Sober Living Social Thread

[Moreaux]

Perhaps I'll post some pics later. Took some good pictures recently, a couple photos of some brown bears that frequent this area and some others.

I've been pretty miserable lately, though. I'm tired of seeing the same 3 faces since mid-May, need a change...my work ends around mid-September, which isn't that far away, but I still count the days. My anxiety came back unexpectedly with a vengeance in the past couple weeks...I've resorted to taking 5 mgs diazepam/night (via an Rx I have) which helps somewhat...have to take them at night, though, as I dislike the sedation that comes from diazepam & it works somewhat well as a sleeping pill. Somehow it feels like I'm cheating on my sobriety even though it's an entirely legal prescription for (what I believe) is a legitimate "mood disorder"...never had any particular inclination to abuse benzodiazepines anyway.

It feels like one massive, sustained panic attack. The fear is based upon something which I consider to be rational (the state of my physical health, which is compromised) so I find it especially difficult to beat.

With all that being said, I've been completely sober from opiates for about 3 months now. (except for a bit of kratom back in July, if you care to count that...)

Kudos on your three months! Regarding taking benzos, if you have a legitimate medical need for a medication and are not abusing it, it's not cheating, don't feel that way, it's not productive. You're taking care of your health, which is productive, and you should be proud of all the progress you have made! I've found, particularly with health issues, to focus as much as I can on the positive, especially if not everything is in your control. Just wanted to share - keep up the great work!!!

 

[Burnt Offerings]

Kudos on your three months! Regarding taking benzos, if you have a legitimate medical need for a medication and are not abusing it, it's not cheating, don't feel that way, it's not productive. You're taking care of your health, which is productive, and you should be proud of all the progress you have made! I've found, particularly with health issues, to focus as much as I can on the positive, especially if not everything is in your control. Just wanted to share - keep up the great work!!!

Yeah, I agree with you. There's just a little self-defeating voice in my head that sometimes intrudes with, "you're still doing drugs, you're just doing "socially acceptable drugs" now! You're not really doing what you're SUPPOSED to be doing!" And I reply "SHUT UP, STUPID VOICE!"

Or I try to, anyway

Perhaps I'll post some pics later. Took some good pictures recently, a couple photos of some brown bears that frequent this area and some others.

NSFW:

 

[diacetylacid]

Does anyone else find that how long you can last at sobriety is in itself a tool to stay sober? Or is that just me?

 

[Moreaux]

I think many people use it as a tool to help stay sober as it gives them a sense of accomplishment and it's a concrete way to measure progress in the sense of time. So much of the progress we make in recovery is abstract, it's nice to have a means to accurately track an aspect of recovery, or at least my OCD enjoys it, but I love any kind of personal statistics and have tracked everything from food to steps and sleep for the last few years lol.

 

[IceDancer]

What keeps me sober is a deep connection with my high power. Morther earth, she keeps me grounded. I use what she provides to keep me clean. Also my dog has a big importance in staying clean.

Sounds dumb but tis working.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I think that sounds perfect

I cannot wait till I am once again in a position to have myself a furry family member again

 

[MrRoot]

^^ Whatever works just works no matter how dumb it may sound. Even Wankel rotary engines do although their idea is weird when compared to regular petrol engines

Furry friends also are lovely and provide their love and give an reason to do things for something other than for your own needs since you need to treat them well.

---

During this spring I've started to treat my garden areas of my place atleast in a some way and they look healthier than before. Putting NSFW tags since the pictures are quite big so it won't mess up this thread for those with slower connections.

NSFW:

Just one bush of gooseberries to harvest anymore

NSFW:

Even the terrace area with bbq now has some flowers

NSFW:

I'm going to do redo these plantings totally next spring.

NSFW:

For this area I am going to plant herbs. The bushes are here just for improving the nutrient conditions of the area.

Just a reminder of how our seasons differ from those nearer the equator since there was frost on the car windows at the early morning today

 

[Jabberwocky]

I'll be there Christmas Mr Root, how far are you from Turku? That's my hometown

 

[MrRoot]

Nice! I live pretty in the the middle of Finland roughly 20km from Kuopio so 480km or five and half hours by car from Turku.

