As I see this discussion about the title of this discussions, I am also reminded of what the existential psychologist, Rollo May, said in one of his books, The Man's Search for Himself (published 1953) These are words I believe have guided my life of over eight decades, without addiction or excesses even though I've had many ups and downs in my life.
"THE HUMAN BEING CANNOT live in a condition of emptiness for very long: if he is not growing Toward something, he does not merely stagnate ; the pent-up potentialities turn into morbidity and despair, and eventually into destructive activities."
We all come with "potentialities" that we excel at or feel comfortable with -- even when most of us as members of society end up doing what needs to be done -- to meet our basic needs of food and shelter.
It is these individual interests and inclinations that we each also feels strong need to use their life for, otherwise we feel as if we have not really lived the life that we wanted to, or we truly meant to have lived: a Life-of-Purpose.
I think deep down we all want to have lived as if our life was not just healthy and long but we also had satisfied spending it in ways that Mattered to us. A sense of direction especially as we acquire general freedom from our basic needs, is what humans crave for. And such feeling of fulfillment we may derive in in our own ways and priorities, but I believe we feel true sense of satisfaction when we feel our lives mattered for the welfare of people beside ourselves. Or as some have said here, "I feel I was good to others." Feeling our lives had been of no significance can be crushing and need for a quick fix is enormous. Yet sitting with ourselves and thinking through is the only way out. Only then we will convince ourselves that we are living the life that is worthwhile.
Mistakes we all make; what matters is: Will my next step make ME feel good about Myself?
My 'next steps' have been that are also the easiest: Eat nutritious food, be active (physically, socially and cognitively), and plan each hour of the weeks ahead. I sleep well knowing a good sleep will help me achieve my next day's goals better.
I wish we all are able to live the lives we feel good about living!
79 days people...feel like a different person...Praise God. Im going out of town for the weekend...great right...well I'm pretty sure we're going to a karaoke bar...yes bar...one which I've consumed many alcoholic beverages in...and a few other things...i think I will be ok...got to grab the bull by the horns sometimes..wish me luck..prayers..good vibes...all welcome 🙏 stay sober my friends 🧡..one day at a time ⏲️ 😉
Of course going to a karaoke bar, or any bar, to socialize with friends is pushing the envelope especially at 79 days and especially at a bar where you have a familiar history. The first year is an especially vulnerable one. Club soda or diet cola may be the best alternative. I suggest you tell an AA friend(s) you’re going and promise to call him/her when you’re out of the place at the end of the evening. Get one or more AAs lined up so you can call them from the bar if you get an urge to drink. Best idea is don’t go. Don’t jeopardize your sobriety. Maybe you’re not a matador yet. Maybe let go of the bull. Look at this situation in its totality.
Well I made it through it.. aint gonna lie...more anxiety than I cared for.. 85 days tomorrow...thank you Lord...God bless everyone 🙏 ❤️ I didn't drink...yaaaa meeee
Well I made it through it.. aint gonna lie...more anxiety than I cared for.. 85 days tomorrow...thank you Lord...God bless everyone 🙏 ❤️ I didn't drink...yaaaa meeee
That’s good. You didn’t get gored by the bull. But alcohol is like a bull. Cunning, baffling, powerful …and patient. Beware of giving yourself a false sense of security. You don’t get gored unless you choose to go back to the bull ring. Your anxiety was telling you something. But maybe you are indeed working up a “tolerance” for your environment and maybe that will work for you. It’s hard for you to know right now, I know. Pray on it and keep up the good work!
I have 42 years straight line sobriety today. Not saying to brag but to give hope to those that don’t think they can gain sobriety as if I can do it so can you. Not saying was easy as was finding what would work for me & I finally did after many tries to stop in my own. So don’t give up as finding the right plan for your sobriety is out there. Wish you success!👍😉
I have 42 years straight line sobriety today. Not saying to brag but to give hope to those that don’t think they can gain sobriety as if I can do it so can you. Not saying was easy as was finding what would work for me & I finally did after many tries to stop in my own. So don’t give up as finding the right plan for your sobriety is out there. Wish you success!👍😉
Congrats on your 90 days of sobriety as your on your way to a beautiful sober life. Thank you & that’s why I posted to help others that never think they can gain sobriety. No matter how many times you succeed or fail. When failing just means you just haven’t found the right fit for you so never give up as next time you try may be the winning one to achieve sobriety.
