Wow, this has helped me more than I can even express. I have been sober for 36, almost 37 years, and I've wanted to drink and anesthetize my grief for the past few weeks. My therapist and AA sponsor both said it's only a temporary solution, but I didn't believe them. After reading this post, I know it will not allay my pain, momentarily, yes, maybe for a few hours, but then I will have shame and remorse. Thank you for reminding me that alcohol is not the solution.
Jason, I can relate. I had so many losses in my life and grief is overwhelming. Most people are not comfortable talking about grief and all they have to offer are pat answers and platitudes which makes me so angry. When I hear those platitudes I like to ask them if that's what they would like to hear if they suffered a loss. It's a different ball game when it applies to them. I wish there was groups where people could talk freely about the pain of losing someone. I joined a Grief Support Group once only to be told that my grief was too intense and that I was not a suitable 'client'. Was I at the wrong place or were they( the people conducting the group). I like to think that they were the ones who were unskilled at helping me going through the grief process. I then turned to books where my grief felt understood and I felt accepted. Of course, books cannot replace people but that was my only option as I didn't have tons of money to dish out for private therapy. Nowadays, even grief is being monetized. Congratulations on getting sober. Wonderful to hear!
Thanks for sharing. I knew that I had to stay away from booze for a while after my son died. I never fully gave it up, but I work hard to not drown my sorrows. I'm glad that you were able to confront your addiction and overcome it.
A handful of sand, thrown into the sea, is what sinning is, when compared to God's Providence and mercy. Just like an abundant source of water is not impeded by a handful of dust, so is the Creator's mercy not defeated by the sins of His creations.
Wow, this has helped me more than I can even express. I have been sober for 36, almost 37 years, and I've wanted to drink and anesthetize my grief for the past few weeks. My therapist and AA sponsor both said it's only a temporary solution, but I didn't believe them. After reading this post, I know it will not allay my pain, momentarily, yes, maybe for a few hours, but then I will have shame and remorse. Thank you for reminding me that alcohol is not the solution.
thank you for giving us your experience
we see your courage in saying hell no
to the terribly dangerous destructive inner lie
and instead allowing your ally Jason to reach you
before you jumped off the cliff
Thank you! I appreciate that. It was a bit scary for a bit but I’m feeling a lot better.
Nalda, so sorry for your loss. Sending you love and strength. Congratulations on being 37 years sober. You have great insight.
Thank you Yvonne. That means a lot to me.
Jason, I can relate. I had so many losses in my life and grief is overwhelming. Most people are not comfortable talking about grief and all they have to offer are pat answers and platitudes which makes me so angry. When I hear those platitudes I like to ask them if that's what they would like to hear if they suffered a loss. It's a different ball game when it applies to them. I wish there was groups where people could talk freely about the pain of losing someone. I joined a Grief Support Group once only to be told that my grief was too intense and that I was not a suitable 'client'. Was I at the wrong place or were they( the people conducting the group). I like to think that they were the ones who were unskilled at helping me going through the grief process. I then turned to books where my grief felt understood and I felt accepted. Of course, books cannot replace people but that was my only option as I didn't have tons of money to dish out for private therapy. Nowadays, even grief is being monetized. Congratulations on getting sober. Wonderful to hear!
Such a powerful read.
thank you
for your beautifully written letter
to us all
I am so happy for you Jason
that you have built your freedom
and that
you share how you did it
Thanks for sharing. I knew that I had to stay away from booze for a while after my son died. I never fully gave it up, but I work hard to not drown my sorrows. I'm glad that you were able to confront your addiction and overcome it.
A handful of sand, thrown into the sea, is what sinning is, when compared to God's Providence and mercy. Just like an abundant source of water is not impeded by a handful of dust, so is the Creator's mercy not defeated by the sins of His creations.
-St Isaac the Syrian
Thank you for writing this down and sharing it. We need this.