Turku is a lovely city in my opinion as it has tradition of having academic and quite welcoming atmosphere for new people and ideas. Also it has some wonderful old buildings and the Castle of Turku as well.

I am currently thinking of spending Christmas at Helsinki as most of my relatives are gathered within 150km from Helsinki and my aunt has a huge apartment in Helsinki and she has invited us to her place.

Lets grab a coffee or something if you happen to visit Helsinki or If I visit Turku during Christmas holidays

 

[Jabberwocky]

That would be great my family is also spread out, I have an uncle in Helsinki. Even though Canada is my home now but since I'm out of the military on disability I've often thought of moving back.
I have to go to ikea for those berries lol totally not like the jam my aunt makes

 

[Moreaux]

^^ Whatever works just works no matter how dumb it may sound. Even Wankel rotary engines do although their idea is weird when compared to regular petrol engines

Furry friends also are lovely and provide their love and give an reason to do things for something other than for your own needs since you need to treat them well.

---

During this spring I've started to treat my garden areas of my place atleast in a some way and they look healthier than before. Putting NSFW tags since the pictures are quite big so it won't mess up this thread for those with slower connections.

NSFW:

Just one bush of gooseberries to harvest anymore

NSFW:

Even the terrace area with bbq now has some flowers

NSFW:

I'm going to do redo these plantings totally next spring.

NSFW:

For this area I am going to plant herbs. The bushes are here just for improving the nutrient conditions of the area.

Just a reminder of how our seasons differ from those nearer the equator since there was frost on the car windows at the early morning today

That little engine is so efficient. I have an RX-8 and have never driven a better engineered car. Once you get used to the engine nuances there's no going back. Bang for buck you can't beat that design imo. I wish it was more popular.

 

[MrRoot]

^ It definately is efficient one and has a spectacular response to throttle. I've only driven the older model but it was fantastic car to drive. Maintenance is quite expensive I've heard but it is because not every mechanic knows how Wankel rotary engine works. I wish I can add RX-7 to my collection some time in the future.

Soon I'll have to build a parking lot before my backyard looks like junkyard

I have been having a great day today as my daughter is here with me overnight. Just a small update due that.

 

[Notsoprettyinpink]

I think that sounds perfect

I cannot wait till I am once again in a position to have myself a furry family member again

I can UPS you one of four if you'd like. Take your pick....a labradoodle, chipoo, pomeranian or a mane coon cat. All very furry and loving......by all means just inbox me your address. Haha, kidding, of course. 23 days "clean" here (still not back to my "old" self) so my jokes aren't so funny but my sobriety means the world to me

 

[herbavore]

NSFW:

BEARS!!! I love bears.

 

[MrRoot]

Feeling a bit better already.

Someone asked for food photos before so here they come:

Yakisoba with chicken and fresh herbs

NSFW:

Gooseberry yam and marmelade coming up:

NSFW:

Some buns:

NSFW:

All this done during this evening.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

Nice food pictures

 

[Erikmen]

Delicious.. also known as kanelbullar.
Great to eat with tea or coffee.

 

[Erikmen]

I think many people use it as a tool to help stay sober as it gives them a sense of accomplishment and it's a concrete way to measure progress in the sense of time. So much of the progress we make in recovery is abstract, it's nice to have a means to accurately track an aspect of recovery, or at least my OCD enjoys it, but I love any kind of personal statistics and have tracked everything from food to steps and sleep for the last few years lol.

Sure!
I also count days, months. Good and bad days.
And when it comes to food, calories versus energy as well, lol.

 

[closeau]

Erikmen, those things look awesome. I love sweets. I bet some hot tea would be great with them. I cooked a cheese omelet about 4 years ago and that was the last time I cooked. Pretty pathetic, eh? Too much processed food. Probably why I have no colon now. I bought some eggs yesterday. I had a craving so I'll be cooking tommorow. Think you're right. A sense of accomplishment in recovery. Good job!!!

 

[starting_over]

A little late but: