7 Things I Learned in My First Year of Sobriety
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Looking back on my first year of sobriety, there are many different things I learned that have a huge part of me being sober today. I’ve thought of 7 things I learned in my first year of sobriety that I find to be helpful to anyone – new in recovery or an old-timer!
7 Things I Learned in My First Year of Sobriety…
1. I need to have a sponsor
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Whether I’m through my steps or not, it is very important for me to always have a sponsor. Yes, the longer we are sober the more we are dependent on our higher power than a sponsor; but we still need one. I still continue to speak to and meet with my sponsor as often as possible. Make sure you have a sponsor and talk to them, no matter how long you’re sober!
2. Helping people keeps us sober
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Not only does helping people keep us sober but it helps us get out of our own heads. When I am helping others, I’m not sitting around and focusing on me and my problems. The only way we can keep this gift of sobriety is to give it away. Sponsoring women and taking them through the steps and to meetings is what really helps me in my recovery.
3. It’s all about progress, NOT perfection
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I learned this after way too much effort of trying to be perfect. In the program, it really is about making progress and not being perfect. Go to meetings, help others, get connected to your higher power and do the best you can. No one is perfect and I know that I certainly fall short on a daily basis but I’m constantly growing and trying to do better and that’s what really matters.
4. Life is still going to be tough sometimes
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I know it’s crazy but just because we get sober doesn’t mean life isn’t going to still be tough sometimes. I’ve went through some pretty difficult situations in my sobriety; the difference today is that I know that I don’t need to drink or get high over these problems. It’s about learning to live life on life’s terms and stay sober through it.
5. Just because I’m sober, doesn’t mean I’ll have all this extra money
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I instantly though that because I’m not drinking or doing drugs anymore, I would have so much money! Nope, that is completely false. It turns out that when I was using I was just avoiding all those bills and things I should have been using my money on. Now that I’m sober, I have a chance to actually pay my bills and pay off loans/debts.
6. Staying close to the women in the program is very important
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This is something that was huge for me in my recovery. Staying close to the women in this program is vital for my recovery. I need strong women in my life who work a good program and are not only good friends but can be there for me when I need it the most. The bond between me and some of the women in this program is literally something that is unexplainable; don’t think I’d still be sober without the women in my life!
7. I need to enlarge my spiritual life
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Enlarging my spiritual life is something my sponsor taught me to do and I am so happy she did. Growing closer and developing that relationship with my higher power by praying and meditating was such a beautiful part of this journey for me. It states that we need to enlarge upon our spiritual life to stay sober and I believe that to be true. It’s like any other relationship, you have to work on it!
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