Three Years Baby!!!!!

I am happy and proud to report that I officially reached three years sober as of yesterday.  I have not had a drink since November 2nd, 2009 which is a great accomplishment on a personal level.  There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be where I am today if I had not made the decision to abstain from alcohol.  Jodi whom I love very much, would probably not be in my life.  I would have lost the connections I have maintained with family and friends.  I would not have found the motivation to get myself back in shape and have dropped sixty pounds.  There is a whole realm of positive outcomes from my decision and it has helped me immensely in regards to my mental health.

The thing about giving up an addiction, bad habit or lifestyle is that it has to come from within.  I was surrounded by people in my life that knew I had an issue with alcohol but,  I was stubborn in believing it was something I could control.  It was not until I woke up one morning in a foggy hungover state and realized there was something I had to change in my life.  I tested the waters for a few years to try and drink "socially" but, it was a losing battle.  I made some poor choices and hurt people around me.  I also drank to cover up the pain inside me.  Alcohol will never hide pain.  It may numb it for a while but,  nothing will have changed when you wake up the next day.  The pain still exists and often ends up being more intense.  The ultimate decision on November 2nd, 2009 was mine alone.  I would not be three years sober if I had not made a personal commitment to give up drinking.  There is something to be said for reaching out to people if it is obvious they are struggling with an addiction but,  success will find them more often than not if they can come to an epiphany on their own.

I have to thank all those who have supported me and believe in my ability to make changes in my life.  Although I had to make the choice,  it certainly has made a world of difference being surrounded by good people.  I still strive to continue building a positive mind set and challenging myself on a daily basis to stay thankful for where I am today.

Have an amazing weekend.  Happy Saturday.

Take care,  Shawn.

Change is a pillar of personal development.