photo by SqueakyMarmot
Wow! WOOO HOOO!!!! AWRIGHTY!!! Break out the party hat folks. Join me in celebrating a HUGE milestone for me. That’s right folks. February 25th, 2009 is here!!! (to be fair, I’m jumping the gun by 2hrs and 45min, but by the time you are reading it, I will probably be doing all of that above..whew).
What’s all the commotion? This is the day the Lord has made and that same Lord has kept me sober for 1 year! Did you catch that? Let me put it this way. My name is Scott and I’m an alcoholic a recovering alcoholic. I have NOT had a drink of alcohol in 365 days!
For some, this would seem maybe a little petty. Some can quite possibly control their consumption of alcohol and think “BAH! I can do that!” “What’s the big deal?” “I’m drinking a glass of wine now as I read this and that will be all I have. No Problem.”
Fine. I’m happy for you. Maybe a little alcoholic demon inside of me even envies you. At any rate, I can’t. I can never, let me repeat that as well, NEVER take another drink or I will crash. It will totally consume my life, worse than it did in the past. I can’t just drink a glass of wine. Nope. 1 glass of wine = a bottle = a trip to the store = more = a vicious cycle that will not end.
Knowing that. Knowing that 1 little thing is where it, it being recovery, all began. 365 days ago I said it for the first time. 365 days later, I’m saying it still. Knowing how my progression will be is going to be key to me making it another year. The next 365 will be no easier that the first day.
Is that a bit hard to comprehend?
For me, it’s a bit hard to swallow.
*GULP* *choke* *choke*
I’ve never quit anything in my life I don’t think. Nothing that totally consumed me like alcohol. I’ve a feeling of elation. Accomplishment. And quite possibly for the first time in a very long time, pride and a larger love of myself than I’ve had in a long time.
I couldn’t have done it without holding the hand of God for 365 days. I thank him most of all.
I’ve got to keep on holding it. Probably squeeze it a bit harder for the next few days. I’m going to quit smoking, starting today. After nearly 20 years, I think it’s time. I know I can do it. Like I’ve said, I’ve got God and my family and friends (which includes you guys and gals) to help me through this. Keep checking back as I’m sure I’ll have a lot to blog about as far as this next venture goes.
At any rate..HERE IS TO A YEAR!! I’m glad I could share it with you. Thanks for stopping by!
Because of HIM
SC
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24 Comments
Scott,
Congratulations!
Yes, God is with you and can change you! Rely on Him!
Congratulations Scott,
What you’ve done is a HUGE accomplishment. One year of sobriety is well worth celebrating.
Although I’ve never had a drinking problem (I rarely “indulge”), I’ve known many who have. Some weren’t lucky enough to have a support system and died from liver disease, some have joined AA or have gone to Rehab, and others are still in denial.
I love how you’re using your blog to share with others what the disease of alcoholism can do to people, and how hard it is to quit. By reading your words it teaches us to have more compassion for those who are afflicted with this disease and shows how important it is to show support.
I think we all have demons we deal with (or have dealt with). Thank you for being so honest about those that haunt you. I know your words are helping many.
Keep up the great work.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Is Blogging A Hobby, A Time Suck, Or…
You’re the man, Scott.
Ryan’s last blog post..Moving Essay (with music)
Hi Scott
Congratulations! My husband and I have both had been alcohol free for over 4 years. He decided to quit over 4 years ago, and I stop to show him support. I am very happy for you, I understand what a big task this is.
I wish you many more years to come
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia’s last blog post..See without eyes.
Yea Scott…..yea you…..I am so proud for you!
Cricket’s last blog post..Tree at My Window
Here’s to a year Scott! What Ryan said – you ARE the man!
And what Tammy said – I’m so proud of you too!
And what Barbara said – it’s a huge accomplishment!
I’m here for the party!! Balloons and streamers, confetti and noisemakers! This is the place to be!!!
Lance’s last blog post..Prepare!
Congratulations Scott – One year is a brilliant achievement. And if you quit drinking you can quit smoking too. I’m going to try quitting smoking this week. It seems like your blog is going to be a massive help to me.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Business Publicity – Would You Go As Far As Paris?
Congratulations, Scott! To go for an entire year without something that had taken control of your life previously … that’s HUGE! If you can do that, you can probably do just about anything. Thanks for sharing your story. It is obvious from other people’s comments that your story and your success will help others along the same path. God bless!
God is good! I feature you at Thrive Christians and this significant day is here. I salute Holy Spirit working in you to give you the LIFE He redeemed and secured for you. Addiction no longer owns you!!! I am working on my gluttony and the ability to stop in your case; and to stop the overeating in my case and start with the healthy eating is a huge challenge in my life. Many saints don’t get it: we all have issues and/or addictions that we need to draft in behind you and grasp how God will bring us through.
Scott I am thankful I have come to know you through Blog World. I delight in celebrating this time with you. I’m the orphan of an alcoholic that lost his life drunk losing control going over a bridge at 37 years old. I’m motivated to celebrate God in you more than you can even imagine.
CELEBRATE JESUS IN YOU!!! AND ME!!!
