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When we grew up the old riddle went like this:

Stickes and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.

How could they be so wrong?

Stickes and stones may break my bones, yes, but words can kill me.

Think before you react or speak. Scares from physical abuse fade on our skin and in our minds but words we chose to speak or have been subjected to can destroy us for as long as we live.

This is, Being Me Sober

There was a DUI case I was following about a young and beautiful,  21 year old who decided to get behind the wheel of her car after binge drinking for 4 hrs. I must say though, she has had a past of drinking heavily and experiencing black-outs. At this particular time she had a few days of soberly  under her belt, 5 days to be exact, when she got in her car.

How do I know all of this?

I know her, very well, she is my daughter.

While at her hearing the  Judge was very gentle with her and said  it was his fault, the justice systems fault, for not getting through to people about the consequences with drinking and driving and especially, young adults. There has to be harder punishment and more awareness.

He lectured our daughter about how he was not mad, he was disappointed.

He continued by telling her that she did not have to “quit” drinking. You just can’t drink and get behind the wheel of a car.

I was flabbergasted! How can he tell her, or anyone for that matter, you don’t have to “quit” drinking!

He has NO idea of her struggles with alcohol. Her black out episodes or her lack of control over alcohol. Those are words of excitement for an alcoholic. He assumes, like I did when it first started to get a little crazy, it’s her age, she’ll grow out of it…all those excuses to deni the truth of an alcoholic.

The Judge made a mistake that day. He should never tell anyone, especially at a DUI hearing that, “They don’t have to “quit” drinking.

He said the justice system should be more aware, why don’t they start with that. Be “aware” of who they’re talking too while they sit behind their podium and express opinions or comments.  Maybe that’s why they call it Blind Justice, they don’t see past the person they are sentencing or lecturing.

We as alcohol or drug addiction survivors need to do something about the epidemic of drinking/drugs and the young people today that are getting so caught up in what they think is cool or fun.

It is a deadly decease and they seem to be immune to the consequences of what can really happen.

We need to take action!

This is, Being Me Sober

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was taught to respect people

I was taught not blame others and accept responsibility

I was taught to be honest

I was taught to be a good person

I was taught to not hit people or be physically violent

I learned to be quiet when I should of spoke up

I learned to hide

I learned to repress my emotions

I learned to be angry

I learned how to be someone I wasn’t to cope

I learned the effects of alcohol

I learned how to live sober

I learned who he really is

While growing up I was taught how to do the above and I learned from the person who taught me is none of what he teaches or preaches. I am confused at how I can practice and learn such important values in life and the person who taught me doesn’t accept and/or follow.

How is that possible? Was he trying to teach me how to not be like him?

Confused…

This  is, Being Me Sober

 

 

Anxiety…Ugh, have you been cursed with that?

I have, at times, severe. Like I need anything else on my plate! I also know I am not alone.

When I first started experiencing anxiety I thought it was my nerves. I never really knew what anxiety was, or the correct name for my “nerves” going off the rails.

I spoke to a friend the other day when she shared her feelings and how she was dealing with them.  She felt bad because all she wanted to do was be alone and sleep.

These are typical signs and symptoms of anxiety along with sweats, shaking, stomach summersaults, and a totally uneasy feeling of disparity  and depression. It is not pleasant!

A few things I suggested for her to do was to sleep! Not all day, but have naps, sleep in if you can, try to get out for a while and either take a walk or go somewhere you enjoy to take your mind off things. Start journaling about your feelings, its amazing what comes out of you when you write. Try stay away from to much caffeine, replace it with different herbal teas instead.

When anxiety hits it can come from any source and sometimes for no reason at all.

Here are somethings that may help when we get hit by anxiety:

*Talk to someone about how your feeling

*Try yoga

*Listen to your favorite music

*Journal

*Colour (ya, its still cool at our age!)

*Practice breathing technics

*Get your comfy clothes on with a cozy blanket and watch a great movie

*Cry, we need to release this energy, so don’t hold back if you just want to cry!

*Talk to someone, you’re not alone! (This is so important, hence the repeat)

*Stay away from too much caffeine

*Go through old stuff in your home and organize, its amazing what you find that you forgot about.

*If your anxiety is caused by someone close to you, stay off social media where there’s a chance you will encounter them.

Find something that helps you and repeat.

When I saw my friend that day and we shared our stories and fits with anxiety, I never knew how I made her feel by just sitting, sharing and listening to her. She has thanked me so much and told me how good it made her feel that she’s not alone and there is someone who understands what it’s like.

At times when we feel isolated and misunderstood, there is someone out there that knows exactly what we go through…..You’re not alone.

 

This is, Being Me Sober

 

 

I forgive you for the fear you instilled in me at 4 years old

I forgive you for the insecurities you gave me

I forgive you for the way you have treated women

I forgive you for leaving our family for a new one

I forgive you for not being the man I thought you were

I forgive you for doubting me

I forgive you for all the times I was lost and you weren’t there for me

I forgive you for not being there for my children

I forgive you for hurting me

I forgive you for being a coward

I forgive you because this is who you are

I forgive you

-KP 2017

This is, Being Me Sober

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many emotions I went through in the beginning of this amazing journey. Some of them being, what will people think of me, what will they say, will they like me, and so on.  That and other thoughts ran through my mind when I decided to get sober.

I will admit I am not really a normal recovering alcoholic because I still love going to bars, mind you, they need to be of my taste, not some old, hole in the wall. I prefer a pub, a beach bar etc. I still have so much fun, I love all the people, the music and the atmosphere. It also reminds me again of why I don’t drink but can be quite comical or very sad at times too.

