Category: Mental Health

Mental Health

When was the first time you had a taste of alcohol?

beingmesober

In Italy their first taste of alcohol is at the dining room table with the family having wine, a sip or a gulp. Or giving your baby boy a beer for a photo or just to see him sip like a big boy. It’s very hard for some families, people, to understand what could be the consequences of that first sip. It is also very hard for some to see the effects of alcohol when it doesn’t affect them directly. It’s a complicated disease that many do not fully understand.

My first taste of alcohol was at the age of 9. My grandparents, mom and dad and I were at a lake having so much fun. Dad was chasing my stepmom around the picnic table trying to capture her to throw her in the lake. My grandfather was enjoying his beer laughing as they ran around, yelling, get er Bob, get er! My Nan and I were also laughing and encouraging my mom to run away! As we sat and watched, my Nana turned to me and asked if I wanted to taste a little cherry brandy. Of course I said yes, If she was drinking it it must be good, but I also knew that there was alcohol in it, Something kids can’t have. An adult drink. I tried it but I can’t remember if I liked it or not, I just knew it was wrong. I never had another drink until grade 9. It was wine of course. White wine. I felt exhilarated, free, and so much more alive.

As I got older and more comfortable with it, with the feeling, I loved it. I was having so much fun! I wasn’t shy anymore, I could engage in conversations and meet new people. Blah blah blah right.

So my question is, did that one drink set the stage? Did it leave a taste for more at that age? I liked it then but I was a child so when I was older and knew I liked it did that make me indulge more?

I don’t think so, but I know it is not wise for my grandmother to offer me alcohol at age 9.

What are your thoughts.

This is Being Me Sober

Mental Health

How time and life events has influenced me

beingmesober

How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?

The passing of time has been on my mind recently, losing my father almost a year ago, feeling like it went so fast. Missing him.

Thinking of how my mom is getting up there at 76, while she stills seems so young to me. Her voice is young but I can slightly hear little bits of age, we meet at the mall and I can see how tired she gets now. All day shopping is long behind us. Its then I realize she’s getting older. She is young at heart and that’s what keeps her spunky and alive. When we laugh on the phone its like we are so young.

I appreciate the time I have on earth and being able to get older. I can hang out with our kids and  watch them with their kids, having grandchildren watching them grow and be young enough to play and indulge a bit. I never take for granted that it could be my last time. I thank God everyday for the life I have and the time im given.

Life events that have happened.  This one is very close to home, as they say. I was speaking of the mall earlier, how mom and I would meet up, I would go there as a teenager and hang out but its not the same anymore. Its not a place to hang out anymore because if you do you look suspicious.  The mall where I meet my mom is in Newmarket, Ontario, it had been robbed, smash and grab, THREE, 3 times in a month!

Then my son and wife were at the mall in Barrie, Ontario and a kiosk got robbed!! Right in front of them. They had their, my grandson with them who’s a baby!!! I mean what is happening.  I hate what is happening to our communities and Countries. When will the madness end. I’m nervous now when my mom says she’s going to the mall. I tell her to be aware, always have your phone ready to grab, always check your surroundings.

We all have to be safe. But try to stay positive at the same time and try not to give in to the anger or ignorance of others. Listen and pay attention. Keep your faith and smile at someone when you walk by, say thank you when someone holds the door for you. Together we win

Mental Health

What I’m most scared to do?

beingmesober
Daily writing prompt
What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
View all responses

This is a good question. One of my most scariest thing to do is putting myself out there. Putting myself in the lime light in front of millions of people scrolling through social media. opening myself up to opinions and negative feedback. Telling my deep secrets but also possibly helping so many others by doing what I’m terrified to do.

I’m an outgoing spontaneous person but not one that likes to be focused on or center of attention. It’s the first of anything new that makes us nervous.

What it would take for me to do it would be to just do it. Stop listening to the voices in my head and start listening to the people and supporters that keep telling me to share my story. Stop the fear of the unknown.

Part of why I am scared or nervous to start is that there are more people involved in my story than just me and I don’t want to hurt anyone by sharing.

