There is a period of time that a lot of us go through where we get 'comfortable' being sober and we find it 'super refreshing' ... usually after two or three months, sometimes earlier ... It is commonly called the "pink cloud" syndrome ... you know, like we're on a pink cloud and nothing can upset us ... Be very careful ... this is what some of us think they meant in the BB as 'resting on our laurels' ...
Alcohol and drugs is/are a subtle foe and lurks behind every corner ... usually in the form of a catastrophe of some kind ... We absolutely CANNOT let up our guard and must stay vigilant with our program and principles ... This has become a 'way-of-life' for many of us ... we never act or feel as though we've been totally cured ... (the initial 'high' ... good description)
God Bless, Pappy
-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Tuesday 29th of May 2012 05:27:22 PM
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Hey all:) 13 days sober today!! I feel great, and also somewhat obsessive about being sober, which I guess is a good thing lol. I find that I'm smiling easier, enjoying the little things more, I look healthier. I find that I enjoy just sitting in the park for a few minutes, just "being". I also have found that I'm having trouble structuring my days. I work 2 jobs (ha thanks student loans) so my free time is limited. Of course up until 2 weeks ago all that free time was occupied with drinking or recovering from drinking. I'm sure we all had this problem with early sobriety..trying to figure out what sober people do. I've also heard of a high that people in recovery feel.. Any thoughts on this? Haha.. I'm sure this is the alcoholic mentality talking but I feel like there's a "crash" on the horizon.
Haha sorry.. Wrote that quickly and posted before I reread.. Realized it didnt make much sense. I was referring to the initial high of recently sober people. When it's still shiny and new
I try not to visualize future events Colleen, or worry myself over potential dangers either, because today is all I have. I'd rather remain in the 'now' dear, because that's where sobriety is; right here, right now. Pink clouds are just clouds Colleen, but when it comes to sober living it will take a lot more than 'a silver lining' to get through, believe me it will. I had to acquire a certain set of tools first before I could deal effectively with all those pressing issues. So I suggest you do likewise, okay. A.A. has been my lifeline for 10+ years now and continues to shine even when life does not. So my suggestion Colleen is quite simple actually; develop a sober routine that works, stay connected -either through "MIP", A.A. or both and never give up hope. We won't, either should you.
-- Edited by Mr_David on Wednesday 30th of May 2012 12:30:58 AM
Thanks for that pappy, I'm trying hard to not "get ahead of myself" and take my time with the steps.. I have a tendency to look at things as a project with a deadline or something haha. Im understanding that's not the case here. I will battle this for life and I need to continue to use the proper "weapons" (therapy, yoga, meetings). I'm beginning to realize that my perfectionist approach to things isn't going to serve me well when it comes to recovery. I luv that I have people in my life now (here and elsewhere) that I can look to for guidance in this new terrain:) thanks
Alcohol is a depressant so what you are feeling is your body reacting to not having that pushing it down all the time. I suppose it's like wearing lead boots for years and then taking them off one day: you are going to feel like you are walking on the moon for a while. Also your brain is getting used to using its emotions properly. Sometimes they'll be too much or little for the situation, and sometimes the completely wrong one. That too will pass. I bounced between being King of the World and crying on the floor many times in the first three months but it gradually levelled out. For this part of the recovery there is a finish line and it's worth the rough and sometimes confusing trip.
Filling time: meetings are the best way. If you are not doing that do anything that'll keep your head where your hands are, even if it's pointless. I know one fella that just chopped wood and hammed planks together for a couple of months when he needed to be busy. Soon you'll find that you quite naturally find things in the real world that fill your time without you needing to look for them. I was told early that sooner or later I'll wonder where I ever found the time to drink, and that is quite true now. An extra hour or two each day wouldn't go astray.
Congradulations,Please keep up the good work we are here for you....And thanks for all your feedback as well as reaching out...GOD BLESS YOU HUN...........