My husband and I have a place in Florida and there is a bar at the beach we go to, see our friends and hang out for a couple hours. I can leave if I want, if it gets to much, so I have an escape outlet, or we just leave when I’m ready.  We’ve met some really great people there. They know I don’t drink and I have had many compliments, given mini counselling sessions, and some people that ask why I am there if i don’t drink.

We went yesterday to celebrate New Year’s Day and watch the football game with some friends. While I was standing there a gentleman that I’ve seen a few times, said hello, that kind of thing. He comes over and shakes our hands and says Happy New Year then puts his arm around me and says, “Your my idol,” “oh, why’s that?” I ask, (geez, I don’t even know his name!!) he then says, “I’ve been watching you you know and I have to say, it is absolutely amazing that you come here and never have even one drink, one sip! You are always so happy and full of life”. “Awe, well I said, my family is why I don’t drink, they are what’s important than anything else in this world.” He continues, “You are a special lady and I wish I could do what you have done, cheers to you!”

I was so amazed that someone would come up to me and share what he thinks of me or see’s when I am there, or what other’s may see or think when they see “me”. Maybe nothing all, but it’s okay.

My husband was and is so proud of me and he told me as much yesterday. He continues to be the centre and reason for my sobriety as well as our children and of course myself.

I wanted to share this to let people know who are struggling or doubting that there is such a wonderful NEW life waiting for you, just keep going.

The next time you wonder “what do they think”,  remember this somewhat stranger and his words. YOU are amazing and so worth it and so is what’s ahead for you and me!

This is, Being Me Sober

Phew, talk about going out with a bang! The last 3 months, of my 7 years and 7 months, has rewarded me with just a few of these:  more strength than I gave myself credit for, more patient, and how to be silent,it helped me see things a whole lot clearer, which btw, the clear part has been there for a while, I guess it’s more like confirmation of my feelings and doubts that I had , was I making the right choices and decisions for all involved. I proved to myself by their actions that I have made the right choices and decision. It has been extremely difficult, but I pushed through, sober. I’m fortunate now at this point of my journey, that I don’t think of dealing with the issues by having a drink, it’s actually the farthest thing from my mind. Reason being? The whole issue itself is because of alcohol! Ya, I also chose to get out of that circus ring and stop the cycle. Anyhow, we’ve had a few more hiccups in the road that we have been dealing with again, because of alcohol, this time it’s our children. They are grown adults who made bad choices when intoxicated. We will all as a strong family push through, sober.

So, to sum it up, when I look back at 2016, the only really testy, emotional ride was the last 3 months of the year. Could of been at least not so BAM, BAM, BAM! Yes, I am aware things come in 3’s but seriously! All kidding aside,  I am grateful for my struggles and accomplishments, I now have the strength and expertise and a wonderful husband to help on advising our children about the affects of alcohol and how it rips family’s and people apart.

I would like to make a toast,

To my husband for being the best man in the world.

To my children, all 4, (we’re a blended family) I thank you and wish you much success and all your dreams fulfilled.

To all close to me and our family, Happy New Years we love you all.

Happy New Year to all of the great bloggers out there!

Cheers,

This is, Being Me Sober

 

 

 

Merry Christmas to all who are reading and blogging!

New Years Eve is fast approaching and some of you may be going through the Holiday Season for your first time or maybe it’s your 100th, no matter, it’s hard at times for all of us. It doesn’t always come down to missing the drink or drug, it could be the people or places your used to being with or visiting.

I try too take time to be alone with my thoughts and remember the good times but also remember why it has to be the way it is. Work through it in your mind, don’t retrace to much or think to much. Remember now how happy you have been since you have decided to stop the cycle of torture on yourself, even if they are minut, small milestones, think of good things. It’s a New Year. It’s time for a New You!

So, here are some pointers for you to think about doing to help you get through New Years without a drink or drug on your mind or in your hand.

• Take some time as I said above, make a plan and stick to it.
• Go shopping, or ask a friend if you can raid her closet for a knock out outfit. Come on ladies, you need to Glam it up!
• Think of your favorite refreshing non-alcoholic drink, one you can stand to drink all night. Make sure wherever you are going can supply you with what you want or bring your own.
• Drink your drink of choice in a glass you would normally use to drink out of, that way it stops people from questioning “why” your not drinking.
• Have a plan of exit if you need to leave. It isn’t fun being stuck somewhere you don’t want to be with people who have NO idea!
• This last one is a must, prepare yourself to let yourself go and get out there and dance the night away and be YOU, sober.

But you must, look forward to the New Year as one that will make people turn and say, “Oh my, who is that stunning beauty”?

Don’t forget to smile, feel the happy and soar, your new life is waiting…

Happy New Year,

This is, Being Me Sober

 

We went out with a bunch of friends to The Keg for dinner one night, about a year into my sobriety. The restaurant was busy being a Saturday night. We had to wait for a table so we decided to wait in the bar. We found a big round table for six and sat down. The seat I picked was the only one out of six chairs and six menus that I could have chosen but, I sat in the spot and took the menu that astonishing to me didn’t have a wine list in it, 5 of the others did!

“Oh my gosh!” I said to my friend, Remember me telling you about the sort of signs that I will see reminding me not to drink, well check out my menu!”

I was so freaked out and at that moment was another boost for me on this journey to really believe in “the higher power”.

We are always surrounded by something larger than we are that takes our breath away and makes us believe in the unknown. We need to embrace this and let the journey, the angels or whatever your Higher Power is and let it guide us.

Enjoy the little things.

This is, Being Me Sober