Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

[Tabbers (a.k.a. KTAB)]

Many times here the question has been asked by people newly arrived to the site, What will I do if I dont drink, surely it will be a boring existence? I came across this passage in a brilliant book I have been reading for a while now. It explains it far more eloquently than I could. I hope it makes as much sense to you as it did me.

"If any group knows about renunciation, it is recovering addicts and alcoholics. Many of us imagined sobriety as a bleak, boring place where all the fun was sucked out of life and we would live in an eternal purgatory of partylessness. Instead, most of us find an entirely new life, one we couldn't have imagined. Sobriety isn't just a matter of removing drugs and alcohol from our lives. In fact, that's only a small part of it. Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal: generosity where there was self-centerdness: community where there was isolation: joy where there was bitterness: trust where there was cynicism."

[one2many]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote...amazing!

[neart]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

That's spot on, KTAB - what book is it?
I have gotten a feeling a few times over the past few weeks - a thought pops into my mind that I am more useful to others sober - what I mean by that is that I can engage with everyone I meet, that I can listen properly to my friends, truly listen. That if someone calls me for a chat or to go somewhere, I can do it - I'm not lying on the couch feeling like I'm going to die... The old selfishness and self-centred attitudes are not quite gone, but are certainly fading We miss out on so much when we are drunk or hungover - opportunities to go places and meet people, but also to connect with the people close to us. I know that I for one am a much easier person to be around sober

[one2many]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

Nice post Neart x

[savon19]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

KTAB;925653 wrote: Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal: generosity where there was self-centerdness: community where there was isolation: joy where there was bitterness: trust where there was cynicism."

I'm Ready for that new life! Still working on taking the first step... Feel like I'm kind of stuck.

[Tabbers (a.k.a. KTAB)]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

neart;925681 wrote: That's spot on, KTAB - what book is it?

It is called " 'One breath at a time' Buddhism and the twelve steps by Kevin Griffin"

I had better quickly add, that I am not a Buddhist or endorsing any particular religious doctrine. I am not finished reading it yet but am amazed by his explanations of the 12 steps, the story of his getting sober and his spiritual growth.

Here is a link to amazon and it is available to 'look inside' which means you can read the start of the book.

Amazon.com: One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps (9781579549053): Kevin Griffin: Books

[Mrs Donovan]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

Thank you so much for putting that up KTAB - that is just what I needed to read today. What a beautiful piece.

I'm not a buddhist either, but since getting on this sober journey of mine I find myself being drawn to the buddhist teachings. I will definitely have a look at this book.

[Pink Angel]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

Perfect!

[techie]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

Brilliant KT

[papmom3]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

I read what I could on Amazon and just ordered it from my library system. I was blown away with the little I read so I'm excited. It will probably take about a week to get to me as its at another library and I had to go through the interlibrary loan system.
Thanks KTAB!!

[Doggygirl]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

KTAB, I am always very interested in how the 12 Steps adapt across non-Christian religions. It always should since AA is a spiritual rather than a religious program. (AA being where the 12 steps originated - adapted from somewhere else of course)

I recently ordered this at someone else's suggestion (Chillgirl I think?) and just got it. Can't wait to start reading it. I love the positive impact the steps are making in my life.

DG

[KateH1]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

Thank you KTAB....I am going to buy this book! I appreciate Buddism so much. Buddism is not religion as most of us think of religion, there is no worship of a diety, not doctrine, no punishment, just pure wisdom!

xx Kate

[Pie]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

"engagement where there was withdrawal: generosity where there was self-centerdness: community where there was isolation: joy where there was bitterness: trust where there was cynicism"

A lot to think about here. Thank you, KTAB.

Pie

[buddabelly]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

What can be more boring than living the nightmare 'groundhog day' of coming to and needing more booze to blot reality out. When I drink there is nothing in my life but the next drink....am I able in between pukings to go and get some more, then how much money do I have,how much booze is going to be enough for now. I go get it then pass out again only to come to and repeat the whole cycle again. Nothing can ever be as boring as my existence when I'm drinking.I've tried to stop for the last eight years and life has been going on out there without me. 3 and a half mths AF now and I'm not bored at all.

[Popeye]

Isnt a sober life going to be so boring?

A day for inspirational posts.
I haven't been bored for a second since quitting. So much more to do and ponder upon; to plan and resolve.
I have learned to watch people and have realised how few enjoy simply being.
Thanks Ktab