Squishy 1,149 Posted October 6, 2013 Report Share Posted October 6, 2013 ....I put the "Plug in the Jug". "They" told me in the beginning that it would not be prudent to speak publicly about it, added pressure, subjecting myself to preconceived notions etc. I guess this was why it was said. But I feel the need to tell you about this although I'm not entirely sure why. I don't deserve a medal or praise, I'm just a guy who saw no future in the path I was on at the time and I believe without a doubt had I not made this change I would not be here now, alive to post this message. And the fact of the matter is, all 7,300 days strung together one at a time would count for absolutely nothing if I ended up getting back on the road to ruin. Did the clouds part and life become all sunshine and flowers after? Hell no. As I'm sure most of you know life can be a bitch sometimes and facing it everyday without my quick and easy escape hatch hasn't been easy. All I can say for sure is that my worst days now are better than my best days were then. And I'm thankful that I've always been able when I start feeling sorry for myself to look around me and find someone I'd never trade places with, someone much worse off than me. How did I do it? Very simply I finally took full responsibility for my own lot in life and accepted the fact that I had the power to make a change. If anyone reading this stands where I did 20 years ago staring into the black abyss just know that it is possible to step back, to finally get fed up with living with guilt, regret, shame and hopelessness as your constant companions and change course....if you really want to and if you can admit that you can't go it alone. So rather than going to a smoky room full of strangers and pretending to be wise and insightful, I'll collect that chip here amongst my friends. God Bless you all. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 7,071 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Congrats & Happy Birthday! And contrary to your belief, you do deserve praise. I too have been clean & sober for a long time too. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nailbomb 10,221 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Good for you. I know some people that would do well to follow in your example. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jerry52 893 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 May God Increase you always and make all your paths strait. May your wisdom and life be a beacon to others. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XD45 7,124 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Sergeant Pepper taught the band to play. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KTM 72 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Congrats, Squishy ! I made it to 12 yrs. a couple weeks ago. I don't care much for the smoky basement crowd either Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Remek 771 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Congrats, Squishy! Happy anniversay! Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sim_Player 1,939 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Good on ya. When anything in life causes more pain than gain, then ditch it! Congrats! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
YOT 3,743 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 My grandfather was a alcoholic. Not once in the forty years he was my grandfather did I ever know the man to take a drink. He was the best man I ever knew, and I miss him. Good on you, Squishy. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernOne 203 Posted October 7, 2013 Report Share Posted October 7, 2013 Congrats. Well done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sobrenegade 795 Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 Happy anniversary young man, I wish you all the best. One of the hardest of life's struggles, but knowing you have backup and support every day of every step you take makes it worth it. I hope Pauly knows how much we support him and every person that chooses sobriety. We have our own community here with enough experience that help is always around the corner. Thanks for sharing, makes me proud to be here. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PFerris 76 Posted October 9, 2013 Report Share Posted October 9, 2013 Sergeant Pepper taught the band to play. They've been coming in and out of style. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwelhse 1,285 Posted October 9, 2013 Report Share Posted October 9, 2013 Good for you Squishy! I'm not giving you praise for sobriety, but for doing something DAMN hard. 20 years is a long time to do, or not do, just about anything. You've got some guts! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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