Being sober is about more than not drinking or drugging. It’s about creating a new lifestyle for yourself, your friends (old and new), and family. This sober lifestyle will include new activities, hobbies, and social situations. You’ll do more, you’ll learn more, and you’ll live your best life. Sure sobriety is not side effect free, but sobriety’s side effect sure beat the alternative.
But, thankfully, I made it through in one piece and found that Dry January, like Sober October, and Dry July have much to teach us. And this would hold true for any dry month you might choose to pursue. It’s important to point out, that if you need an excuse to dry out and give your brain and liver a break, there’s no need to wait for a designated ‘dry’ month!
Occupying your mind (and hands) with something other than your addiction is of prime importance in early recovery and beyond. And while I’ve adopted and grown to love several sober hobbies (journaling, guitar, gardening, exercise, etc), none has grabbed my attention quite as much as Numismatics.
As I carefully examine my progress over the past year, the impact of daily meditation is profound. Its influence has seeped into every corner of my life.
I’m happy to report, today is day 90 of my consecutive meditation practice. Making contemplation a daily habit has changed my life positively in so many ways, including the development of a quiet mind. And I have no intention of stopping now. Skipping morning meditation at this point would be akin to skipping my morning coffee. That’s sacrilege!