Monday, October 10, 2016

Out of the Dark Place

Back then

Today, I posted a Facebook update that I am celebrating 29 years sober. One of my friends posted a meme in the comments that reads, "Congratulations on the anniversary of your horrific alcoholic bottom." It made me laugh out loud.

Yes, my horrific alcoholic bottom was exactly that, horrific. Every day I celebrate that October 10, 1987 gets smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror of my life but I also need to remember that first day, the vivid details of every hopeless feeling I had. I need to hold it close as evidence about how much I do not want to return there, to that hopeless place. It's motivation to stay the course.

I know it's only today that matters, only today that I can hold onto, just this one day at a time, as we say. I am grateful for the days that have strung together into these years and all the places these years have taken me. So very grateful.


  1. It probably won't surprise you to know that I text that horrific alcoholic bottom picture to many of my friends on their anniversaries.

    I am so lucky I found you on the Internet. xoxo

  2. Remarkable! Congratulations on 29 years with the program. One of the authors I read writes that AA is one of the great contributions to Western spirituality. I think knowing this about you gives me greater insight into the soulful kindness of *your* writing. Stay well.


  3. Proud to know you, wonderful woman.

  4. Congratulations Lisa. I admire you and every one of these 29 years so greatly.

  5. You are amazing and I love your precious wonderful soul!


  6. Carry on, you are doing well! x0 N2

  7. Happy Birthday.
    I am in awe and grateful for those who have gone before me.
    I am also grateful to have found that the elevator doesn't have to go all the way to the bottom for one to get off.

  8. It's hard for me to imagine you that way, since you are always such a source of happiness and joy when I see you and read your words. I am so glad that you saved your life.