Yesterday, I celebrated six months of recovery. The most important thing that I've learned is, surprisingly, there is such a thing as "sober fun." I was seriously concerned about this when I stopped drinking. I was convinced that I could not have the fun I was used to at dinner parties or dining with friends at a restaurant or go on vacation without any Margaritas. Initially, going to gatherings without drinking made me feel dull and boring. I thought I was much more interesting after a few glasses of Chardonay. I had some AA friends over for dinner after about four months and all I could think was, "This would be so much more fun with a couple of bottles of wine." But now, as I've approached the six month mark, I'm finding myself enjoying life more and more without any spirits to help me out.
A few weeks ago, I gathered with a group of long time friends. Even though they were drinking and I wasn't, I had a lovely time. Two nights ago, I had some congregants over for a meal and I had a surprisingly wonderful time with my new friends. And then there's quilting. When I was in treatment, I asked Ken to dismantle my quilting area in the house because I believed I would no longer find pleasure in the art without wine and a bowl, but a few weeks ago we set up my quilting room once again and I've been at it like a banshee. Drinking tea, listening to jazz and playing with colors. Needless to say I've been making A LOT fewer mistakes and I am finding that I'm enjoying the art just as much, maybe more, than I did before I got sober.
So what have I learned in these past six months? That SOBER LIVING CAN INDEED BE FUN!
How lovely to learn yourself and how enjoyable SUSAN is. <3
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Love you!
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