alcohol is always somewhere close to me, ads on TV, in the movies I watch, at the restaurants or friends homes I visit.  but the thought of consuming it has become so foreign to me after a year of sobriety, so distant, that I really can't imagine drinking again. my freedom is too precious for that.  regardless of all the chaos in the world beyond my control, I can control myself, my choices, behaviour and actions.   this is the life I choose for myself.  I also want to help others in from the dark, but I can't control their decisions, their choices.  they'll have to decide for themselvles.  all I can do is help, pray a little, be there when they finally make that decision, if they ever do.  meanwhile, I will continue to live my sober life, work my recovery, heal the deep wounds of my past, avoid making more in the future, and support those who are ready to do the same.