“Sobriety”
Today, June 26, 2016 Is my 29th month of Sobriety. I can honestly say a lot is happening durning my 29 months. As I reflect on this day, the meaning of ‘Sobriety’ weighs on my mind. Merriam-Webster’s definition of ‘Sobriety’ is: ‘the quality of being ‘staid or solemn.’ What is the real truth for me? Is the real meaning to rejoice in not drinking for 29 months or something much more obvious?
Recently I spoke with my father, who has been sober for over 30 years. With our conversation, I had reminded him I am going to be sober for 29 months. He congratulated me and then commented, he has never counted the months of his sobriety, he just knows the date when he stopped. A brief summary of my father, born in 1930, he grew up in the poor south of North Carolina during World War II. To help his family, he was able to join the army at an early age. He was stationed in Germany and lived there for seven years. My Father’s conversation with me struck a cord with me today when he stated, “I did not have much of a childhood, I learned about life the hard way during the war and after.”
Visiting the sunrise today, reflecting on my father’s comments, brought about some clarity to the real meaning of “Sobriety” for me. To simply enjoy life, to be able to feel, touch, smell, hear, see all its beauty and feel the energy without interference or obstruction to the ‘human mind.’ My mind’s clarity brought about this simple message which I recite when I am faced with my life’s challenges; “Keep Believing, Stay In Faith, Don’t Be Afraid!” To be more definitive:
“Keep Believing (one Task- consciously present, Picture yourself with words), Stay In Faith (be emotional, stay motivated), Don’t Be Afraid (challenge yourself, embrace life’s experiences with ups and downs)!”
I am blessed to have family and special friends who care and support me, not because of my not drinking, but in support of my living ‘Life!’ On this 29th month of my “Sobriety’ I am feeling, it is not only about ‘stop drinking’ in my case, it’s about reconnecting with “Life” with all its ups and downs, and by rejoicing with the happier memories it brings me!
