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  • Embracing Recovery: Fun Activities Without Alcohol

    The author reflects on their journey to sobriety, initially feeling that life without alcohol would be dull and isolating. With the support of their wife, they navigated the challenges of recovery. They eventually discovered THRIVE, a community center offering enjoyable,… Continue reading

  • The Heartfelt Truth About Losing a Pet

    The author reflects on the deep bond with their dog, Cody, who has been diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease and has months left to live. The pain of losing Cody brings emotional memories tied to a song that evokes… Continue reading

  • Navigating the Stages of Grief After Losing a Therapist

    The author reflects on their experience facing the five stages of grief after their BetterHelp therapist became unavailable due to legal changes. They felt denial, anger, and a need for closure, expressing frustration over the abrupt termination. Despite the upheaval,… Continue reading

  • Coping with Therapist Loss: Embracing Change

    The author reflects on their emotional turmoil after their therapist ended their sessions. Despite finding value in therapy, they express a deep connection and reliance on this therapist, highlighting the challenge of seeking a new one. They appreciate past progress… Continue reading

  • No Matter What: Lessons from My First Year of Sobriety

    In the first year of recovery, the author experienced a transformative journey from despair to hope, feeling profoundly grateful. However, approaching the one-year mark brought anxiety about future challenges without drinking. A powerful moment at a meeting, hearing a woman… Continue reading

  • Confronting Social Media’s Negative Influence

    The author expresses a feeling of paranoia toward social media, suggesting it targets and exploits his vulnerabilities regarding addiction and mental health. Despite advocating for recovery, he’s troubled by ads for micro dosed cocktails infiltrating his feed, which he finds… Continue reading

  • The Meaning Behind My Tattoos

    The author reflects on their tattoos, addressing common questions asked by others. They share a personal experience with a specific tattoo, “STRENGTH TRUTH LOVE,” which symbolizes their struggles with sobriety and self-improvement. Despite its intended significance, it serves as a… Continue reading

  • Navigating Depression and Anxiety in Recovery

    The author narrates a lifelong struggle with depression and anxiety, rooted in childhood trauma and exacerbated by alcoholism. After decades of self-medication, they achieved sobriety at 39. Through recovery, they embraced three key insights about perspective, the nature of feelings,… Continue reading

  • Lessons Learned from My Dad Blog and Sobriety

    The author reflects on their experiences blogging from 2008-2016, expressing gratitude for the connections made and the personal growth achieved since getting sober in 2010. Revisiting past posts evokes empathy for their former self and highlights the challenges of navigating… Continue reading

  • Finding Gratitude in Sobriety.

    The author expresses deep gratitude for sobriety, emphasizing that their most significant realization is the absence of cravings for alcohol. While sobriety has positively impacted various aspects of life, the most profound change is not having to struggle with the… Continue reading