It’s been 209 days since my last drink of alcohol.
I still pass those trigger moments, like after an exhausting day or when I’m physically drained the thought of a beer sounds good. But it’s fleeting without a lot of pressure.
Since we, as a couple, have removed the habit from our lives, continuing to remain sober has been fairly easy. In the early days, it felt strange that I wasn’t occupying my time with the habit that took up so much time. So, what am I doing with all the new found free time? Without consciously thinking about it, a lot actually.
I’ve been reinvesting that new found time in part timing this blog, reading (mostly fiction), listening to podcasts, halfheartedly taking an online Java programming class, eating well, being mindful, a little self examination, correcting my posture, performing core strengthening exercises (which I don’t enjoy) or jogging (which I really do enjoy) and being productive around the house (moving stuff, hanging stuff, organizing stuff, and just getting stuff done ya know).
This past weekend after only three weeks preparation, I completed my first 5k run (Mansfield Run with Heart) in a long time, with no pain, no cramps and no negative after affects. Granted, I didn’t set any land speed records, but it’s a start.Then again, I was always more of a middle of the pack team contributor than the head of the pack.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed a LOT of reading from Project Gutenberg. A great source of free timeless classics like Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Charles Dickens, Marcus Aurelius and countless others. They even have audio books that I only just discovered and look forward to trying. It’s not as straight forward as a normal ebook from a commercial service.
Just threw out a few elements into the window of where I am now. The negatives are overcoming my own shortcomings that I see more clearly in the mirror now. For the most part it’s been very positive.
21 Buzzards 