As I’ve written many times before, I haven’t given pot up, but rather offered it up or, more plainly, let it go. Strangely, pot seems to have reciprocated by letting me go in return. Everytime I reflect on this mutual letting go, how pot ‘quit me’, I realize how strange it may sound. But that’s what happened. It feels like a amicable breakup devoid of any emotional attachment for lack of a better analogy.
When I began to appreciate what I had, a loving family, a roof over my head, gainful employment, health (despite being overweight and a little achy), and hobbies, my outlook improved. While momentarily pleasurable, intoxication does not create happiness. It will never create happiness. Ever. Realizing this caused a seismic shift in my perspective.
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.
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.
Having broken down and purchased a six pack of IPA last night, I proceeded to plow through all of it in a few short hours. Upon running out of beer, and not feeling buzzed enough, I made the genius decision to toss back a rather generous glass of Pinot Noir for good measure.