Down Time Can Be Dangerous
I find it hard to fill up my time in the beginning of sobriety. And for me, too much down time can be a dangerous thing, especially in the beginning. It is tough for me to be in my own head. So for me, I love to focus on my favorite tv shows. I love watching Bravo. ANYTHING BRAVO!
The Break I Need
My favorite is the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules. I love watching shows on Netfix too. Currently, I am re-watching the Sons Of Anarchy. For me, watching my shows gives me the break I need. It allows me to not focus so much on me. Being aware of the small things that make me happy and doing them really helps me.
Centered Around Using
My hobbies for the past 8 years were centered around using. Everything I did was centered around drugs and alcohol. If I had a bad day at work, or if I had a great day at work, if the Cowboys won the game or if the Cowboys lost the game, I used. I always had a reason to get high. And I spent a large portion of my life using, so I have a lot of time to fill.
Something Different This Time
I have gone to plenty of meetings, but never had a home group. Last Friday after getting the push I needed from friends in the house, to do something different this time, I got a home group. I thought “getting involved” was just attending meetings, but it means so much more. Yes, I need to go to meetings regulary, get a home group, get a sponsor, start working the 12 steps, get involved in service work and create relationships in the rooms.
A New Opportunity
I now have a home group, and I have been getting out of my comfort zone. I’m talking to people before and after the meetings, and not just talking to my roomates. Being clean and sober really gives me a chance to find out who I am and what I like to do. I didn’t have that opportunity in active addiction. I don’t want to just get sober. Rather, I want to live sober.
Simply Happy
I want to continue doing things that make me happy, even something so simple like watching my favorite tv show. I need to replace the hole that drugs and alcohol filled. For the past 8 years I have had no time or energy for hobbies. So I am searching for activities that make me happy. I want to enjoy my life in recovery because I know I can truely be happy.