My Recovery: Pillars of My Recovery


I am 53 and for the first time in my life I am in extended recovery from alcoholism. Although I was sober for 3 months once, I have never actually been in recovery.
I just passed my 10th month sobriety/recovery! And, although I have had many challenges during this time, I have learned 4 major concepts that have instrumental in keeping me a clean and sober man today. Dare I say, these 4 things may also be a helpful roadmap to any of you who might be suffering in one way or another.

Faith–“complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” I’m not going to sit here and tell you me and my Higher Powers are having lunch everyday. Yes, I said Powers. It’s plural because I have complete trust and confidence in several entities. My Higher Powers take many forms. The important thing is that when life is punching me in the face, because I believe in something greater than myself, I am able to take the hits and keep moving forward.

Gratitude–“the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” I have learned that being grateful for the little things can add up to great things.
Appreciating what I have, instead of whining about what I don’t have. Reaching out to others in acts of service or kindness is deeply fulfilling and gives me a sense of gratitude. Seeing the good in people and in life is a major shift in my way of thinking. Practicing this has had a great impact on my daily attitude as well.

Mindfulness–“the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.” There was another, more fancy definition, but this will suffice. Mindfulness has completely changed my life. I can’t emphasize this enough.
I have learned to be in the moment, to live in what Eckhart Tolle has written in his powerful book “The Power of Now.” When I am able to practice this successfully, I can simply observe myself being myself, and make adjustments accordingly. I used to let my emotions and feelings rule the day. Each day I am getting better at just being in the now and operating my life from a position of strength.

Acceptance–“assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition (often a negative or uncomfortable situation) without attempting to change it, protest.” A cornerstone to the famous “Serenity Prayer.”
I have learned to simply live life on life’s terms, come what may. I can also accept people, places, and things that may not be desirable or agreeable to me, and I can be ok with that. I used to whine and complain about everything, because it wasn’t for or about me. I am learning how to sit with Acceptance and simply be ok. I can also let you simply be. And that’s ok too.
So there you have it. To me, these are 4 powerful concepts that, when practiced with diligence and determination, can keep me in full recovery for the rest of my life. Of course, they are not the only things that are effective for keeping someone sober. You may very well have your own. However, I will say this: If I had to choose only 4 concepts to guide me, I’m going with these.

Now—“living in the present moment.” I would add that living in the NOW would be a 5th concept. It has also brought me to a way of thinking and being that has dramatically improved the quality of my life as well. So 5 then. Lol. Not only that, but I honestly believe they will continue to be life changing for me for the rest of my life as well.
I had a guy on Etsy create a wooden token for me. I wanted to give myself–and the guys (and gal) here in the program something they could put in their pockets.
Something that might remind them of their daily struggle and the coping skills that they might be able to rely upon to get them through life’s situations. I carry my AA medallions with me and am always playing with them to remind me of what my purpose is. Here is what he came up with, showing both sides of the coin. I love it!