Kay Martin’s last blog post..Maturity: Ability to stop or start
Congratulations! This is a mighty achievement, Scott. What everyone said, and then some! It has been a pleasure to walk along with you as you’ve shared your road in this blog. Now, the smoking, eh? I used to say, quitting smoking is easy, I’ve done it so many times.
I even quit for 8 years, and then started again! But I’m going into my third year now, and I know I’m done for good. You can do it, too! Funny, though, how they talk about how much money you’ll save? It never seems to materialize! 
Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..MORE PHOTOGRAPHY GIGS LIKE THIS ANYTIME
Congrats! Alcohol is a difficult disease. I’ve had my battles with it. I actually crashed my car while drinking and driving. It was the wake up call that I needed.
You have such a good attitude about it. I’m glad you are sharing your journey. Alcohol runs in my family. My father quit cold turkey a few years ago and he says it’s the best decision he’s ever made.
Karl Staib – Work Ha’s last blog post..Pajama Day
Scott — Woohoo! You’ve done it! Congratulations a million times over. You are awesome — congratulations on 365 days of choosing life!
Davina’s last blog post..The Morning Muse — Inspiring Hands
Wow, what a great achievement. I’ll bring the cake…………………:)
LisaNewton’s last blog post..Los Angeles Scavenger Hunt
Oh, Scott, I’m so happy for you! I truly do know what an enormous milestone this is. Someone very dear to me went through his own trials with alcohol and smoking. I watched it firsthand, so I know how hard letting go of both is. You’ve made it this far and you will make it the rest of the way. I’m rooting for you 1,000%!
@ Lance, thank you for sharing Scott’s Big Day with us on Facebook.
Julie’s last blog post..The Gift
Congrats! What a great milestone. I know it’s not easy… My Mom has been sober for 37 years now. Good for you…here’s to a lifetime of sobriety!
Caroline’s last blog post..My shaman walk
G’day well done matey!!
It’s always nice to meet a winner. Keep on enjoying the good life and be excited for the endless positive future possibilities.
Best wishes Ribbon
@Ryan – Thanks so much.
@Giovanna Garcia – Congratulations to you and yours as well! 3 more years seems like such a long time. Yet, I’m looking forward to it, just, one day at a time. Thanks so much for the wishes, and thanks so much for the visit.
@Cricket – Go. Go. Go. Go Scott..it’s my birthday. Gonna party like it’s my birthday
Yeah, that was pretty corney. Sorry. Thanks Cricket!
@Lance – Thanks to you and Ryan, but honestly, HE is the man. Party on, Lance.
@Cath Lawson – Thanks so much Cath. Hey, I’m sure I’ll need your help just as much.
@ Paul – Thanks Brother! It was huge for me. Good thing you put probably in your next sentence
Always glad to share. It helps me, and I sure hope I help others.
@Kay Martin – Isn’t HE! Thanks for your feature as well. Grab a hold. I’m gonna need everyone’s help here as well as God’s.
@Betsy – Thanks, Betsy. Just call me…MIGHTY MAN! No. Don’t. Glad to have you beside me as well. We’ll not talk about the smoking
.
@Karl – Wow! Good to have you here. Funny..well, not really, how sometimes those “calls” could be a bit more subtle, don’t you think
. I guess though if they were, then we probably wouldn’t answer them. I am fortunate that my call was a subtle one and that I answered it fairly quickly before losing it all.
@Davina – Yep! Next stop, whatever 365 x 2 is.
I choose that next.
@LisaNewton – Thanks Lisa. Thanks for the visit. Don’t bring chocolate. I’m not a big fan of chocolate cake, unless it’s that cool whip kind, then you can bring chocolate.
@Julie – Thank you Julie. I thought the 6 month milestone was pretty big. It was nothing compared to this one. I’ll take all the roots I can get
Thanks so much for the visit.
@Caroline – Wow! 37 years. That’s a lot! You know though, not to belittle it AT ALL, I’ve been in the rooms with some guys that were sober for 50 years and fell right back into it in one night like they never stopped. It truly is a lifelong battle. Does your mom ever say anything about it?
@Ribbon – Thanks a bunch. Hey, send that winner over this way sometime
just kidding . I do appreciate it. thanks for your visit as well!
Hip Hip Hurrah!….you deserve a huge celebration This is quite an accomplishment. Thank you for sharing
Patricia’s last blog post..Just Three Little Things
A GREAT BIG congrats to you Scott! You have truly accomplished a great feat and you should be SO PROUD! I commend you on your year of being alcohol free. I know how hard this has been for you but at the same time you have learned so much and strengthened your relationship with God and so many others in your life.
Hats off to you my friend. Celebration is in order and you deserve all the best!
Leslie
Leslie’s last blog post..Hope & Joy…our new Additions
@Patricia – Glad to have shared. Thanks for stopping by.
@Leslie – Thank you, Leslie.
Hey Scott! Give God the glory! He deserves it because he made you and gave you all you need to be victorious in and through him. CONGRATULATIONS!
Drop me a note on my personal eMail address and I’ll send you something to really get this party going!
Love in Christ, Don Wood
Don Wood’s last blog post..Cary — Bear
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