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Post by roadsdiverged on Dec 12, 2018 8:03:01 GMT -5
Today marks 18 months of sobriety. It's probably been the hardest year and a half in my life. Not because I decided to quit drinking, but because of several other issues. Somehow I managed to stay away from the bottle through it all.
For the first time in a long time, I have hope, I feel good about myself and my decisions, I've fixed relationships that were lost, I think more clearly, and I have an overall better state of well being.
So today I pat my own back and keep looking down the path of a better future.
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Post by McWiggins on Dec 12, 2018 8:14:24 GMT -5
Congrats! A close friend has his own battles in this area and only through him do I know of the strength it takes to battle this. Keep it up.  |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2018 8:28:28 GMT -5
Congratulations Josh, if I were there I’d pat you on your back as well, most likely give you a hug for what you accomplished 👍👍👍
Now, treat yourself to a special dinner and smoke later😘.....lol
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Post by trailboss on Dec 12, 2018 8:36:46 GMT -5
Congratulations, good on you for getting the monkey off your back, he will look for excuses to jump back on.
I agree, a fine dinner and a rewarding smoke.
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Post by just ol ed on Dec 12, 2018 8:41:28 GMT -5
adding my congrats. Never "been there, done that" but thru the years have met others who recovered
Ed Duncan, Batavia, NY
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Post by oldcajun123 on Dec 12, 2018 8:42:35 GMT -5
 All of us are very proud of you, major accomplishment in life, make your children your vice in a good way. Again I can’t say enough that you’ve reached this understanding.
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flybypipe
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Post by flybypipe on Dec 12, 2018 8:44:18 GMT -5
You deserve a pat on the back Josh. I also have a couple of friends that have struggled with alcohol. I hope you have the time today to do something good for yourself. I’ll be smiling for you all day!  |
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Post by toshtego on Dec 12, 2018 8:46:53 GMT -5
Congratulations are in order.
I wish you all the best going forward.
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SCF Dan
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Post by SCF Dan on Dec 12, 2018 9:09:21 GMT -5
Great news! Keep up the great work!
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Post by roadsdiverged on Dec 12, 2018 9:10:34 GMT -5
Thank you all, the kind words mean a lot to me. A special meal sounds good, but I eat pretty good most of the time anyway. I like good food. But maybe I'll grab a steak after work, but a homemade meatloaf sounds even better. I can consider the Bones pipe I ordered a gift to myself for this day, it should be here Friday, which is close enough. I'll crack a tin of tobacco from the "cellar" to celebrate though. |
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Post by dervis on Dec 12, 2018 9:16:19 GMT -5
Congratulations. Well deserved pat on the back.
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kirk13
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Post by kirk13 on Dec 12, 2018 9:21:47 GMT -5
Josh,I know we don't really know each other,but bloody well done mate! Not just for having the strength to overcome the addiction,but for having the courage,and depth of character to go back and make things right with people!
Be proud of yourself,and thank you for sharing! You are an inspiration!
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Post by kxg on Dec 12, 2018 9:23:09 GMT -5
Congratulations on the milestone and your continued hard work! Keep it up!
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Post by Cramptholomew on Dec 12, 2018 9:42:17 GMT -5
Congrats, buddy. I'm the friend McWiggins alluded to. I'm going on 9 years without a drink (a few months after that I quit everything). I've gone through a whole heck of a lot during the last 9 years, including a horrendous onslaught of severe anxiety. BUT, I found out it's better to feel ALL OF IT, and deal with it (CORRECTLY!), instead of trying to drown it out for the night. As I'm sure you're well aware, the crap is still there in the morning. I feel more alive, and have gained the courage to face fears, trials and tribulations. You sound like you're doing absolutely fantastic, and I'm proud of you, brother! Keep on, keeping on. |
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Post by roadsdiverged on Dec 12, 2018 10:05:02 GMT -5
I completely understand what you mean Jason. I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and an adjustment disorder. I used drinking as my way of dealing with things for so long that I forgot how to do it without alcohol. Quitting wasnt just putting down the bottle. I've had to learn how to do everything in a "healthy" way.