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As I see this discussion about the title of this discussions, I am also reminded of what the existential psychologist, Rollo May, said in one of his books, The Man's Search for Himself (published 1953) These are words I believe have guided my life of over eight decades, without addiction or excesses even though I've had many ups and downs in my life.
"THE HUMAN BEING CANNOT live in a condition of emptiness for very long: if he is not growing Toward something, he does not merely stagnate ; the pent-up potentialities turn into morbidity and despair, and eventually into destructive activities."
We all come with "potentialities" that we excel at or feel comfortable with -- even when most of us as members of society end up doing what needs to be done -- to meet our basic needs of food and shelter.
It is these individual interests and inclinations that we each also feels strong need to use their life for, otherwise we feel as if we have not really lived the life that we wanted to, or we truly meant to have lived: a Life-of-Purpose.
I think deep down we all want to have lived as if our life was not just healthy and long but we also had satisfied spending it in ways that Mattered to us. A sense of direction especially as we acquire general freedom from our basic needs, is what humans crave for. And such feeling of fulfillment we may derive in in our own ways and priorities, but I believe we feel true sense of satisfaction when we feel our lives mattered for the welfare of people beside ourselves. Or as some have said here, "I feel I was good to others." Feeling our lives had been of no significance can be crushing and need for a quick fix is enormous. Yet sitting with ourselves and thinking through is the only way out. Only then we will convince ourselves that we are living the life that is worthwhile.
Mistakes we all make; what matters is: Will my next step make ME feel good about Myself?
My 'next steps' have been that are also the easiest: Eat nutritious food, be active (physically, socially and cognitively), and plan each hour of the weeks ahead. I sleep well knowing a good sleep will help me achieve my next day's goals better.
I wish we all are able to live the lives we feel good about living!
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1 Reaction79 days people...feel like a different person...Praise God. Im going out of town for the weekend...great right...well I'm pretty sure we're going to a karaoke bar...yes bar...one which I've consumed many alcoholic beverages in...and a few other things...i think I will be ok...got to grab the bull by the horns sometimes..wish me luck..prayers..good vibes...all welcome 🙏 stay sober my friends 🧡..one day at a time ⏲️ 😉
Of course going to a karaoke bar, or any bar, to socialize with friends is pushing the envelope especially at 79 days and especially at a bar where you have a familiar history. The first year is an especially vulnerable one. Club soda or diet cola may be the best alternative. I suggest you tell an AA friend(s) you’re going and promise to call him/her when you’re out of the place at the end of the evening. Get one or more AAs lined up so you can call them from the bar if you get an urge to drink. Best idea is don’t go. Don’t jeopardize your sobriety. Maybe you’re not a matador yet. Maybe let go of the bull. Look at this situation in its totality.
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Hug
1 ReactionWell I made it through it.. aint gonna lie...more anxiety than I cared for.. 85 days tomorrow...thank you Lord...God bless everyone 🙏 ❤️ I didn't drink...yaaaa meeee
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2 ReactionsThat’s good. You didn’t get gored by the bull. But alcohol is like a bull. Cunning, baffling, powerful …and patient. Beware of giving yourself a false sense of security. You don’t get gored unless you choose to go back to the bull ring. Your anxiety was telling you something. But maybe you are indeed working up a “tolerance” for your environment and maybe that will work for you. It’s hard for you to know right now, I know. Pray on it and keep up the good work!
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have 42 years straight line sobriety today. Not saying to brag but to give hope to those that don’t think they can gain sobriety as if I can do it so can you. Not saying was easy as was finding what would work for me & I finally did after many tries to stop in my own. So don’t give up as finding the right plan for your sobriety is out there. Wish you success!👍😉
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2 ReactionsCongratulations 🎊...i never thought I'd be looking at 90 consecutive days. Ty for the words of hope and inspiration ✨️
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2 Reactions90 days is great!!!! One day for us is great! I am rooting for you! Today is another 24 hours that I will not pick up a drink or drug.
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2 ReactionsTy. Your always so encouraging and supportive ❤️
Congrats on your 90 days of sobriety as your on your way to a beautiful sober life. Thank you & that’s why I posted to help others that never think they can gain sobriety. No matter how many times you succeed or fail. When failing just means you just haven’t found the right fit for you so never give up as next time you try may be the winning one to achieve sobriety.
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Helpful -
Hug
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