I am so thankful to be sober this morning.I feel great, because my head is clear, I feel peaceful and calm.I went through a rough depression for 2 weeks in the middle of November but I made it through and things have turned around.
In late October, I launched a new business, taking visitors on walking tours. Then, the economy totally tanked.Uh oh, I realized that this was not the time to be launching a new business in tourism.So, now what?I was really scared, I had no job and now the business that normally would have done well and kept me busy was not to be.Okay Hp, I am listening.But boy, do I feel bad, this is a dark place, what to do?
Someone suggested go to meetings, meetings.Not an option, I live on a small island with only 2 AA meetings a week.So I spent time online reading blogs, calling sober friends, and praying, HP, help me make through this darkness, without using.I had an insight, I recognized that in the past when "I felt bad like this", I would slip and use.So I thought won"t it be interesting to see what happens this time, as using is no longer an option.
Here's what happened, first I identified that I if I could get out of the house I would feel better, but where to go what to do.AA suggests help others be of service, so I called a friend who has a small elementary school and asked if I could help, she said yes, please.So I started to go there 2 days a week, helping with the children has been so rewarding.I also called my church and explained that I wasn't working and they came back with needing helping with a single mum who has 6 kids.I would have never made those phone calls, if I hadnt been sober.
Two weeks after I started volunteering a yoga teacher moved to island and started classes.We haven't had a teacher here in 5 years.I went to class and within 15 minutes I was exclaiming OMG how have I lived, without doing yoga, by the end of class I was so calm, it felt like, I had taken an adivan!!!I have been to 7 classes now and I am sore but it is the sweetest, best-est feeling.I am so encouraged.
The point is, that I know, if I had slipped and used, I would never had volunteered my time and wouldn't have cared about the yoga teacher.I would just be high, unhappy and lost for God knows how long.But, thank God for the program and the support of all those recovering.This is such a reminder of how when those bad feelings hit, they really DO pass.
Thank you so very much for your share today! You are soo right, bad feelings are transient. Sometimes they last longer than at other times, but there are SO many things we can try to do instead of picking up. And it sounds like when you got out of yourself, things naturally got better, a hallmark of AA's suggestions.
I may not have gotten out of myself yet with my own battles, but I HAVE gotten out of the house today, and that feels great. It is at a freezing temperature out, and snow on the ground, but having bundled up and taken the dog out for a very fast and challenging stroll allowed me to feel that crisp icy air on my face, and smell the clarity of the atmosphere, and watch the sun try to peek out from the big thin blanket of stratus clouds in the bright blue sky.
I am glad you mentioned Yoga. At every turn, this is mentioned, and I know I am being led to do this for a reason. If you have any beginner's yoga links for now, I would love to see them.
Thanks again, Joni
__________________
~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
That is an amazing share, thanks. I too have noticed how being sober allows me to be open minded, curious and willing to try new things...that actually feel great and help my sobriety. I guess it's true...nothing changes, if nothing changes. I tried yoga too, love it, like meditation in motion. Thanks again.
Scott
__________________
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~Buddha
Very awesome deb! And if we trust...our HP will provide!!
__________________
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Thankyou for sharing your effort~found Joy with us, Deb. Can relate so much. My life is constantly changing & growing ever increasing in manageability & getting things done & all because I'm now present within my life. I hardly ever got anything done when I was sitting with that pint of 'F*ck~It' in front of me. I'd been dreaming of doing Yoga since at least 2000 when I was just 22. I finally got into it this year & now attend twice a week without fail. I'll be well bendy by the time I'm 32! Godwilling :) How Great is that! I'm a non-smoking, non-drinking, bendy, jobs done, Alky. I've a grateful pride for these gifts & I'm so glad to be able to put a few pounds in & get such grands back.
Joni, treat yourself, don't cheat yourself.. One Class & you'll be back in hooked. I had terrible pms last period & this time I breezed through. Was a little tearful for literally a couple of hours but it passed & I feel good. I love those classes. They unwind me & the whole time I'm there I'm so grateful for the instruction. I've been to a few different classes & all of the Teachers offer lots more than even just the physical. They appear to be on a spiritual path too & love to share the centering peace & inner invigoration Yoga brings them. It's a real lifestyle choice. Great post, Deb. Thanks for sharing with us, Danielle x
__________________
Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Go for it Ms London, Yoga is not a competition, thank God it's not like those crazy aerobics classes where everyone is supposed to keep up with everyone, yuck, in yoga you go at your pace and take your time, at any time in the class that someone feels they need to take a break they just go down in what's called "childs pose" and chill on their yoga mat, no judgement, everyone is usally so cool.
