The New Year has just begun. In the past I would follow societal tradition and make year long resolutions that would slowly be broken or fall by the wayside. These days it is important that I do not do that personally. Goals are great to make but making those that may be unrealistic , for myself, result in frustration and a sense of failure . I have to guard against that very carefully,

To do so I choose to make just a daily resolution to stay sober at all costs. It involves a morning prayer in which I ask God for the strength to stay sober for the next 24 hours. I give thanks for that strength given and ask to God to allow me to feel I can reach out to him in any moment of temptation. This is not a concept I created but rather a proven means, by many recovered alcoholics before me are doing to stay sober themselves. That is, staying sober one day at a time.

There are temptations every where I look. From the barrage of commercials when watching TV. The constant existence of alcohol advertised in convenience stores and grocery stores.In addition, I am invited to various celebrations throughout the year where alcohol is consumed. For me I tend to stay away from these events. For those very important events that I do not miss I am fortunate to take my wife along with me. Not so much that I will have the temptation to drink but rather insurance just in case. I no longer have the obsession to drink and have been successful at tuning out the past but I am ever reminded myself that I am only moments or one bad decision from taking a drink again. I believe this to be true even though I have strong faith in God and a good support system in place. There is a monster inside of me just waiting to be released into the world of active alcoholism again. I pray that never happens to me or those in recovery.

Today is a new day, which is incidentally my birthday . I remind myself that on this very day, 17 years ago I made my most serious attempt at suicide. I was in a desperate state and made a decision to take many pills. Emergency Hemodialysis was treatment to save my life. Intervention from a dear friend that night and a miracle that God performed made it possible for me to live. I give my most sincere promise to God not to drink and to be as good a person as I can be. I am sure to give gratitude to God every morning for a second, of many chances at a new life, he has given me. I graciously and I am sure to give thanks in prayer. My promise to God is to be the best person I can be. My legacy, if you will, and my wish is to be remembered as being a good person, nothing more. If is can do that then I have had a successful life. In addition I ask God every morning to replace my fears, of helping other suffering alcoholics , with courage so that I may make a difference in other people’s lives even though I may not know it. God bless you journey.

Feel free to comment on my post and offer any suggestions on staying sober. Together we may be making a difference into a life of a suffering alcoholics life even though we may not realize it. May God bless you as he has me and please join me in making a daily resolution to stay sober and help others.