Congratulations!!! I celebrated 2 years in February and had many similar "who are you to celebrate?!" feelings (linked the piece below, in case of interest).
Loved this so much, Kaitlyn. I’m 4 years and almost 6 months in and there was so much here I could relate to. I also have a part who disqualifies me from things all the time, and definitely it showed up strong during that first year or two. Like, “you can’t be a drunk anymore but you also can’t claim being in recovery bc you haven’t earned it/what would everyone you hid your drunkenness from think!” Anyway. I also really appreciate that reminder of how good waking up felt that first year. I’d kind of forgotten, and it really was so delicious and miraculous. ☀️
For me, it is about feeling alive, coming back to life. You end this piece with that sentiment, and I feel so much resonance with that. I can look back and see how much was muted during my drinking years. Full throttle feels are worth letting hit you. That's how I see it. Why I stay.
So happy to have found you on the Stack, Kaitlyn! Congrats on 2 years!
Clean and sober since Jan 20, 2019. I don’t know how many days that is but I know that removing my favorite coping mechanisms was the start to *living* life instead of hiding from it.
Yes-- exactly! So well said. I often reflect on how it's not like all my problems went away, but its just the ones I have now are from leaning into life not running away from it.
Congratulations! This was so lovely to read and I really could feel your self energy throughout 🫶🏻 it helped me better sense a few parts of me, too- thank you!
Thanks for reading and sharing, Staci! My parts always feel a glow when they hear that someone else gets it, so I really appreciate you dropping in to say so <3
7months alcohol free — hard to imagine two years. But, even the hard hard days leave me surprised and feeling whole so I’m keeping going. With love for you on 2 years❤️
Sam!! That's amazing. "Surprised and feeling whole." Mmm, yes. I feel this--and--I'm so happy to hear you're feeling it, too. Thank you for reading and sharing your months <3 <3
Love this. 🤍 year 2 in numerology is all about harmony and balance, which feels spot on. Congratulations sister. Love you!
Thank you for reading, sissy <3 I love you.
Congrats my dear! Would have loved to share a slice of that cake with you. xo
It was honestly dry. Can you believe? But the frosting was still frosting so ultimately a win.
So beautiful! Happy belated soberthday! What a gift ✨ I'm so happy you celebrated, and let us share in that too.
Thank you, Jenna!! I appreciate you putting it that way. Means a lot to me. <3
Congratulations!!! I celebrated 2 years in February and had many similar "who are you to celebrate?!" feelings (linked the piece below, in case of interest).
But that freedom, ooooof - yes. Undeniable <3
https://avanipatel.substack.com/p/built-to-last
What a gorgeous piece. Thank you for sharing it!!
Congrats to you-- Here is to being undeniably free together <3
25+ years. I never thought I 'd be here. Yes, so much of what you say is true for me. I feel AWAKE and am grateful for that every day.
Yes, Kate! SO amazing. Glad to be awake with you <3
Great write, Kaitlyn. Congratulations on 2 years! 🥳
Thank you, Sean!
Congrats to you! It's not easy, but I see you doing the work on your own journey, as well.
Loved this so much, Kaitlyn. I’m 4 years and almost 6 months in and there was so much here I could relate to. I also have a part who disqualifies me from things all the time, and definitely it showed up strong during that first year or two. Like, “you can’t be a drunk anymore but you also can’t claim being in recovery bc you haven’t earned it/what would everyone you hid your drunkenness from think!” Anyway. I also really appreciate that reminder of how good waking up felt that first year. I’d kind of forgotten, and it really was so delicious and miraculous. ☀️
It's so tough (and convincing) that voice. Thank you for sharing that you have that part, too.
For me, it is about feeling alive, coming back to life. You end this piece with that sentiment, and I feel so much resonance with that. I can look back and see how much was muted during my drinking years. Full throttle feels are worth letting hit you. That's how I see it. Why I stay.
So happy to have found you on the Stack, Kaitlyn! Congrats on 2 years!
Me too, me too! I feel less alone knowing you're out there going through it, writing about it, feeling it, too <3
Well done you! I’m three years out of a heavy 30-year weed habit and everything you say here resonates. Big hugs
That is huge--congrats!!! hugs hugs hugs.
Clean and sober since Jan 20, 2019. I don’t know how many days that is but I know that removing my favorite coping mechanisms was the start to *living* life instead of hiding from it.
Yes-- exactly! So well said. I often reflect on how it's not like all my problems went away, but its just the ones I have now are from leaning into life not running away from it.
Congratulations! This was so lovely to read and I really could feel your self energy throughout 🫶🏻 it helped me better sense a few parts of me, too- thank you!
Thanks for reading and sharing, Staci! My parts always feel a glow when they hear that someone else gets it, so I really appreciate you dropping in to say so <3
Happy SoBerthday, mama! And thanks for the shout out. 🪩
7months alcohol free — hard to imagine two years. But, even the hard hard days leave me surprised and feeling whole so I’m keeping going. With love for you on 2 years❤️
Sam!! That's amazing. "Surprised and feeling whole." Mmm, yes. I feel this--and--I'm so happy to hear you're feeling it, too. Thank you for reading and sharing your months <3 <3