Struggles during the first year of recovery.

-
struggle
Being a recovering addict can be a time of relief, rejuvenation, and rebirth. You can "tabula rasa" your life and make it what ever you want it to be.

Unfortunately, you will have people in your life who will not quite understand your new change. They may put you down, and try to discourage your journey. You may also have people in your life who may blindside you and use your struggle with substance addiction against you. Early in recovery, these moments could either make you or break you.

I have been clean and sober for four months (tomorrow it will be four months). For the first time in my life, I am thinking clearly, I problem-solve, and I don't search for a quick fix to my problems.

Recently, a couple of my former friends decided to turn their backs on me and they questioned my sobriety. I won't go through what the 'falling out' entailed, but I was extremely upset that they accused me of breaking my sobriety. That was hitting below the belt, and is unforgivable. I was angry at the betrayal. During that time, it would have been easy for me to get into my car and get some alcohol. It would have been the easy way out.

With the way my mind works now, I don't want the easy way out. I want to work through this. I want to handle it: sober. These people are no longer a part of my life, and they will never be welcome in my life. Sure, my friendship with one of them was one that was long-term, but I don't need people in my life who think less of me.

I don't need to prove to anyone who I am, and whether or not I am sober. My family, and my real friends know that I am sober.
I like that I didn't take the easy way out.

For my entire life, I wanted an easy way out of anything that caused me anxiety. I need to weather the storm. I need to handle it like the strong woman I am. It isn't easy. It can be painful, but it is worth it.

To fellow recovering addicts,
Do not let small-minded people steer you away from your progress. Continue on the road to sobriety because it is a glorious road. This first year is hell, I know, but you need to show the devil who is boss.
Stay strong, and keep moving forward. We are in this first year together.

Popular posts from this blog

Powerful Herbs: Thyme

-
Image
Photo Credit: Wikipedia via Pintrest This member of the mint family is native to the Mediterranean region, and is a popular herb used in cooking. Not only does it make certain dishes taste good, it can also aid in relieving respiratory infections and many other ailments. Thyme is a natural expectorant, antiseptic, diuretic, antispasmodic, fungicidal, antibiotic, antiviral, and bactericidal. This powerful herb has the capability to boost one's immune system, and kill off microbes. You may be asking yourself what Thyme can do for you. Well, Thyme can help fight the following ailments: Flu Colds Sore throats Coughs Laryngitis Catarrh Asthma Whooping Cough Bronchitis If you are looking to heal infections in the chest, throat and nose, it is recommended that you inhale Thyme in oil form. If you're looking to fight mouth and gum infections, it is recommended that you mix Thyme in your mouthwash or toothpaste. Suffering from chronic fatigue or depre
Read more

Tiny Home Living: Bodega

-
Image
The tiny home movement has been sweeping the country for the past several years. People yearn for the simplicity of living in a tiny home, and with the way the economy is, it is no wonder the movement has grown so immensely. When it comes to tiny homes, you have the mobile tiny homes, where you can take your home anywhere you want to go. You have Yurts, which are incredible tiny homes to put down your roots in. One type of tiny home that is growing in popularity is a Bodega home. The Bodega is a very nice tiny home. The thing that makes the Bodega different than other tiny homes is that it isn't mobile. So if you plan on living in a Bodega home, make sure you have land to build it on. Your Bodega may cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 to build. On some Bodega homes, you are able to expand the space for an extra bedroom or home office. Bodega homes can be as small as 65sq feet, and as large as 800sq feet.
Read more

Kitchen Nightmares: Which restaurants are still open, and which ones have closed?

-
Image
Photo Credit: baltimorepostexaminer Gordon Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares' is based on the UK show 'Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.' When the US version first aired, it was a success. We as viewers followed Chef Ramsay as he ventured from restaurant to restaurant trying to save the failing businesses and repair broken relationships. The series aired for 7 seasons before ending in 2014. Since Gordon Ramsay ended 'Kitchen Nightmares,' many fans wonder which restaurants have stood the test of time, and which ones did not. As of right now, the restaurant closure rate stands at a shocking 69%. The restaurants that are still in operation stands at 31%. Most of the restaurants featured earlier in the series have since closed. Here is a list of the restaurants that have closed: Bella Luna Mangia Mangia Kati Allo Old Neighborhood Restaurant Amy's Baking Company (YAY!) Chappy's Mill Street Bistro Sam's Mediterranean Kabob Rooms Levanti&#
Read more