5.30.25
What a fantastic topic at the alumni meeting tonight. In active addiction, showing up was a chore that I despised. On the rare occasion that I showed up to a function or event sober, I was looking for the alcohol first, and then the quickest exit from the minute I walked in the door, so I could go home and drink in peace without judgment. But most of the time, I showed up with a really good buzz or completely blitzed already. Still, always looking for the alcohol first, and then the quickest exit. At the end of my drinking career, I didn’t even bother going to functions or events. I didn’t RSVP or make excuses anymore for not going. No one would miss me, have to take care of me, clean up after me, or feel obligated to apologize for me.
Someone shared tonight that there’s a whole other day in every day when you’re sober. Ain’t that the fucking truth. There is so much more time in the day when you’re not drunk or passed out. My days are busy with meaningful things, but I’m still amazed at how much free time I still have after accomplishing everything I set out to. I am so grateful and proud that I get to show up and be present. Being engaged, reliable, responsible, and dependable for my family, friends, coworkers, employer, and peers is the best part of my days. Being present is the key difference, and it’s humbling.
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