Not yet technically. In an hour and a half I will be 1 year sober. By the time you read this though I will be. I’m writing this to share my journey with all of you. My name is James and I am an alcoholic. Even now that I’m sober. I am and always will be. Every day I don’t drink is a blessing. Which is in itself a new concept to me. A year ago I was not walking the path I was meant to walk. Hell I was way off in the weeds. Though I still have miles to go I am at least on the path. The year has been hard. I have been in the grip of temptation. Door’s have also been opened. Results gained. Friends made. What does this have to do with Survival you ask? Everything.

Rock Bottom

No one ever admits defeat until their scrapping themselves off the floor. As it was with me. A year ago marked my rock bottom. I was stuck as a job I hated. I hardly ever posted on Survivalpunk. The site was dying when before I had so much momentum. I was overweight and unhealthy. I had a seven month long relationship crumbling around me. I was depressed and most of all I was drunk. Not all the time though. That’s how I justified it. I didn’t drink everyday like alcoholics. Oh but when I did drink I drank it all. Not until I blacked out was enough. Not until I had puked inside your couch and peed in your garage. Sorry Kyle. If I had not stopped when I did I was on track to be another drunk driver on the news. Changes were needed and so was help.

Change

So many things needed to change. I started going to AA meetings. At first I thought I could learn to drink responsible. LIke all drunks. I thought I could control the beast. I remember at one point planing a party when I got my one year chip. Who does that? I kept going though. I kept my ears open to what was being said. I kept coming back and kept not drinking. All the while making other changes. I committed t paleo 100%. Not more one again off again diet. The girl that was living with me had to go. She was young and wanted to have fun and party. I wanted more from her than she had to give. It hurt badly but I kicked her out. We have many memories together. We were drunk in them all. Shortly after getting sober I found crossfit. I honestly think crossfit have me the strength to stay sober. Each time I go I learn to push harder. I’ve made friends there that are wonderful. Weight came off and my body changed outwardly. Somewhere along the way I discovered faith and spirituality. I am not done yet. I’m still working on being a more grateful person. I know I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Survival

Not only did becoming sober save my life but possible others. There are 2 kinds of drunks in this world. Ones that drink and drive and ones that lie. One a long enough time line you will eventually crash. You will slowly destroy your body. Relationships will be ended. You will eventually end up in jail. Do you want to be locked up when The shit hits the fan? I know I sure don’t. It would be a death sentence. What about just being drunk during a disaster. Your thinking will be hindered along with your mobility. I choose to be done with alcohol all together now. That’s my choice for my safety and others. If you are one of the ones that can just have a drink good. If you can’t then these words are for you.

keep calm and stay sober 1 — keep calm and stay sober

One Year Sober

Today I am going to my homestead to do some work. Later I’ll be making it to an AA meeting to collect a 1 year chip. One year sober is something I thought impossible. An impossible task. In less than an hour I will achieve it. Then I just have to keep being sober the next hour and the next.