3 years for xtexan

[lorisunshine]

3 years for xtexan

Hello Neil,
come out, come out, whereever you are!

Let me congratulate you on your awesome success. You were my shining example and my inspiration. Over the months I was hanging on every word that you were willing to share with us.
Thank you and have a wonderful life.
Hugs Lori

[xtexan]

3 years for xtexan

HELLO EVERYBODY!

Yep. Three years it is, as of today. For some reason, I don’t seem to have any words of reflection or assessment on this day. The muse had abandoned me here recently, but maybe just a temporary case of writers block perhaps.

I work in an industry that is heavily dependent on the American automobile sector, and as such, things have been very, very rough lately. I have survived lay-offs and staff reductions so far, and don’t know if I will have a job next month. It just keeps getting worse and worse.

One thing is for sure though; I am going to get through this as I am now. Totally sober. While many of my co-workers are diving into more booze than usual these days, and the holidays beckon with those temptations, I am still resolute. There is nothing going on right now, that couldn’t be made a hell of a lot worse, by poisoning myself.

Maybe in a few days or weeks, I may be able to give a good description of what things are like at this stage of the process. But not now.

It is great to read your words of well wishes, congratulations, and outright flattery. The journey has been a firestorm I tell you. It’s like running through a battlefield full of mines, with bullets zinging through the air.

A great calm has come into my life recently, even as the world seem to be freaking falling apart in the past couple of months. This calm and peace inside, even in the middle of financial crisis worldwide, and maybe my own impending hardship on that front, is more valuable than any material thing you might buy. It has been won at the expense of hours of exercise, meditation, self-analysis, careful attention to diet, and a host of other things I have written about in months past. It is learning to live as though the booze was really never a major part of my life. I made a vow on December 15th, 2005. Whatever it took, by God.

I have started on a new hobby, which I will not go into here, but suffice it to say, that it absorbs me, and requires a clear, sober mind, and utmost attention to detail. Whenever I indulge in it, time goes by, and I am content and satisfied. Getting pleasure from it, in the way I do now, is something that would have been totally impossible during my drinking days.

I’ve also been reading some fairly complex and involved philosophical treatises lately. You know, the kind that strikes terror into the hearts of college students when given as assignments to read. I find myself getting pleasure from that too. No way I could follow the lines of thought, with a fogged up brain, lost in the madness of booze. My mind has healed up in many, many ways. Things that were once impossible are now possible.

Thanks again for all your well wishes, and kind words. I will write a more comprehensive essay maybe after the New Year. With the work load I have now, I have not had much time to coalesce my thoughts on these things.

All of you, all the time……… be well.

Neil

[Starlight Impress Forever]

3 years for xtexan

Neil,
Each and every day, we grow and........we grow a little stronger.........you have reassured me of that.
My admiration and respect of you is endless. I recall when I first came to MWO and began to read your posts........I felt in awe of your approach to sobriety........it seemed so final and total.........I despaired of ever being able to wholly apply myself to truly recovering........I didn`t then feel that I had it in me to give sobriety and my general well-being 100%, but you have taught me that as time goes by, we will begin to put our heart and soul into it. You taught me that to persevere throughout all our doubts, will cause our course to take shape and our path to become clearer.
I have only recently began to feel truly well........I finally quit the fags 16 days ago, after 26 yrs. (something I thought I would never manage to do). You have taught me that anything is possible.........mind over matter. You have taught me that I must, and indeed can, stay this course, through good times and bad.
You will never really know just how much you have inspired and strengthened me, but please accept my deepest gratitude.
Please keep posting as time allows........I will keep reading and learning.

Star x

[Determinator]

3 years for xtexan

Neil, you embody the term 'conviction of spirit'. Very well done brother.

[doubter]

3 years for xtexan

Three cheers!

Congratulations Neil!

You're accomplishment means a lot to a lot of us at mwo. Your posts documenting your journey of sobriety have been truly inspirational to all of us fancying to become long term abstainers.

You make it so clear that giving up drinking is but the first step...the first essential step...in embarking on this journey of self-actualization.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

Eagerly awaiting your next post.

Karmayogi

[Doggygirl]

3 years for xtexan

Congratulations Neil!! Your posts throughout your amazing journey have been such an inspiration to so many of us - me included. Thank you for sharing all that you have.

I'm sorry to hear that the harsh economic times are striking close to home for you. May this difficult time pass quickly for all of our sakes.

Looking forward to your next update when you feel up to it!

DG

[july232007]

3 years for xtexan

Neil,

Let me join in saying well done. For those of us that also see ourselves as long term abs. folks you continue to show the way--by example. Again, well done.

July

[trixietrack]

3 years for xtexan

you are amazing. had to read your post a few times. all i can say is Wow!

[AMELIA]

3 years for xtexan

Warm congratulations from me too Neil.

[Beaches]

3 years for xtexan

Congrat on 3 years Neil. I feel very privleged to "know" you and thank you for keeping us all along for your journey.

[debriela]

3 years for xtexan

Congrats Neil. I saw this thread and wanted to respond, since I am coming up to my 3rd year anniversary of being AF. Three years ago in June I had a moment of clarity when I finally knew that there is no way I could control my drinking. And I tried everything!! believe me. I decided that I am not one of those "heavy drinkers" that just needs to slow down. I needed to stop drinking alcohol. That was a choice that I made and I see you have made the same choice. It's just easier this way. Keep on keeping on.

[Seacailin]

3 years for xtexan

Thank you for sharing. You are truly an inspiration!!:rockon::rockband:

[Delta Moon]

3 years for xtexan

Wow- I just found this thread- I am rejoicing at my 35 days but 35 days can grow to 3 years soon enough, right? You have given me new inspiration to continue. Thank you.

[Heavenly]

3 years for xtexan

Well done Debriela ... I am trying to catch you up too ... you are an inspiration ......

[greeneyes]

3 years for xtexan

How wonderful... and the way you shared so was so giving!