10 on Tuesday

Ten things I did today-
-Bought a rose bush
-Planted flowers around my tree
-Applied sticky applique words to the bathroom wall
-Unpacked a box
-Grilled hamburgers
-Went for a bike ride with my oldest daughter
-Wrote a mission statement
-Ate an ice cream sandwich
-Kissed my husband
-Wrote in my journal

One thing I did not do today-
-drink

How bout you?
Happy Tuesday~

Coming Clean-

Today I met with my pastor. I made an appointment two weeks ago to go in and tell him some of my story. I don't know where I got the idea to tell him, {The Holy Spirit} but I felt strongly that it was time. At the top of the chain, this man is also my boss. There was a slight possibility that the meeting today could in some way result in the loss of my job. That wasn't a real threat, but a possibility.

I just knew I had to tell him. The last time I was in his office I felt like I was being called to the principal's office. It was for a personel issue and thought it turned out fine, I thought I was going to throw up the entire time.

Today was different. I sat down, he asked how I was, then said, "Ok, tell me about your story."

And I said "I am an alcoholic."

I didn't say I struggled with misuse of alcohol. I didn't say I used to drink too much. I didn't say I abused alcohol. I said I was an alcoholic.

I would not have been able to say those 4 words a year ago. Even 6 months ago I was struggling to articulate that sentence.

The freedom I feel, with no more secrets is overwhelming at times. I am full of joy and peace. God's grace fills me, surrounds me. A friend told me tonight "You've climbed a mountain and you are enjoying the view."

How awesome is that metaphor? Where are you on the mountain?

There IS hope.
Happy Wednesday~

Quiet

I know I've been rather quiet on here and other blogs lately. It has not been intentional. It isn't as if I have nothing to say. I am just using many, many words to live my every day life in person, leaving fewer words to get recorded here. Or maybe it isn't the words that are getting used up, but the time used to put down the words.

And I think in some ways, that is a good thing. My recovery does not solely define me now. I am an alcoholic, but I am also a teacher, a mother, a wife.

Yet, I still want to be a friend. And I want to be a voice of encouragement to others, starting or maintaining sobriety or struggling with alcohol abuse. So I will  be more intentional about being here, too.

It has been almost 16 months since I have had a drink. Some amazing things have happened in that time, things I never thought possible, let alone imagined.

There IS hope.

Let me know how you are and I will do the same-
Happy Tuesday~