Two best decisions I have made

There are two major dates in my life that I made changes for me. Something I did for myself.

October 17,2013 I had RNY. It was not an easy decision to make but I knew I had to do something for myself to help me get healthy.

Life after RNY is great. Perfect by no means. But life is so much better. I am healthier than I was before. I am not at goal. I know one day I will get there. I was really lucky to have only a few things happen such as hernias a few of them. They can be fixed.

I know a lot of you may get sick of hearing about this. But on this day last year March 21,2016 I became sober. I am sober a year today. I never in a million years thought I would be able to get sober. I drank everyday. Before surgery I did. I did the liquid diet for years. Meaning drank my dinner then would go on a bender of "whats in the fridge?

Life has changed for the better since I stopped drinking. My kids actually want to be around me. I go to AA. it does help. I really am not a spiritual person. I am feeling there is something out there but not sure what it is.

These are two things I did for me. When I am happy. I prefer to say content. Happy is a lot of work. Everyone around me is better.

So when you contemplate doing something you thinking it is selfi**** is not. If you are happy and content people around you will feel it. Showing is the best way of teaching.

No one could be sick of hearing that you're sober. You're sober! That's huge and it's something you can tell us every day if you like. It's a huge deal, a big game changer. Keep rockin it.

Today is a hard day for me since it's my dad's birthday. So thank you, my friend, for sharing that it's the anniversary of your sobriety. What a wonderful gift you chose to give to yourself and to those in your life. I feel that it takes a lot of strength to deviate from the courses that we've gotten trapped into - all the kudos to you for having that strength.

Gwen-- big (((HUGS)))....it's my dad's birthday, also. I'd tell you it gets easier, but I believe in being honest. It always remains a little sad, but it also brings sweet memories. My dad has been gone, from this earth, 27 years already (damn cancer got him- he was only 52). The "firsts" are the hardest.

Extra special thoughts, for you and yours today

Hugs to both Gina and Gwenn. I understand the sadness, my dad is gone 32 years, lost to cancer as well. I was 14 he was my best friend. I agree you never get over it but you learn to get through it. The firsts are tough. It was not walking me down the isle and meeting my son that I found the worst. But honestly I can only remember the good memories and that I love. And I talk to him more than anyone else. I refuse to let his light dim.

Thoughts are will you both.

Special hugs and prayers to you on this tough day,Gwen.

I'm sorry that you are going through a hard time. I can't imagine. I am sure he is so proud of you. You have gone through some major obstacles yourself.

You posting about going back to school has inspired me. So when we post we do help others.

You are a strong woman. Very strong.

I am so proud and happy for you!!

And I know you help someone every time you post about your sobriety. Thanks for always trying to help others.

FWIW, I think when people who get upset hearing about someone else choosing sobriety, it's because they have a problem with a substance, they know it, and they don't want to deal with it yet.

I'm very happy for my friends who have chosen sobriety, because whether or not I thought they had a problem, or if I knew they had a problem, thier lives have gotten better. I literally don't know a single person who has gotten sober and their life has gotten worse.

Keep sharing. If it's making someone uncomfortable, there's a good chance they need to keep hearing it. Sharing your experience is not the same as telling other people they have to make the same choice, nor is it shoving it in people's faces.

And super congrats on your year anniversary sober. That's big.