# Embracing the Rewards of Sobriety: Unlock Your New Life Potential
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Sobriety
The progression of my drinking habits intensified over the years, and the last stretch was particularly turbulent. After retiring, I settled into a comforting routine with my husband, who was also my high school sweetheart. We reconnected after five decades, four children, and multiple marriages.
In our early days, we both started drinking and continued without pause. I did take breaks during my pregnancies and while nursing, but once those periods ended, I returned to drinking. I never intended to drink more after retiring — it just happened. Still, I accept full responsibility; no one compelled me to drink.
Drinking added excitement to my daily life, something I eagerly anticipated. However, it soon became apparent that my entire existence revolved around happy hour. I relished those moments until I realized that most nights ended with me staggering to bed, waking up at 2 a.m. in a panic — the overwhelming dread of having overindulged again. Each morning brought feelings of guilt and disappointment as I reflected on my promises to myself that went unfulfilled.
I recognized that my life was narrowing, and I was the only one capable of changing that trajectory. My retired life had become dull; aside from my two-hour weekly volunteer job at our local art museum, I wasn’t accomplishing anything I felt proud of. My days consisted of hiking or walking with friends and our dogs, along with attending a few gym and yoga classes — all rather mundane.
Recovery
I decided to quit drinking. It took me two years of reading and gaining insights into the impact of alcohol, exploring how others achieved recovery, and formulating my own plan. Here are some of the invaluable books that guided me in my journey:
My husband continued his daily drinking habits, but I managed to quit despite that environment. Bill has enjoyed cocktails before dinner and wine with his meals for as long as I can remember, and he had no intention of changing. He supported me verbally, and I accepted that as his form of encouragement.
While it would have been easier had he joined me in sobriety, I learned to prioritize my own needs while allowing him to make his own choices. I maintained my focus on my path. Temptation did arise, especially on hectic days when challenges seemed to pile up. In the past, I would have instinctively reached for a drink as my go-to solution.
Staying true to my path has served me well, and I will soon celebrate five years of sobriety. I achieved this on my own, without attending meetings or seeking therapy, and I don’t intend to boast. Perhaps my success would have come sooner had I sought help from AA or other resources. Nonetheless, my self-directed approach proved effective after two initial setbacks.
Learning and Growing
Abandoning alcohol has been an enlightening journey. It taught me about my own strength, resilience, sensitivity, and determination.
I also uncovered feelings of sadness, kindness, and unresolved pain, along with a newfound self-love that compelled me to save myself. I found an immense reservoir of courage; quitting alcohol is not for the faint-hearted.
I embraced the gifts that sobriety revealed to me. Without alcohol, I recognized that I had much to contribute and numerous interests to explore. Achieving sobriety allowed me to tap into potential I never knew I had. I started a blog, began writing on Medium and AINYF, and picked up pickleball. These pursuits were previously hidden from me until I realized I needed to quit drinking.
What aspirations have you set aside? What have you postponed for years or even decades due to a lack of courage or energy? Now that you are free from alcohol, are you embracing new challenges and seizing opportunities as they arise? What insights about yourself have you gained in your sobriety?
What hidden potential are you ready to unleash? Reflecting on your life now feels vastly different from how you viewed it while drinking. With newfound energy that was once negligible, you have dreams and goals to pursue. Life is vibrant and full of promise once more.
Now that you possess a life worth living, what steps will you take next?