So at my weekly Sunday morning AA meeting, yes I go to those and no I do not feel I’m breaking tradition 11 by sharing this on my own personal blog, I took my 12 year sobriety token earlier today.
Yes it’s now been more than 12 years since I had a drink or a mind altering drug. I have to honestly say that my life could not be better. I had no idea that day I came to, again, on the bathroom floor of a strange hotel room in Las Vegas and slowly pulled myself up by the bathroom counter that I’d never have another drink. However when I finally got upright and took a good look in the mirror, I saw a man looking back at me who was not the man that I had hoped nor intended to one day become.
The man I saw in the mirror that morning was broken, broken beyond what I could imagine. I thankfully had a moment of clarity and for the first time in my many years of overindulgence realized I needed to make a change. I had no idea what that change would be or how it would happen but I finally, and honestly, reached out and asked for help.
By asking for help I found a better way of life for me, and that is a life free from alcohol and drugs. Please don’t take me wrong here, alcohol and drugs are fine for people who can handle them. I am just not someone who can handle them. Somewhere in my many years of drinking, and using, I lost control. Therefore it’s better for me to just abstain. I am grateful I finally figured out what works best for me.
I’ve never had it so good!
Fearsome Beard 
Congratulations! You’re far more of a man that I thought, and I was pretty smitten!
Thank you😘
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Congratulations, sir. Fortunately, I have never had to face those demons, but have the greatest respect for people like you who have looked them in the face (literally, in your case), gone to the mat with them, and come out victorious. I wish you only the best.
Thank you! All my best to you as well.
I always find your stories heartfelt and inspirational, while sharing the wisdom you have gained from painful times. Thank you for your honesty and candor. Congratulations to you on these last 12 best years. The twinkle in your eyes and the smile under Fearsome’s mustache are only some of your qualities we would have missed out on had you not made such a noble choice 12 years ago. Big Hugs to you!
Hug right back!
Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment. I am sure it has not been easy, but so glad you have made this milestone!!
Much appreciated!
Way to go brother. I have been a Friend of Bill W for 31 years! thanks for the share!
Thank you also mtanner, I’m so happy to have found the Friends of Bill as they helped me in my time if need and still do!
What I would have given if the people in my life wrestling with the dragon had your courage and strength. Maybe not all heroes wear capes but some of them have really beautiful beards.
Blush…thank you.
well done indeed!
Thank you Spo.
I know you think we are here just for the beards but I appreciate your personal blogposts a lot. You have been through so much, and I think your life inspires others.
Hopefully so. If one person is inspired to make a needed change through my simple words, my sharing will have been worth way more than I can express.
Congrats! You deserve every bit of happiness, success and fulfillment which has come your way because of your dedication to the hard work of sobriety. You are an inspiration!
Thank you. I hope I can help someone out there.
Congrats! That bold step has led to so many happy memories!
At the time a scary step, and yes it has given me so much!
43+ years here and i know exactly what you are saying. And, more importantly, I send you the warmest congratulations. One day at a time you have come this far and will gather many more.
People like you show me the way. Thank you.
MAH-vellous! You’re a worthy example for those who’d like to follow in your footsteps though yet might be striving to achieve what you’ve done. Happy for you!
Thank you!
Congratulations on 12 years sober.
Thank you!
Congratulations on your 12 year milestone! 🤗
Your openness and honesty in today’s post will reach others who will also “look in a mirror”, and decide to change their lives too!
God Bless… 🙏
I’m grateful, thank you.
Congratulations, a great achievement and an inspiring read, thank you for posting this
Thank you for taking the time to pop by, read and comment!