The artwork in this post was created by me, KPZ Art. It’s a hobby I discovered during my sobriety journey. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you’re living your best life!

Mental Health

What I would do if and when I win the lottery.

beingmesober

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I think everyone has fantasized winning the big one! I know I have. What I would do.

First I’d help family, then I would open a beautiful sobriety home. One that offered everything and more. One that feels like a place you want to come to heal, a place that offers everything One needs to heal and get back intouch with themselves. A place where you feel welcome and not just another patient or case number. I would make it affordable for anyone.

I think I would build the home in the mountains with ocean views. Somewhere private yet close to amenities. Somewhere where, patients can sit by the water or go mountain climbing. I’d also like to have animals on site, such as dogs and horses to give people comfort that animals can give sometimes better than humans.

Ive dreamed of this for many years. Whether it becomes a reality for me depends on the numbers I choose or the quick Pic numbers drawn!

Good luck everyone, I hope your dreams come true!

Mental Health

What my name stands for

beingmesober

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

My name, Kelly was given to me from my moms brother, my Uncle Doug. My mom told me the name she originally wanted for me and I’m happy my Uncle stepped in.

Here is the meaning of my name Kelly.

The name Kelly has Irish origins, stemming from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, and means “descendant of Ceallach”. The personal name Ceallach itself has several interpretations, often linked to “bright-headed,” “war,” or “strife,” and sometimes “one who frequents churches,” making Kelly a unisex name symbolizing strength, brightness, and Irish heritage.

It also stands for warrior, fighter and strength.

Its ironic in a way because when I do great people on here I’ve always used the word, warrior, fellow warrior’s. Warrior’s over the power of alcohol and the fight within myself to get sober and the strength to stay sober!

My name is just a glimpse of who I truly am and what I, Kelly stand for.

Mental Health

Where can I reduce clutter?

beingmesober

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

The first thing that came to mind was clearing my mind. Clearing my mind of clutter, intrusive thoughts and self sabotage.

I’ve been practicing my breath work and literally giving my head a shake when those thoughts would come.

Last year I had a lot of peace come into my life. My father passed. I know that sounds terrible but there’s a lot of hurt and betrayal that had happened when he was here. We did see each other and make amends just before he passed. Thank God.

So, Ive been able to get most of the clutter out of my mind and working on the rest. Its freeing to be at peace and declutter your mind.

Don’t stress about yesterday or tomorrow, today is all we have 💙

Mental Health

Building my space

beingmesober

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

We have an open area in our basement and we’ve, my daughter and I, discussed doing a podcast on sobriety, Mother Daughter sober journey.

Here’s what it would look like.

A low profile sectional cozey couch, white with colorful accessories,, fluffy pillows, and blankets. A back wall with inspirational quotes, photos and legendary sober warriors. A circle coffee table in a natural wood finish, an area rug for warmth, dim lights for calm mood, candles and energy lighting. I want it to be comfortable and enticing to lounge and have the right energy around to let people feel calm and connected.

I want people and myself to look at the space and want to hang there all night with tea and a book, a podcast, or games. A space for connection and healing and coming together.

Mental Health

I’m most happy when….

beingmesober

When are you most happy?

I’m most happy when I’m with my husband our pup and all our kids and grandkids! Thats what life is about. Family ties.

Making our own beautiful family memories. I love seeing them happy, having fun and just loving each other.

Our children are grown and a couple are miles away but when we do get the chance to be together we make the most of it.

Build a family of love, acceptance and happiness. Leave a legacy your proud of when your gone from this realm.

Mental Health

One thing I hope people say about me.

beingmesober

Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.

I hope when I leave this earth people will say I was a good, kind person. That I enlightened people and made their day better and I was genuine.

It doesn’t take much to be kind to someone. A smile goes a very long way. A kind word or just being there to listen.

Mental Health

Eating Meat

beingmesober

What are your feelings about eating meat?

Meat to me is a source of good protein and health, but as I approached my 40’s I started to not like it as much. The taste changed and I felt sort of gross about it. I still like having meat every now and then, pork being my go to, but would rather have pizza and pasta for dinner or a good hearty salad.

Moo Moo.