18 months sober yesterday. It's been a very challenging period. Wife of 10 years, my second marriage, asked to end things last July. Sold the house, split the proceeds, living in my second airBnB within the last four months. Starting last Feb I drove 480 miles one way one week a month to help care for my Mom who had dementia, watched her a long weekend every month as my brother and I worked to keep her in her home. She passed away late October, we buried her on 10.31, her 89th bday. (Cont..)

likeupliftinghelpful
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(cont) Was laid off from a good wfh job last April. Kept myself afloat with contract work while I sought a ft job. Did over a year of couples counseling to try and keep the marriage together. While I brought my share of issues to the table, my poor partner was a survivor of child sexual abuse and rape, she finally reached a point in her own recovery work that she said she didn't think she could be married to me or any man and do the healing work she needed to do. Certainly can't form a resentment over that, but it was hard for sure.

I've moved to a new city, started a new FT job (at a company I worked at previously). Originally I wanted to do it to be 2.5 hours from my Mom instead of an 8 hour drive. But I'm grateful I can be close to family now in general. I don't share all this looking for a pity party, but to say that working for sobriety is worth it, even when things are really, really hard. I'm in my late 50s, started drinking on a regular basis at age 13. I've learned more about myself and how to live a better, calmer, more insightful life through AA (in addition to therapy, and medication for my anxiety and depression). When I "on paper" had it all, I frequently thought of suicide, or just wished I would die in my sleep. As hard as things have been, I beaten back those feelings in sobriety. Meetings, the steps, the fellowship, those have been essential tools for me. I'm a WIP re: the spiritual side and the extent to which I engage my sponsor. But everyone is a work in progress and that's okay. AA is a program of action. I know if I apply myself the promises will and can come true. If you are struggling, don't lose hope. Your life has value and meaning, and you deserve good things. But you do have to work for them.

likeupliftinghelpful

So sorry for the many challenges life has thrown your way over the last few years. The fact that through all this you have maintained 18 months of sobriety is an amazing accomplishment. Be proud of yourself. You are an inspiration. I am new on this journey of sobriety and find that each day is a struggle. Thank you for sharing your story. This helps me to know that I can have future in spite of my challenges.

likeuplifting

Wow, I am sorry life has been throwing so many challenges at you but 18 months sober is an amazing accomplishment you should feel good about. Staying sober is a tough journey for anyone but this past year sounds like it was particularly difficult for you so staying sober is accomplishment you should really celebrate. I hope things get better for you and good luck on your journey.

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I can say the upside to such a difficult early sobriety is that it does make me feel a sense of optimism that if these circumstances weren't able to pull me out of sobriety, then I'm pretty well equipped for whatever else may come my way (assuming I continue to do the work and stay the course). Thank you for your kind words and wishing you the best on your personal journey as well

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Prayers

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Thank you for sharing your journey, Op! It’s inspiring and helpful to hear for an early stage AA such as myself! Sorry to hear about all that you have been going through! Many congratulations on 18 months and all the best for your path forward!

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You are an inspiration. If you can make it through what you just did, you can make it through anything! Love and light, my friend.

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Sending good thoughts your way

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That's alot, but it shows the program and your faith can get you through alot. Thank you for sharing

uplifting

Congrats on your 18 months- that is a significant milestone - my husband will be 23 years sober in May. The earlier years are the hardest and you should be commended for your work on this. Keep doing the work and best wishes for continued success.

helpful

Yessssss! Hold your light up high. Show others the way. Here is a light for your torch : 🔥 Congratulations!

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