Thread by @chrisgeidner

Sometime in the next hour or so, 11 years ago tonight, I ordered a drink at Cobalt. It was a totally ordinary moment. I was blacked out, also ordinary, so I really have no recollection of it. I had no clue that I would choose for 4,019 days since then not to have another drink.

I’ve talked about the path I’ve traveled often over the past years, at this mark and other moments. It really is an incredible gift, this sobriety that I’ve found — and the people who helped me keep it once I found it are just as, if not more, incredible.

That was no more apparent than over the past year, when everyone was tested — and when sobriety, for some, was a huge challenge to maintain. It wasn’t for me, luckily. I’ve, so far as I can tell, had that burden lifted. I still had life, though, and parts of it really sucked.

But, what I quickly found was that this gift of sobriety was, truly, a gift of—and for—life. The strategies that and people who helped me through my early months of sobriety were right there to help me when the world was closing in on me and depression crept in this past year.

My life over the past 11 years has taken so many twists and turns — some amazing, some sad, some just dumb — but, being sober throughout it all has given me clarity I lacked for much of the prior decade. It’s made life easier in so many ways I hadn’t even realized possible.

Being sober has made honesty easier, and it’s made admitting when I’m wrong — something that’s still difficult for me — possible. It’s made me a better person.

Most importantly, for me, it makes tomorrow possible.

So, as I go to bed tonight and begin another day without a drink, I am full of gratitude for a life of possibility that I didn’t know existed — and for all of the wonderful, kind people who have helped make it happen.

If you have questions about your drinking, fear it’s become a problem, or think you might be an alcoholic, reach out to any sober friend you might know, ask a doctor or therapist, or look up 12-step or similar programs in your area. There are lots of paths for help. 💜

For me, it’s time for bed. Sober today, like many before, but one day at a time. … Night, all, and let us try to be good to one another — and ourselves.