You made it to day 7 of #SoberOctober Pat yourself on the back, that’s a big fucking deal and a huge accomplishment. One week of consistently doing anything is challenging—so don’t minimize what a milestone this is. It’s a cause for celebration and taking a moment to reflect on what has been working for you—and take a look at some of the things standing in your way.
One of the biggest defects of character I encountered in early sobriety was self-pity. I felt like the biggest loser and every single day was a pity party—table for one. It’s an easy, comfortable place to retreat to and since I got sober and had absolutely no coping tools--I didn’t handle it well. It was me against the world.
One of the most effective antidotes to self-pity has been gratitude. A lot of lip service has been paid to gratitude in our new age self-help addicted society. Everyone from Oprah to Deepak to Tony Robbins has preached the good word of getting grateful. But it's not bullshit. ...
Hello new followers, I hope I don’t disappoint you. I want this place to feel like home, where we can escape the Thunderdome and process the world. Where we can post dog pics and recipes and book recommendations. Where we support each other as we get sober, lose weight, embark on new business opportunities, creative endeavors, relationships and travels. I want this to be your oasis of sanity and laughter in an increasingly mad world. A creative outlet where you can share your spirit with us.
We might not have any control over the news cycle—but we can control our habits and attitude. It all starts with us. And hopefully a little piece of that will start here.
I am a member of a neighborhood Buy Nothing group on Facebook. A woman reached out asking if anyone had an aloe plant they could spare. She posted a photo of herself and explained she was going through chemotherapy for breast cancer, and heard that aloe would help for radiation treatments. Not only did dozens of people offer her aloe, but even more offered to go on walks with her, cook her meals, and do any errands she needed. I delivered her reusable gel ice packs to help with the burns.
Yesterday on the subway, a man was begging for money. Another man gave him a $20, said he had been homeless at one point, and that it is possible to turn things around.
There is goodness out there. There is goodness in here.
Sending y'all lots of love and peace. I hope you're finding kindness and warmth wherever you are. 💖
