4 1/2 years

A few days ago I reached the 4 1/2 year mark.  I didn't even realize it until this morning, no fanfare or celebration like the early days when you hit those ever so important targets of 24 hours, three days, 30, 90 days, six months, a year, etc.  Now it's become the status quo, like knowing the mail will come six days a week.  I will continue to wake up a sober person every day for the rest of my life.  

I wish I had some pearls of wisdom for those still struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, but the best advice I could offer is this:  try sobriety for 31 days.  You won't be cured in 31 days but you'll have a glimpse of what could be and begun the incredible journey of reclaiming your life.  

This is what I wrote in my journal on June 26, 2017 after my first 31 days:

"Today is my 31st day of sobriety and it feels pretty good to be able to say that.  I stumbled in my first two attempts earlier this year and maxed out at nine days, but here I am at the 31-day mark and feeling pretty pumped about it.  Have learned one thing in the last month, though, and that's how much alcohol was filtering out so much of the reality in my life. It's been like a fog has been lifted and unfortunately it's not all good news.  Still somewhat lost at sea, but getting my bearings and trying to keep a positive attitude.  Sometimes I find even find myself laughing about a situation that has become clear and thinking "holy shit" there's one more thing to take care of!  But in the end, I am so thankful for my sobriety, this new life I'm beginning, and the journey ahead..."