6:28 pm

[MossRose]

It was exactly one year ago, May 30, 2013 at 6:28 pm that I made my first post. That's when my life changed forever. I still remember sitting here, typing, crying, and wondering if I would actually follow through - would I actually be able to stop drinking. But that night, so many of you reached out to me that I was overwhelmed. I actually started to think that maybe, just maybe, there really was a way out. And there was!!

I just need to say thank you to everyone here who has stood by my side during the good and the bad. It's been a wild ride. I've had some very public "slips" (sorry NS) but I've spent the majority of the last 365 days sober. And I quit smoking (7 months and counting). My relationship with my sons is improving. I got promoted at work. My parents trust me again. There just hasn't been a downside to joining MWO.

I chose the "Just Starting Out" section for this post on purpose to encourage anyone who is still lurking out there to take the plunge, join us, and save/change your life. I wish I had done it sooner. I have learned that going it alone doesn't work. So please, if you are one of the 2,000+ guests that visit us daily, don't wait. Post tonight. Change your life.

Love to you all. xx,
Moss

[NoSugar]

6:28 pm

I'm so glad you had the courage to join and that you're here - it makes MWO a better place :l.

[available]

6:28 pm

Love you MR and its been a pleasure to share this journey with you. You are an inspiration on whatever shit throws at you in life, you can overcome it without al.

[Lavande]

6:28 pm

So happy you decided to join us MR & stayed with us as well
Wonderful things do happen when we summon up the strength & courage to kick these addictions out of our lives! You have made a lot of progress this year & I am very proud of you :l

[j-vo]

6:28 pm

:lMoss,
So glad to be your friend and on this journey with you!:h

[little beagle]

6:28 pm

I'm glad you are here with me. And my life too has been changed by MWO.

[frances]

6:28 pm

Thanks for sharing this. Good for you and so glad you are here!

[roxane]

6:28 pm

Wonderful post moss rose.

Mwo is an amazing site for support when you realise you have a problem with al. Addiction and recovery can be a lonely and scarey thing, mwo gives the hope that it doesn't have to be.

[MossRose]

6:28 pm

Thanks for the kind posts. I wouldn't be able to write this if it weren't for all of you. I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom - something toolbox worthy - but really for me, this first year has all been about learning to navigate life without AL. That sounds wrong somehow, because it makes it sound like a negative thing. It isn't. But anyone who has been there knows that it can be a bit tricky. But oh so worth it.

Moving forward, I hope to learn to thrive without AL. First, I had to get the fundamentals down...dealing with problems, relationships, even joyful moments, without drinking. Now I feel ready to embrace it all - life unbound by AL! Looking forward to year two and as many more as I'm blessed to have.

Peace to you all. xx

ps - I re-read Carr's book last night (The Easy Way to Stop Drinking). It just makes so much sense and has deepened my resolve to never give into the beast again.

[Rahulthesweet]

6:28 pm

Moss Ross,

I so relate to your most while I am yet to reach 360 days but I too feel so lucky and gld that I found this site and decided to post. I too have read Allan Cards book found it extremely logical. It has taken away my desire to drink as well given me the reason why I should feel grateful and proud by being sober.

I wish you all the best in inspiring all new bies like myself

[MossRose]

6:28 pm

Rahul - I never meant to give the impression that I have made it an entire year sober. Everyone here is well aware that I have had some epic falls. But because of MWO, they never lasted more than one night. My point is that I didn't give up...and I won't. Every single time that I let AL back into my life, I posted here immediately to get support - no matter how embarrassed I felt. It kept it real for me.

I'm just hoping that from now on, there will be no more need for distress calls. I'm not being a pollyanna. I realize there are still many hurdles ahead. But I feel strong. And I'm glad you do too.

Always nice to hear from you. Take care.

[Pavati]

6:28 pm

Woo Hoo, Mossie. Great post, and so glad you're feeling so good.

xo
Pav