Sobriety (file under… Really, has it been that long?)

A man who has influenced me greatly, Hunter S. Thompson once said; “There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. Some kind of high powered mutant never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.” This past quote has been used to describe me more than once.

I have been known to allow my vices to take hold of my life more than once in the past 23 years since I started entertaining them. Last year I allowed those vices, at times, to take center stage in my enjoyment.

I made a decision toward the end of 2008, over the holidays to be specific, that I was going to go to personal rehab after my birthday. I was for the first time since I was thirteen years of age go 30 days without a drink, marijuana, or any other vice that I have enjoyed. And believe me there have been many.

As such, after enjoying my birthday party last week, I started to “dry out” and give my body something it hasn’t experienced in quite a long time… Sobriety. I believe that part of it is because I never have. Although I believe that the larger element in the decision is the fact that I have been taking great strides in my life. I have a woman I love and cherish. A dream that I am living daily. And the realization that in order to have fun I need nothing other than myself, my friends, my family, etc.

DON’T GET ME WRONG! I’m not saying that I’m a quitter. Merely that I need to take 30 days off for myself. To find out what it feels like. To get this year started off on the right footing.

I am EXTREMELY proud to say that as of today, this is the longest I have ever gone without a drink since 13. THIRTEEN! A good start but I still have a long way to go to February 11.

It has been easier than at first I thought it would be. There have been physical side effects. Such as waking up at ridiculous hours with silly amounts of energy. A little shakiness here and there but other than that it has been mental and that has been easy. Have any of you tried to be sober for thirty days?

Oscar Wilde once said; “Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation”

How true.

Are you dreaming big and inspired?

A la prochaine

SDM