A lot of people arent very open about their "issues." But, as always, I am. Its who I am and who I was. I figure if one person going through the struggle reads or listens to my story, and it somehow helps them, then I did my job. I'm proud of myself and being sober is something that is on the top of my list of things I have accomplished.
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Post by puffy on Dec 12, 2018 11:58:15 GMT -5
That's Wonderful.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2018 12:38:37 GMT -5
I completely understand what you mean Jason. I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and an adjustment disorder. I used drinking as my way of dealing with things for so long that I forgot how to do it without alcohol. Quitting wasnt just putting down the bottle. I've had to learn how to do everything in a "healthy" way. A lot of people arent very open about their "issues." But, as always, I am. Its who I am and who I was. I figure if one person going through the struggle reads or listens to my story, and it somehow helps them, then I did my job. I'm proud of myself and being sober is something that is on the top of my list of things I have accomplished. Congrats! Open is better then closed. |
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Post by pepesdad1 on Dec 12, 2018 13:36:56 GMT -5
Pretty much all that everyone has said is what I would have said, too. You've accomplished alot, in a short period of time, most important you've realized that there are those who need you...sober and understanding their problems...the young ones are who I am referring to.
Those of us who have been down that road of destruction are really the only ones who know just how hard it is to break that habit.
You have a lot to be proud of...mostly knowing who you really are. You have a lot of support around you...the folks here on the Patch and the ones you've gotten to know. Keep close to them, they are your support and get rid of the ones who are on that "list"....and the ones whom you have to shake.... like the dust off your shoes.
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Post by Mac on Dec 12, 2018 14:14:28 GMT -5
A big congrats! You deserve a break today, be it steak, a meatloaf, a good smoke or all of those and more. Keep it up!
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Post by kbareit on Dec 12, 2018 14:27:46 GMT -5
Congrats Josh, You seem to be doing well and taking it day by day. I will be celebrating 11 years in March and I know how tough the first couple of years can be. As everyone else has suggested have a good meal with family and friends and enjoy your special day.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Dec 12, 2018 14:34:10 GMT -5
Quitting wasnt just putting down the bottle. I've had to learn how to do everything in a "healthy" way. You're not kidding. I had to tell myself, "Just do one thing "right" today" - whether that was making sure my clothes were in the hamper, or cleaning my dishes; mundane tasks like that. I had to re-learn how to function as a human being. I figured out that just like all the little bad stuff adds up to a world of crap, every little good thing adds up to a world of good things. My main objective at this point is just to ALWAYS be honest (to a fault) with myself and others. It keeps me in line, makes me personally responsible for the way I live, and none of the "little bad stuff" can creep in if I just remain honest. That means - I am not going to try to get away with ANYTHING. Besides, that's what my faith would have me do anyway. I can tell by your posts about work ethic in your business, you've come to a similar realization. The tiles need to be level, otherwise someone's gonna call you out on it, and you know in your heart that you could've done it right (and that's one of those little bad things that adds up). You need to walk away with a clear conscience, which is a trait that's almost nonexistent these days. |
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Post by roadsdiverged on Dec 12, 2018 15:01:29 GMT -5
Being honest about everything was the toughest part at the start. But 1 slip up leads to another and the next thing you know you've spun a whole new web of lies. If you can get away with 1 thing, why not something else?
I used to let people run me over and take advantage of me (free work, talking me into doing crap that I didnt want to, etc), I had no voice. In the last 18 months I've learned a lot about myself. I have a voice and it does matter. A lot of people didnt like that, and those are the people that are now gone.
Honesty, pride, integrity and love are the things that fuel me these days. Not whiskey.
