So what are these warning signs? I’ll use myself as an example and then let you do some soul-searching afterwards.
I am normally a pretty easy-going guy. Most stuff just slides off of me. I realize that there will be problems during a day and for the most part I don’t sweat the small stuff.
However, there are days when seemingly everything bothers me. The small stuff seems huge. I return to the old behavior and try to make a typhoon out of a glass of water. That is when I know I am slipping back into alcoholic thinking.
Another example? I will lose my PIPO! For those who don’t know, PIPO is an acronym I came up with that means positive in/positive out. In other words, if I inject positive thoughts into my brain daily, then my actions will be of a positive nature. Again, though, there are days when I just can’t find my PIPO, and everything has a negative connotation. Again, that is when alcoholic thinking is making its presence known.
I will never be cured of alcoholism, and I am going to have days when my old self wants to establish some dominance in my life. The good news is I recognize that behavior and I do something about it.
Sobriety is hard work, but it feels great!
Billy my friend, keep up that positive attitude. I know exactly where you are coming from. I try so hard to be positive each day, but as you said, sometimes those thoughts of drinking do pop into my head and then I realize, drinking will never fix anything and i know all that hard work you and I have done over the years staying sober will all be wasted. Stay strong Bill as I will too. I never want to be back where I was in 2009 and before.
Mark (the clean life)
Mark, I still have vivid memories of 2006 and that is enough most days to keep me walking this path. Thanks buddy and best wishes to you always.
Zhora, it is hard work at first. Now, it is just a matter of doing my daily routine and guarding against old behaviors.
My best to you, Zhora! Thank you!