process has been. There was wallpaper that had to be removed which took a full day and then scrubbing the wallpaper paste which took another full day. Hunching over counters and wrangling the heaviest of appliances away from the wall ~ it’s been a workout physically and for my patience.
I FINALLY finished the first coat and, while it continues to dry, I’m going outside to shovel for the second time today. I am a first-time homeowner and learning patience, faith, and determination every day. I LOVE MY NEW HOME. I never thought I’d want to “settle down” but one day at the end of July, I realized (actually the universe told me) it was time. The most perfect wonderful home was waiting for me and every day I marvel at how lucky I am.
Statement 11: Enthusiasm is my daily exercise.
I treasure the moments of my New Life.
Safe in my bedroom are the notes for the event I’m co-hosting next week on our regional PBS station. It’s my debut on the channel and hopefully funding will be in place by the spring for a 13-part series that I will be co-producing. Isn’t that the coolest? There are so many wonderful things happening to me, yet I honestly don’t even have much time to sit and think about them. I just keep saying “yes,” going about my daily routine and focusing on the tasks in front of me.
My next door neighbor is an answer to a prayer that I hadn’t prayed. He’s about my age and willing to help with anything. He hauled all my leaves onto his trailer to take them out to the brush site, helped me get my lawn in order and I’ve consulted him on many other things. When he asked if I was going home for Thanksgiving (I am not close with my family), I told him, “THIS is my beautiful home!” He seemed a bit horrified that I would be spending the holiday alone. But when I went inside after the conversation I wept tears of joy at the realization – I AM HOME!
I’m trying to stay cordial but not warm – I’m not interested in a relationship with him and I can tell he would be. The truth is – I’m not really interested in having a relationship with anyone right now. I have so much else to focus on and so much more to do.
LIFE IS GOOD, life is calling to all of us to join in on its goodness.
Statement 6: Life can be ordinary or it can be great.
Greatness is mine by a conscious effort.
I am enjoying every moment of my goodness because I have worked HARD to create this reality. I’ve spent years rewiring my thoughts and changing my behaviors. My work isn’t done because I keep accepting bigger challenges and I have even bigger dreams yet to realize. I could never ever give up my morning routine because it is what makes my life possible. There is nothing special about me, I just realize the importance of putting in the effort to get what I want and what I am worthy of. Because of Women for Sobriety, I am doing what I dreamed of as a child and countless things I never would have dreamed of.
My life overflows with abundance and love! Sobriety isn’t about surviving or making do. Sobriety is about dreams coming true!
~running9bear
What a beautiful and uplifting post! Thank you for sharing. I agree that sobriety is about dreams coming true. Wishing you many years of abundant sober happiness in your new home. God bless! x
Thank you so much running bear, beautiful post and you are so right. This New Life is a beautiful thing!
Such an inspiring post. Your words are such a wonderful example of living the New Life and being 4C. Thank you for sharing your story.
Really enjoyed this thanks!
This is pure joy!
running9bear, your post shouts out with enthusiasm and inspiration. It always reminds me of the saying, “Pick your hard.” You chose the hard that helped buy and restore your new home. The energy that it took to buy it and then the energy that it took to tear down wallpaper, paint, and all that you did to make it “your home” was HARD. But what a GREAT hard. Thank you for posting this. You have some 4C girl power!
Life is calling to us to join in—agreed. Beautiful story, thank you.
What a wonderful blog full of hope & inspiration…I’m with you…sobriety rocks!
Thank you for sharing this inspiring post, runnin9bear! I love the fact that you are recreating your dream house just as you recreated your life. Being sober makes all things possible! I wish you a joyful first holiday in your happy place – your New Life and New Home.
Thank you so much for such an inspiring post. I like how you describe the process of ‘rewiring’ your thoughts — yes, that’s what we are able to do, once we stop drinking. So much is possible, and it does take patience and perseverance. Enjoy your new home!
R9B…welcome home. Thank you for the reminder that this life is all about living…fully, in the now. Love you!