6 years, 10 months and 11 days, or thereabouts

**CallMeDave** · January 4, 2020, 7:13 AM

its 7:00 am already and not even light outside. The long nights were conducive to drinking for me. By the end of Feb, 2013, I could tell I was in too deep and had to get out. Again. But that time I decided I would stay out. It was the year I would turn 50 and that milestone was weighing, looming. Would it change me? the real questions was, would I change me?
The answer is yes. I remember at my one month day feeling so accomplished, but also apprehensive, as to whether or not I would stick to my committment to myself. Myself, because I had not told anyone else. Except that's not true. I was on FB at the time, and after a month I felt confident enough to post a meme of a guy drinking with the red bar/circle buster emblem over it.
Alcohol is not part of my life at all anymore. Today is not my anniversary of quitting but it is the anniversary of when I was digging myself further and further in, The long winter days inside alone. Waiting for dawn. Not really caring.
There is a way out; I made the choice.
Here comes the sunlight now. It's going to be another awesome day to be really alive again.

**Moderator JvB** · January 4, 2020, 12:12 PM

Great work Dave. Keep it up.

**mh_logic** · January 4, 2020, 1:52 PM

Congrats Dave!

**Questor7** · January 5, 2020, 9:33 PM

I read your post several times, Dave. And each time I felt such joy when you said, "The long winter days inside alone. Waiting for dawn. Not really caring.
There is a way out; I made the choice."

You did make the choice and isn't it wonderful?

I feel so happy that you are enjoying the sunlight.

Best to you

questor7

**Gordon1** · January 6, 2020, 4:19 AM

Well written and well done Dave!

**STYYC** · January 6, 2020, 10:43 PM

It's going to be another awesome day to be really alive again.

^^ I’m glad you are, and me too!

**Cherrycoke** · January 10, 2020, 5:33 PM

Thank you for sharing this. You inspire me and give me hope when it is much needed.

**Cherrycoke** · January 10, 2020, 5:37 PM

Tuts is very encouraging to read because I can relate. I have determined that I will NEVER stop trying. But...I’m still trying.
I can become very discouraged. I come from a family full of heavy drinkers and when I fail, which is most of the time, I can start thinking, “Well that’s just who I am because that is what I come from.” But I refuse to believe that. I don’t have to be like them. Sometimes it is hard to believe though. I’m just going to keep trying. ��*♀️��

**Gordon1** · January 14, 2020, 6:50 AM

Gee Cherrycoke!

I feel your increasing awareness!

"when I fail, which is most of the time"

Geez! I am in awe of you for TRYING in an environment that doesn't lend itself to it.

When YOU FAIL you fail mightily.

I am humbled by your effort.

"Rather than victory, I look for courage.
For when I go on in a struggle, I bring honor to myself.
Even more, I bring honor to us all."

I REALLY believe and get power from that.

As you falter, you and I grow.

**ragonzo** · January 18, 2020, 8:59 PM

Thanks Dave for sharing. today is my first day on SMART and day 3 sober and I'm turning 49 next week. I have committed to making this my best year ever before the big 5-0! I am so glad I found this. Your stories are encouraging.

**CallMeDave** · January 19, 2020, 12:55 AM

Cheerycoke,
I'm glad to hear about your determination to rise above your surroundings. I cannot think of any Big Occasions that did not involve beer when I was growing up. Not always to excess, but the point that fun=drink and vice versa became ingrained, and only by stopping did I realize that.
I know you'll keep trying, right?
I look forward to seeing you around SMART.

**CallMeDave** · January 19, 2020, 1:00 AM

Rogonzo. Welcome!
It's silly how one birthday means more than any other, isn't it? Or even one day more than others. But it's true. MAybe it's a good thing if it motivates people like you and I to make a change more emphatically.
I am humbled and happy that you read my post, and more so if it resonated. To me, that was the best part of SMART at first--hearing fragments of my own journey and efforts come from others whom I knew not at all.
Now I am starting to "know" some people here, as much as one can online. It's a good place.

**Mandesa** · January 28, 2020, 2:23 PM

Thank you for sharing. I am brand new to this and need to hear some success stories.

**LiveLikeGold6** · June 28, 2020, 3:12 AM

That is amazing Dave!

**Joshua1987** · October 16, 2020, 10:29 AM

Totally agree.

Thread: 6 years, 10 months and 11 days, or thereabouts

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