Soberversaries are funny things though.. especially early on I remember building up to them and being weirdly let down when they failed to deliver anything particularly special. There was always that realisation that it's just another sober day in a long line of sober days.. and that celebrations aren't the big (boozy) things that they used to be.
Because lets face it - any celebration in my former life would involve champagne - like somehow adding bubbles to alcohol made it more festive. I suppose bubbles are festive but you know what I mean... celebrations were just another excuse for me to drink more than I usually did.
But as the years have gone by and I've settled into my sober life I've gotten used to more gentle and subtle emotions, and in doing so I've come to enjoy Soberversaries for their authentic nature. They're not artificially forced high points that come from a bottle. They're authentic and meaningful which is far more satisfying ... and I appreciate everything they provide.
They provide me with an opportunity to reflect on how far I've come.
They provide me with an increased appreciation for having left my disconnected boozy lifestyle behind.
They provide me with a day full of quiet pride and joy.
They provide me with a reason to treat myself in little special ways.
They provide me with an excuse to shout my achievement on social media which hopefully helps others.
And they provide me with a new lovely number to claim for my own. And boy do I love watching that number climb.
SIX! What a mighty fine number of sober years that is. I love how it keeps climbing. I can't wait to get to 10, 15.. even 20 years!!!!!! I love being in long-term recovery. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Not saying it's fun and easy all the time - no way. But being sober is incredibly rewarding precisely because it's hard bloody work a lot of the time.
And we all know hard work never killed anybody and I'm certainly up for the challenge of life in the raw every single day.
Love, Mrs D xxx
