Autumn update
Autumn is in full swing in my part of Michigan, leaves are falling and homeowners are doing their best to keep up. Paper yard bags line the streets like stout khaki soldiers standing, and sometimes leaning, at attention. When we are lucky, the sun appears and displays the fall palette still remaining in the trees and on lawns. When we are not so fortunate, the skies darken and cold rain dampens the crisp remains.
In the 4 1/2 years since I quit drinking, I've had to revamp my list of friends and activities. Before I would dine out 3-4 times a week. Now I rarely do, except when traveling. (I do get Chinese carry-out once a week.) Before I went to the gym on a fairly regular basis, but had reached a plateau. Since becoming sober, I've found a new level of energy, sorta like turbo chargers. I've upped my game and have seen the results. This has deepened my commitment to sobriety as well as maintaining a proper diet. I frequently have people ask me how old I am at the gym, and they seem to be amazed when I tell them. One fellow my age was shocked. While I'm flattered, I also find this a bit disheartening. People generally have so little discipline in their lives, lacking enough physical activity while constantly being entertained by digital devices with diet habits heavily influenced by the constant barrage of fast food ads. And immediate gratification doesn't help. I've succumbed to this with Amazon, getting about anything I want or need the next day. We have become such an impatient culture.
In 2010 after I was given a clean bill of health during my five year cancer checkup, I decided to get my ass in shape. I had really struggled with survivors remorse and it was the least I could do for all those I had met during chemo and radiation therapies who weren't so fortunate as I had been. l've been going to the gym for about 11 years now, the last 53 months have been sober. Getting where I'm at today was a long, arduous road but worth every single rep. The same with sobriety, not an easy road, but the most important undertaking of my life!
I hope all my friends here are in good spirits, good health and taking care of themselves now that they are free of the shackles of alcohol addiction. You truly deserve it. Enjoy the weekend!
Replies
Kevin, you are an inspiration for others, including me. We had one gym in this small town where I live ... I use to go there in the evenings. There was one treadmill on the end of a row of airobic devices, that I would use every time I went because directly to my right, there was a gap between the curtain and the wall and behind the curtain was another room used for the women's airobics classes so I had a great view. :)
Unfortunately, it went out of business due to covid. I used that as an excuse to stop getting the exercise I need but I have been going for walks once or twice per week but the days are getting shorter so it makes it difficult to get the time in.
I have a yearly physical and a few minor issues which I have been trying to control with diet. Not an easy thing to do but wil get there with the help of my Higher Power who is giving me support in ways I never could have predicted.
Two of my favorite seasons are fall and spring and I bet you can guess why :) (no bugs) except for ticks which are everywhere,
Thankyou for sharing your life with us here and thankyou for being an active member of DS. Your input has helped others stay sober.
God Bless
Thank you Bob, have enjoyed your support and wisdom over the years and wishing you happiness and good health as the holiday season approaches!