Have you heard the expression “the dog days of summer?” Well, for my money, the expression should be changed to the Dog Days of Winter, because for an alcoholic these are the tough times in maintaining sobriety.
The excitement of the holidays have come and gone, and everyone is looking forward to spring and warmer weather, and in the meantime we are left with two more months of winter with very little to look forward to.
The clouds cover the sun, the cold prevents us from getting outside, and we are left with our own thoughts, and that is a dangerous game to play. It has often been said that the most dangerous real estate in the world is the eight inches between your ears, and I believe that to be true.
Alcoholics do not need to spend much time in their own heads. That area is ripe with stinkin’ thinkin’ and that leads to relapsing.
Use these tough months to strengthen your program of sobriety. Do not isolate. Reach out to friends and share some good sobriety time having fun and sharing laughter.
I will repeat: do not isolate!
One day at a time we will get through the winter, and the sun will once again shine, and we will get outside and breathe a sigh of relief and the world will look better to us. In the meantime, we need to take care of business and make sure we don’t spend much time on that dangerous piece of real estate.
Sit with me awhile and watch my video about alcoholism.
Great words of wisdom Bill… even after 36 years they come and go… the old “Dry Drunk” days… they pass like everything else as long as we stay focused on what is important… love is the key.
Hey Rolly, thanks for stopping by. You said it all my friend…love is the key!
Well written and so true Bill. You and Rolly said it all, “Love is the key.” It has been only a little over three years sober, but I have accomplished so much in that time and one of those accomplishments were being closer to my wife. Our love has grown so much since being sober. Great post Bill and God Bless you and yours.
Thank you Mark! I love hearing about success stories like yours. There really is life after alcohol my friend.
God bless you and yours as well!
Weather plays an important role in one’s feelings. I agree with you on the grounds of staying in company or never have an idle mind. Great words of wisdom, bill
Thank you Ruchira! Weather for sure is a determining factor in our thoughts and actions; wintertime is a tough time for many people.
Even if you’re not susceptible to the ‘bottle,’ wintertime can be tough. I’m always cold, too, so the gray skies and being cooped up always drive me a little batty. Hadn’t been over here in a little while and thought I’d stop by. Good read! 🙂
I appreciate it, Cyndi! The long winter is hard on many people. We haven’t even had a hard winter and I’m counting the days until spring. I need some warm sunshine and I need it NOW!!!!