If you, or a loved one, is suffering from addiction or living a life of misery and unhappiness, I urge you to look into these concepts for yourself. Oh, and buy Tolle’s “The Power of Now.” It will completely change the way you view and live your life!
Awesome job! Congratulations on your recovery! I know that it’s probably the hardest thing you have ever done.
That and walking away from my children. Thanks very much!
Bravo Rob 🙂
I admire to people who are brave enough to take a life in own hand.Like you.
Keep it going with positive things in your life, and stay positive
I find your approach refreshing and your commitment to sobriety encouraging. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much! Still going strong
Very inspirational. I love reading stories like these ’cause it reminds me that there is hope. I myself have been struggling to get away from the ball and chain that is addiction for some time now. I go on and off. One psychotherapist at a treatment center taught me ‘mindfulness’ and it has been a useful tool. Anyway, congrats to you sir! 🙂
I wrote an entry on mindfulness, acceptance, gratitude, spirituality, Now. These Things keep me in recovery. best wishes my friend
Congrats good going… hold on tight to these values you will achieve much more…
Even though I don’t know you, I’m proud. My dad is an alcoholic and I’ve seen what it does to someone but finally being free from that is such an accomplishment 🙂
thanks a lot!
This is awesome!!!!! I agree with all 4/5 lol. I needed this today. Congrats!
Thank you! I got the tokens Monday. Ill be going into a transitional house from here next week. Im scsred shitless, but it’s got to be done
The decision for me to go to a transitional home was one of the greatest choices I’ve made. I met all of my best friends (and husband) at the meetings I was required to attend. Support and guidance will be 5 feet away from you at all times. People on the same journey as yourself. Don’t be scared it’s amazing!!
Not this place. Only options are outpatient at the VA. No groups, no meetings. It’s geared for independence I guess
Congratulations! Keep up the great work and continue to keep the faith. Once again thank you, for sharing your story and being who you really are.
Great post Rob and well done.
Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.
Thanks so much!
This is wonderful. Congratulations on 10 months, and many more to come!! 🙂
Thank you so much!
This is awesome! It’s great to hear from you and know that all is well with you. So what did he come up with? I was hoping to check out the coin. 😊
Yeah, all my pictures are missing. I’ll have them up shortly. Thank you btw. How did the training go?
No worries!! It went well!! All is great with my baby girl. She is independent now and already learning to crawl. She lets me do what I have to do and no longer cries if I walk away! She getting big and her first word was Dad! 😒😁
That’s terrific!
Thank you! 😊
Congratulations on your milestone. Everyday clean is another day alive.
Congratulations on your 10 month milestone. Very good points and great advice. I have done exactly the same things to overcome obsessive thoughts and worry. The bible says take your thoughts captive, but no one taught me how! Then I found Eckhart Tolle. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
You’re welcome! Thanks
Well done. Sending you positive thoughts. G-uno
Well done to you! A huge achievement. You’ve come so far.
Thanks so much!
Wonderful milestone on your journey, Rob. Congratulations! The coin is a great idea, would love to see it?
I just found out no images got attached. I’ll fix it within the hour
Great post Rob. I read it several times… I hope some of it sticks 🙂 Mindfulness is something I really have to work on. Today I am focusing on Faith.
Oh, and you did not add the images of what the coin looks like….
What? I thought I did further down
Wtf none of the images are in there😨😨
Nope
Grrrrr I’m so annoyed. I have to fix this right away!
Can you do that from your pone?
No but I can do it from my phone lol. No I have to use cpu here at work
Ha ha you ae hilaaaarious.
😂😂😂
And my spelling sucks today…..
I ran back to the unit and fixed my post lol! I’m pissed it didn’t look like this originally. Thank you for giving me the heads up!
You are welcome 😊 I’m gonna go have a look
😀
Good on you Rob! How amazing you must feel? Your followers and I are proud!! 👏 👏 👏
Thanks much!
Very good concepts, I try to follow them, sometimes forget 🙂, thanks for reminding!
Ten months is great. Also, super ideas about staying sober. Thanks.
Excellent!! All one needs for living life on life’s terms! Staying in the now has been a challenge for me, but when I remember–just as you said, transfsormative!! Thanks for the great post!
Thank you! It’s working for me
Good on ya. 🙂 I read your bio, and i saw that you’re a fellow bipolar. I know firsthand how tempting alcohol ( and other substances) can be.
( I personally still partake of certain substances…not addictively, but enough to perhaps trigger negative memories/experiences, so it’s probably not best to visit my site lest i remind you of things you wish to forget.)
However, i do wish to sincerely offer my congratulations on the progress you’re clearly making, as i know it’s no walk in the park! A big *high five* from Aus. Peace x
Thanks much. I do not get affected by reading or talking about drugs and alcohol lol.
Cool. Some people do though, so i thought it polite to mention it , just in case 😉 Best of luck, dude. Sending positive vibes from Oz 🙂
Very happy for you.
This to me is empowering
Congratulations, Rob!! 10 months is a milestone. I am SO happy for you!