Celeste on Sobriety

Another year has flown by, and it’s that time of year again! Christmas can be challenging at the best of times but being in recovery doesn’t have to suck the joy out of your seasonal celebrations. Even though I was firm in my decision not to drink and had 6 months solid sobriety under my belt, my first sober Christmas still required some preparation and navigation. And as I moved through the festive period, there were some unexpected things that cropped up. Interestingly, the main issue I had was that my family were more awkward about my sobriety than me! Every time my stepdad mentioned, or had a drink, my mum would apologise on his behalf. I could tell she wanted a glass of wine, but she was holding off to show solidarity. While this was a very sweet and appreciated gesture, I had to remind her on several occasions that I was happy with my decision not to drink and that she could relax and enjoy herself and her wine. I was quite content with my sparkling water, thank you very much! Ev...

September is National Recovery Month and I wanted to take pause and reflect on some of the sayings that are often thrown around in recovery circles. Love them or loath them, some have stuck with me throughout my recovery and here is why... "One day at a time"  I am an alcoholic and addict in recovery, and I wake up every morning (after my first coffee) safe in the knowledge that if I choose, I have a daily reprieve from picking up a drink or a drug. I don’t have to stay sober for the next week, month or year… just for today. No more, no less. This simple but powerful slogan removes the somewhat overwhelming prospect of maintaining my sobriety for the rest of my life. But one day? I can do that! This phrase also reminds me that I must focus on the present. I cannot control what has happened, or what may happen, but I can face today head on and on its own terms.  Someone told me in my first week of recovery that if you hold on to the past with one hand, and keep trying to rea...

Whether you're donning your fake crown and excited for your street party, or have little interest in the Jubilee celebrations, the long weekend is bound to bring with it some tricky temptations.  You could lock yourself in your room for the duration, but that doesn't sound like much fun at all!  Instead, take a deep breath and remind yourself of how far you have come in your recovery - 'just one' drink (or your substance of choice) is simply not worth it. Our inner addict will no doubt try to persuade us otherwise, but remember - Our thoughts are not instructions. We do not have to listen to them and we definitely don't have to do what they tell us! Here are some simple, but effective tips to help you get to Monday sober and free! 1. PREPARE YOUR MINDSET  This one is so simple, it seems too good to be true. But I do this every time I venture out to a party, dinner or anywhere that alcohol is an option.  Take a few moments to ground yourself before you go out (or hav...

WHAT IS LONELINESS? Loneliness is defined as ‘ a subjective feeling about the gap between a person’s desired levels of social contact and their actual level of social contact.’  The issue with subjective emotions is that everyone perceives them differently, and loneliness is no different. Someone can be surrounded by people or appear on the outside to have connections and a social life, but still feel lonely, or lacking connection. On the flip side, someone may appear to be isolated but are content with solitude and minimal human contact. We are all wonderfully varied and not one rule fits all.  LONELINESS VS SOLITUDE Loneliness is not to be confused with solitude. Where feeling lonely is an emotion , being alone is a state of being . Many people (like myself, especially in my recovery) may choose to have a small number of connections, and enjoy some solitude to relax and reflect on their day. "Being alone is actually just a state; it means that you are not with other people. ...