Ohhhh, jstsng, you are hitting the nail on the head for many addicts, I'm sure (myself included). I think complacency is the WORST thing that we can allow to happen with addiction. We have to constantly be on guard or else we get deluded into thinking we're "ok". Daily reality check? Yep - good concept for all of us:)
I like your post. Very honest and real! Thank you for sharing your thoughts:))
Jen

No:-) But I do know that when I take the time to reflect on where I am in sobriety; my day's flow more smoothly. When I barrel through sobriety without pausing to do a daily 10th step; to check in and see where I am, and what I need to be focusing on -- the quality of my sobriety slips.
I don't need to drink or feel like drinking to be emotionally unsettled.

I haven't but that is fascinating. what I've heard is that when you get AWAY from your sober supports (e.g. stop coming to this forum or stop going to AA meetings) that's when you're close to relapse. it's great that you've realized this about yourself. now you can prepare for it. my experience has been that when I come on here and give advice, I want to re-double my efforts to stay sober. it's an ego thing. I'm just worried about being embarrassed if I relapse after I post something that makes me sound like I think I'm some kind of sober expert. regardless, it's good that you're doing well in sobriety.

I lost count of how many relapses that I had,before I finally made it. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back, when you made one day or one month no matter how close you are to relapse. The Kudos that we give you and that you give yourself may help prevent the relapse.

Yes! I can relate! I don't know how to put it into words but everyone else here did it for me.

God Bless!

Very very common I've noticed. That is why they say "keep the focus on yourself " .Helping someone else is inevitable butt your recovery depends on not fooling yourself through depending wholly on helping others as a deterrent or foolproof solution . Emotional honesty takes time!
Hugs ,
Billy

Yes, complacency is one of my worse enemies!! When I quit doing what I did to achieve a goal, I find my goal slipping out of my grasp.

When I quite taking the small daily actions that are necessary for maintaining a healthy status quo, I find a will soon need a major intervention.

Being aware of one's "back-sliding" behavior is very beneficial, especially if one heeds the awareness and gets back to doing what one knows one should be doing.

Cheers!

Yup. I found that I need to keep the pedal pressed because i keep more traction, The minute i start to coast is when I lose control and land in the ditch. I just have to deal with today, keep my ego in check and help another, but most important dont drink,
Thats enuf for a win today.
1is2

I stop each night and journal, read or meditate. I find this keeps me trying and compliant. I now hold myself accountable to me each night.

I do believe we have to check with ourselves daily and remember how great being sober is compared to the emotional damage, anxiety, remorse, guilt, shame. It is a daily battle, but worth it

I can appreciate the fact that it's easier to give good advice to others, than to actually take that advice yourself- been there many times!

Well i was just wondering if you go to AA or have a sponsor? Those people will help keep you grounded. It works for me.

It's so great to lay your head on the pillow and think I stayed sober today, and then wake up and know you have a clear head. Not like "What the f-ck did I do last night". Thats what I hold on to...

It's like yoga. Keep the focus on your own mat. Everybody is different; we are all snowflakes. We all have our own path too.