I recently embarked on my 2-year alcohol free anniversary.  A pretty cool accomplishment for me or anyone really.  In my world, not many people even know.  So I have to take a little me time to say good job.  Well done.  And keep charging.

 

To recap on why I started. Similar to many that develop a drinking problem.  I was depressed, anxious, stressed out, poor sleep, looked like shit, was fat, my wife was divorcing me, my life was a constant conversation of when I could drink and when I couldn’t.  But yeah, no biggie.  Friends and family literally never told me to check my drinking habits.  Not even my wife, whom was right there with me.  Finally my therapist told me that alcohol is a depressant and it’s really not good to drink when you are depressed.  Ding Ding Ding.  That made sense.  And I was running out of options.  I was desperate.  So I started with a 1-year goal.  This after many previous attempts. But this time, it was for real.  The consequences were just too gnarly.  In fact, looking back, I don’t think I’d be here right now had I continued drinking.  The emotions of divorce combined with a hangover would have put me over the edge. So I white knuckled this fucking habit and went to work on myself.

 

Another interesting note. From the outside I did not look like someone whom had a problem.  I have had many friends question this.  Saying things like, you didn’t even have a problem.  Or a family member tell me that I’m making too big a deal about this.  I see this as a bigger issue in society with problem drinkers and the obvious alcoholics.  Anyway, apparently I didn’t seem to have issues to others.  I had a good job.  A lovely wife.  A big home. A country club membership.  Lots of friends and was fairly active.  Hardly what one would call or look at as someone with a drinking problem.  I didn’t drink every night.  More like weekends binges like many of my friends.  But for whatever reason, it was bringing me down hard.

 

Fast-forward 2 years later. Sober and stronger.   The obvious changes; I’ve lost at least 20lbs.  I look much leaner, fit and even younger. I feel clear.  I’ve helped others with similar issues.  I am calmer.  I manage stress better.  I’ve saved a lot of money.  And believe it or not, I’ve even had a lot of fun!   In the past 2 years; I’ve traveled a ton (surf trips to Nico and Mexico). All over the west coast for travel. Camped, golfed, mtn biked and tons of other activities.  I’ve dated a few times.  I’ve gone to some great concerts (Pearl Jam, Jose Gonzales, to name a few).   And most importantly, I’m still here kicking after severe depression from divorce and other life challenges.

 

That said.  I wish I could say that 2 years sober cured it all. No dice.  It’s not a cure all.   I’m a work in progress.  I still battle with depression.  I still get occasional anxiety.  I’m not full of wisdom with the key to life’s problems.  I wish I could say, that I am sober and now I’m happy, wealthy, in love, perfect relationship.  Tons of awesomeness at all times.   Nope. I wish it were the cure all.  Like if you quit drinking, you will find love, wealth and bliss.  You will lose weight, you will look younger, and you will even have a better sex… I so wish that was all-true.

 

But wait.  Some of that is true.  After 2 years of sobriety.  There are some truths.  You do save money.  You do typically lose some weight.  You do start to look better, less puffy and tired.  Your depression changes, the doom in gloom becomes more manageable.  I’ve even heard sex is better (I’d like to test that theory soon).  It may not all be bliss and happy.  However, I will say with firm belief you become happier then you were drinking.

 

2 years clean.  I am proud of that.  I don’t have it all figured out (yet).  But I’m trying.  It’s still day-by-day in many ways.  The occasional urge comes and quickly goes.  I actually like being the sober guy now.  Different, unique and fit.  I like going against the grain of society.  A buddy of mine, whom is also sober, mentioned that his next big goal is 10 years.  He also started with a 1-year goal.  I like that both of us are still charging.  And I like that 10-year challenge goal as well.  While respecting that it takes each day to get there.

 

Here is the deal.  While drinking my life was falling a part. While sober, I’m putting back together the pieces.  With more focus.  With more clarity.  And likely, with more good things to come.

 

High fives to me for 2 years alcohol free…