Empower Yourself: Achieving Lasting Sobriety and Fulfillment
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The Journey Begins
Many people underestimate their potential to attain sobriety. Success is achievable if you truly believe in your ability to make it happen.
Photo by Dominic Blignaut on Unsplash
Two years prior to my permanent decision to stop drinking, I earnestly tried to become sober. I visited my son in South Dakota, fully aware that I would spend several days without alcohol. I mentioned to him that I was reading Annie Grace's book, This Naked Mind, which discusses the journey to sobriety. He didn’t quite understand. He questioned why I couldn’t simply enjoy a glass of wine with dinner and call it a night—he seemed to lack that "addiction gene."
Nick graciously showed me around the University of South Dakota, and we explored scenic trails and enjoyed meals in the local restaurants. One evening, he even prepared pizza for me—without any wine. I had a wonderful time and felt a sense of euphoria. I couldn’t recall the last time I had gone more than three days without alcohol.
The Realization
During that time, I realized I was capable of achieving sobriety. I remained sober for three months, only to falter at a wedding. The guilt that followed was overwhelming; I felt I had disappointed myself and was angry at my perceived weakness. Nevertheless, I was aware that I could attain sobriety once more. If I had succeeded once, why couldn’t I do it again?
Initially, after giving in, I managed to control my drinking. Unfortunately, I soon fell back into my old habits, which was disheartening. However, I felt a flicker of hope within me—a belief that I could once again choose to stop drinking. It was within my power to make that choice.
Have you ever tried to quit drinking, only to find yourself drawn back in? The allure of alcohol can be incredibly strong. You need to cultivate resilience and commitment, understanding that you possess the strength to conquer this addiction. Those of us who have experienced dependence on alcohol are all too familiar with its seductive whispers during challenging times.
Motivation Matters
What drives you to seek sobriety? There must be a compelling reason behind your desire to quit. Is it to become a more attentive partner or a parent who is actively present in your children's lives? Perhaps you aspire to pursue a more fulfilling career or achieve financial stability.
Identify your motivation for sobriety, and suddenly abstaining becomes a tangible goal. This is the moment when you must decide—can you truly achieve a sober life?
For me, I yearned to reignite my creativity and embrace an active, healthy lifestyle. After retiring, I had lost my creative spark, and the daily ritual of cocktail hour had become the highlight of my day. Over the next two years, I attempted to quit drinking multiple times, only to find myself justifying my return to it each time.
I often questioned my ability to quit drinking for good. The concept of "forever" felt daunting, and while we may feel certain in our resolve, the future remains unpredictable. As Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.”
Finding Strength in Sobriety
Today, I am proud to say that I have been sober for over three and a half years. I am confident in my decision and determined never to return to the bottle. The thought of relinquishing control to alcohol again is too frightening. The only way to ensure that alcohol never regains control over my life is to abstain entirely.
I am resolute in my belief that I will not risk my current happiness. My life has transformed into something beautiful and vibrant, and I refuse to jeopardize it for the sake of a drink. I hope you can also commit to a life of lasting sobriety.
In this inspiring talk, Andy Ramage discusses the transformative power of sobriety and how it can enhance your life.
Finding Your Path to Sobriety
This video explores a personal journey from alcoholism to sobriety, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.