Staying Clean and Sober in The Everyday World

My 3 year anniversary for being clean and sober is coming up and a new friend of mine just celebrated 1 year.  I have also received some searches on the subject so I thought today would be a good day to talk about it.  When do we celebrate?  What are the different milestones?  How do we celebrate?  What can we do to celebrate?

Let’s start with milestones.  Most of us have trouble just getting the first day under our belt so that is diffenatly a milestone! week is awesome for many of us as is 1 month.  Most 12 step programs reward at the 24 hours, 1 month, 60 and or 90 days.  6 months 1 year, 18 months and then by years are the later stages of rewards.  As we grow in our recovery we tend to need less recognition from others and focus more on others than we do ourselves.  Each birthday is and should be a big deal.  I for one prefer my clean and sober birthday to the chronological birthday.  That is when my life truly began.

There are many ways to celebrate such as a special dinner or a movie.  Just telling others so they can rejoice with you.  Everyone likes to congratulate someone else on a job well done especially one so difficult.  Give them the opportunity by telling them of your accomplishment.   I certainlly recommend going to a 12 step meeting and letting them know that it is possible to succeed.  They will also give you a token there that you can carry with you as a constant remeinder.  DO NOT CELBRATE BY USING.  I thought someone might need to know that even if it seems so obvious to others.  Remember we did not get to be addicts by always making the appropreiate choices.  Whatever you decide to do in celebration be sure that you enjoy it and that you do not take lightly your milestone.  For all those out there who are celebrating today I want to extend my personal congratulations.  Well done friend.

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