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[Mags]

I know I post on this forum a lot and it always seems to be about struggling with the beast. I just thought it would be nice to post about some of the good times which are much more plentiful than the bad ones.

Seems we always want to reach out to our friends for a bit of a lifeline when we struggle and then forget to tell them when most of our life is actually better when we ever thought it could be several years ago. Beyond our dreams, really.

Remembering that recovering alcoholics aren't the only ones who struggles. Everyone struggles with life at times. We're not that special in that regard. But we may be special in other ways. I hope that we have learned to appreciate the small wonderful moments with family that we deprived ourselves of before so much more. I hope we have learned to be proud of ourselves for doing things that others take for granted. Maybe we are more thankful. Funny, we can't really share that with many people.

At least I can share these things with my friends here.

[tlrgs]

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thank you for sharing mags i always love reading your threads ..

[river0123]

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Mags, I was just reading last night that just as we've been selfish in our drinking, we can also tend to be selfish in our recovery (as in it's "all about me"). What a great reminder to reach out to others who may be struggling and be thankful for the blessings that we have.:h

[Seacailin]

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Thanks Mags
I have so much to be thankful for. Every AF day is a gift, not only to me, but to all who care about me.

[retteacher]

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Mags: I so love reading your posts & threads. They encourage me & give me a sense that I'm on the right track. I'm in the beginning stages of recovery & really need to see such affirmative messages. Thank you, Mary

[Popeye]

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Thanks Mags!
You're right! I should be more thankful for the little things. I try, but often forget.

[irishlady]

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Mags, that was a lovely post and I agree with you. It also seems that the longer we remain AF the more we then take for granted our sober days, and they become just another day. We seem to forget how, during the early days of trying to be AF, each morning when we woke up sober and hangover free was such a joy, remember, waking up, smelling the coffee and NOT rushing to the bathroom to throw up. For me that was a miracle in itself. I must admit though, that recently I had been taking my soberiety for granted until my two children told me how proud they were of me when I celebrated my two year AF anniversary a few weeks ago. That meant so much to me because when I was drinking I can still remember the look in their eyes if they ever visited when I was drunk, that is one place I'm never going back to.

Thanks Mags for making me realise how enriched and worthwhile my life is now.

[Starlight Impress Forever]

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Lovely post, Mags.

Yes, it is indeed a whole new world now that we`re sober, and so very important to savour every achievement, nomatter how insignificant any of those achievements may seem, as........we would never have managed to achieve any of those things in our drunken days. Simple pleasures can be so very huge. I think we "missed" so much before and we are more receptive and appreciative now that we`re sober.

I am NEVER going back there.......I would rather die.

Star x

[Mags]

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I am NEVER going back there.......I would rather die.

You are so right Star. I will never go back to that dark place. Even though it felt safe at the time. It was never safe.

You are so right Irish also. I just spent a day with my 20 year old son skiing and snowboarding and we had such a great time. He can finally respect me. We are such good friends and have so much fun together. We actually talk about my addiction and we have for about two years now. It is funny. He is so proud of me. I would never have been able to imagine that. He is so cute the way he looks out for me. He made sure, very sure, that I got the AF beer and he got the other stuff after all our runs were over yesterday. But we had such a great time skiing that it was just pure fun. But he's always taking care of his mama, I understand.

Funny, you never wanted to be in a position where your kids were taking care of you. But I guess honesty and love works. BTW I would have had an AF beer anyway. But it was good to see my son see me have it and be happy. I don't know if that means anything to anyone out there. But at least I think he learned to trust me. That I may be for real. That, I hope, meant a lot to him. We are partners as are many of my friends here. I hope that is not such a heavy load.

[AAthlete]

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Mags, this is a wonderful thread.

You know, I used to hide away and pretend that I didn't have a problem. If the issue came up, I would quickly turn the subject to something else, or say whatever was needed to diffuse the situation. Now, almost 1 1/2 years into my sobriety, I think I am the exact opposite.. While I don't broadcast the fact that I am a recovered alcoholic, I am able to talk to anyone about it if they ask (or need help).

I am so happy that you have developed such a special bond with your son. The fact that you are able to talk openly about your problems with your son speaks volumes to the strength of your program.

[momof3]

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Mags,

Thank you for this thread. I love the image of you and your son skiing together and how he is looking after you.

Although my children are younger, there is nothing I want more than the ongoing love and respect from them...one of the main reasons I stopped drinking.

[lushy]

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I think you are the greatest Mags.

[swans]

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Thanks Maggs, very encouraging post.