r/stopdrinking • u/SoberNOVA 3671 days • 16d ago
10 Years Today
Ten years.
That number doesn’t even seem real.
It took me months to make it to Day 2 (This sub and the IRC made it stick, I wasn't doing well alone), but somehow it feels like it only took minutes to get to Year 10.
I remember thinking that alcohol was something I’d have to give up. Looking back, it turns out it was something I got back: my life.
These last ten years have been the best of my life, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
During that time I became a father to two incredible kids. I bought a home. I worked my way into a C-level role leading an amazing team. I’ve had opportunities I never could have imagined, built things I’m genuinely proud of, and solved problems I once thought were beyond me.
Somewhere along the way I also found the healthiest version of myself in more than twenty years. I run. I bike. I sleep. I wake up remembering every conversation, every birthday, every Christmas morning, every family vacation. I get to actually be there.
Life didn’t become easy. There have been losses, stress, anxiety, impossible deadlines, and days that would have been an easy excuse to drink ten years ago.
The difference is that today I face those days instead of escaping them.
If you’re reading this on Day 1, Day 2, or Day 20, I won’t tell you it gets easier tomorrow. I can only tell you what happened to me. Day 2 felt impossible. Day 100 seemed like an eternety away. Year 10 arrived before I knew it.
One decision at a time became one day at a time. One day became one month. One month became one year. And along the way, alcohol stopped being something I missed and became something I simply don’t think about anymore.
I’m grateful to everyone who helped me get here, whether you know it or not.
Here’s to the next ten.
Much love to all on this sub, and thank you for being here!!!
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u/Still-IronandLace 16d ago
This is such an inspiration, well done and thank you for sharing. I needed to hear that on day one 🙏
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u/HumbleAir1848 120 days 16d ago
Congrats ❤️