To those of you that do drink, I dont look down at you or think I'm any better than you are (like that matters). I dont preach my sobriety to others either. I dont like people that do that. I would have no problem sitting down with anyone, enjoying a pipe and sipping my coffee while you had whatever beverage you prefer.
I hope everyone has had a great day.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Dec 12, 2018 15:38:23 GMT -5
Being honest about everything was the toughest part at the start. But 1 slip up leads to another and the next thing you know you've spun a whole new web of lies. If you can get away with 1 thing, why not something else? I used to let people run me over and take advantage of me (free work, talking me into doing crap that I didnt want to, etc), I had no voice. In the last 18 months I've learned a lot about myself. I have a voice and it does matter. A lot of people didnt like that, and those are the people that are now gone. Honesty, pride, integrity and love are the things that fuel me these days. Not whiskey. To those of you that do drink, I dont look down at you or think I'm any better than you are (like that matters). I dont preach my sobriety to others either. I dont like people that do that. I would have no problem sitting down with anyone, enjoying a pipe and sipping my coffee while you had whatever beverage you prefer. I hope everyone has had a great day. I fully agree with everything you said here. |
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Post by pepesdad1 on Dec 12, 2018 16:31:40 GMT -5
To those who have run this road before...you've become a man (not gender specific),.... finally.
So glad for Josh and Jason and all the rest who have said to themselves...yep, this was me.
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Post by Legend Lover on Dec 12, 2018 17:58:35 GMT -5
roadsdiverged, this is a genuine accomplishment and I'm proud of you. You've taken the bull by the horns and tamed the beast and that's no small feat. On a personal note, I'm glad to have been a part of your last 6 or so months since you've been on here. I'm proud to consider you a friend.
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Post by desolbones on Dec 12, 2018 19:15:27 GMT -5
Congratulations Josh a very worthwhile achievement.
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Post by roadsdiverged on Dec 12, 2018 19:15:33 GMT -5
roadsdiverged, this is a genuine accomplishment and I'm proud of you. You've taken the bull by the horns and tamed the beast and that's no small feat. On a personal note, I'm glad to have been a part of your last 6 or so months since you've been on here. I'm proud to consider you a friend. Thank you sir, that means A LOT and I feel the same. I dont consider many people "friends" these days, except the people here. I talk to yall more than anyone else in my daily routine. |
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Post by peterd-Buffalo Spirit on Dec 12, 2018 20:26:14 GMT -5
...congrats my friend...keep up the positive attitude as well!
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Post by PhantomWolf on Dec 12, 2018 20:33:45 GMT -5
Congrats, man. Staying sober is tough. Reality can be pretty lame without condiments.
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Post by Matthew on Dec 12, 2018 21:31:38 GMT -5
Being honest about everything was the toughest part at the start. But 1 slip up leads to another and the next thing you know you've spun a whole new web of lies. If you can get away with 1 thing, why not something else? I used to let people run me over and take advantage of me (free work, talking me into doing crap that I didnt want to, etc), I had no voice. In the last 18 months I've learned a lot about myself. I have a voice and it does matter. A lot of people didnt like that, and those are the people that are now gone. Honesty, pride, integrity and love are the things that fuel me these days. Not whiskey. To those of you that do drink, I dont look down at you or think I'm any better than you are (like that matters). I dont preach my sobriety to others either. I dont like people that do that. I would have no problem sitting down with anyone, enjoying a pipe and sipping my coffee while you had whatever beverage you prefer. I hope everyone has had a great day. Overheard a phone conversation today,A local contractor was talking with his supplier. He told the other person that the amount was higher than he had quoted,so rather than go back to the customer for more money,he instructed the supplier to bill them what he had quoted and bill himself ( the contractor) for the difference.Honesty comes in a variety of liabilities,it takes maturity and strength to adhere to.Your openness is your greatest asset,stay True Brother.You have/can/WILL prevail. |
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All of us are very proud of you, major accomplishment in life, make your children your vice in a good way. Again I can’t say enough that you’ve reached this understanding.
