[madisgram]

while deep in my active addiction it's was difficult to see the forest for the trees. i felt hopeless and helpless. i could not envision a life without booze to carry on. it takes a lot of committment and WILLINGNESS to get sober/clean. but if we stay the course this list of events/changes do occur. sometimes slowly but they do occur. i'm living proof of that. i never thought i could successfully come out on the other side but with tremendous support from others before me/AA, i was able to do what i thought was impossible-put down the drink. it's a journey of self discovery too and how we can break the chains that bind us.
have those of you in recovery found rewards of being sober too? would you list some of the rewards that occurred for you? hope for those still struggling? i find my offering hope to the weary can often be a catalyst for change in their life too.

12 Rewards of Sobriety
1. Hope instead of desperation

2. Faith instead of despair

3. Courage instead of fear

4. Peace of mind instead of confusion

5. Self respect instead of self contempt

6. Self confidence instead of helplessness

7. The respect of others instead of pity and contempt

8. A clean conscience instead of a sense of guilt

9. Real friendship instead of lonliness

10. A clean pattern of life instead of a purposeless existence

11. The love and understanding of our families instead of their doubts and fears

12. The freedom of a happy life instead of the bondage of an addicted obsession

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