I have been sober 20 days. In another ten days – my one-month anniversary – I hope to pick up a yellow chip and begin writing this journal.
A few days ago, I downloaded Sober Today, The First 30 Days of Sobriety and Recovery, by Rosie Clemens. Coincidentally, my first 30 days are almost exactly two years after her first 30 days. I do believe that her book and the grace of God is why I have made it this far.
I have been sober before, once for twelve years, “out” for eleven years, sober for a year and three quarters, out for a year, sober for eight months and out for six months. In other words, during the past five years, I have been sober for roughly half that time. I am on my way to being a habitual relapser.
I attend AA meetings, get a sponsor, work the steps, and read other recovery literature every time I quit drinking. They help. They really do. But there was something about Rosie Clemens’s book that grabbed me in a way nothing else has. I was getting sober with her, you see. My day five was her day five, and so on. I don’t know where she is now or how she is doing. But please read her book. And I hope you will read this one.
This is a daily journal starting from the second month of my recovery until my first anniversary. I am making a commitment to write every day, no matter what. I want you to be able to look up your day 144, or 204 or 44 and say, “I’m doing better than her,” or “I can do this, too.” Knowing you might read this on the other end gives me hope. So, thank you in advance for keeping me sober.
