Hi -- it been a while

[Real180]

Hello All -

I just wanted to check in and say hi.. I've been clean over 3 months (not really counting days so it could be closer to 4 months) since my very short relapse at the very end of last year into very early this year. I've been reading this forum every morning.. It's part of what I do to,stay focused on staying clean. Urges come and go but are becoming further and further apart. I've been using exercise and prayer to overcome them and it seems to be working great for me. This time around I'm not obsessing in my recovery -- I'm aware of it of course but I'm not letting it define me like I felt I did last time around.. I went through some work issues and had to leave a starup venture I've been involved in for two years and that was very tough to walk away from something I poured my heart and soul into for such a long time and being without a job for the first time in a long time.. It was tough as I was sitting home doing nothing for a few weeks (not good for a newly recovering addict) then I started looking for a job and thank g-d I was able to get one that that I will be staring soon.. I am greatful for the new professional opportunity I've been given but those few weeks were a true test my sanity and sobriety!

I also have been following all of the newcomer stories and I thank you because your sharing has kept me strong. My views on sobriety don't realy jive with the norm so I really don't comment anymore on posts but I  do want you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I'm pulling for each and everyone of you! I also noticed that it has been more quiet than usual on this forum and has been for a while -- not sure why but there is definately less of a flow, I shouldn't talk because I'm on here everyday and rarely contribute.. Lol. Well, that's it for me for now and maybe I'll try to post more but with starting the new job soon that will not be likely for a few months but I will be reading for strength and pulling for each and everyone of you to reach the incredible feeling of sobrity!!! Keep pushing and keep pushing because it is worth it -- granted its a very tough road but worth it beyond any words I can write to do it justice.. Also remember it takes time and patience, IT WILL COME but unfortunately never as quickly as we want or need it to.. recovery and sobriety are filled with good and bad days so take each as them come while relishing in the good and riding out the bad just keep in mind it's normal and part of recovery and sobriety.. Ok now Im going for real.. Take care and all the best to everyone here trying to make their lives better!!!

Real

[Cricketk92]

Hi Real!  So happy to read about your clean time and the new job opportunity!!!  You are doing awesome!
And I have to agree with Jugglin here.... it would be great if you posted to others because you DO have a lot to offer!  Its sad that because some people find a "different" road to recovery other than the 12 steps they feel like a pariah!  What works for one doesnt work for all!!!  There are new people coming in that would benefit from reading other paths they might use to stay clean!  I read that you are using exercise and prayer and those are 2 wonderful things!!!  Whatever keeps someone clean and sober is a motivation for all to read!  Just because I found that AA/NA have been working for me does not mean that it will work for you...It is Law in my mind as there are so many different ways to go.  If it worked for everyone there wouldnt be other options given to people!
SO please don't stop giving your wisdom and insight to others!!!  Something you say just might be the deciding factor in someone elses life!!!   :)

[Real180]

Thanks jugglin -- I appreciate your kind words... I know you and I are on the same page in recovery.. "Whatever is working is the BEST plan" and know others feel the same way -- I am one of those who has stopped posting because of the "one way POV" approach.. Sure there are best practices and I am in full support of each and everyone of those but the problem is when those best practices are preached as law and if suggested otherwise you are viewed as breaking the law and kicked off or just disregarded by this forum.. Anyway, I will do my best because I know I can help people, and it hurts me not to.. Like I said I read this forum everyday at least once and I always formulate answers and suggestions in my head to help but I always stop short in writing them out to be posted because I know it's not what some people want to see... thanks again Jugglin you are a great asset to this forum and I will try and post more and we will see where it goes.. Please continue your great work on this forum and in life!!!

Real

[jugglin]

Hey Real - good to see you and hear you are doing well in spite of the job issues that have come your way.

I just wanted to say that even if your "views on recovery don't jive with the norm", you still have much to share.  Not everybody fits into the same recovery box.  Folks can definitely benefit from your views and your path.  I've seen folks stop posting because their recovery is negated by others if they don't follow some exact path...that they are doomed to a life of relapse and misery.  We each walk our journey taking many different courses.  Some of us will relapse in spite of the recovery path we take, others will not.

Please stick around and offer support and share your experiences - all of our stories carry value.

Blessings to you Real!