I love this. Thank you. Truly, sobriety was a gift beyond measure because I had never actually had that connection and "family" i found in the rooms and fellowship until I arrived there. Obviously the drug world provides the illusion and feeling of that, initially... but holy SHIT it gets dark beyond words, as you know. The beauty of it now is... if we know firsthand what community can do to eradicate the urge we used to be dominated by to drink and use daily... then we know it can combat anything. Thank you for this post my friend.
Thank you that was beautiful! I share your need for connection and I know that it is so much easier to connect with others when you can let your inhibitions down. I think that those who have let their inhibitions down so far to realize that we are all One are that much closer to the Truth. But do we need drugs to do that?? No!!! Christ in us our midst! Love in Christ my friend
First it touches on how it all begins, with the good feels and connecting like a normie.
Then it lobs over to the other side as we feel the ebb away from how-to-function-like-a-regular-person.
Next I'm sitting on the bar stool beside you sharing my story and we are 'connecting'.
But then, at the end of this essay, I feel the true tug on my heartstrings as I share your sentiments about deep and meaningful connection, even those friendships that began online, and I am truly touched.
We would’ve had some fun on those barstools together, ☺️ but this is better now.
You my friend are part of my current connection. Thank you for reading and engaging and being who you are here and in The Bright Life. Your writing helps many people. 🙏
Well done, Dee! I am amazed that you made Wimberley your home. It’s perfect! You are giving back to the community in so many ways, you are working by doing something that you enjoy, you have a family of rescue dogs, and a wonderful wife that makes you “whole”! Who needs alcohol or drugs? Keep on writing, my friend!
So wonderful. Your words about companionship and conviviality brought up so many memories. I remember when I first came to Beijing 2.5 years ago, bonding with a new group of friends as we huddled around the free-flow champagne at a lunch event, and toasted to having found new drinking buddies. (We actually used those words, clinking together our glasses in joyous drunken celebration.) And when I stopped drinking 643 days ago, I reflected on the fact that the lunch event where we met was a get-to-know you lunch organised by our children's school. The kids were in grade two. Seven years old. And their parents were all getting hammered together at lunchtime. Those friendships have either had to change or fall by the wayside now. Only real connections stay the course. Thank you for sharing. Raising a glass (of lime soda) to "rooms full of pain, joy, reality and laughter."
Powerful stuff Michelle. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story. I can’t wait to read more. 643 is a great start. Many blessings to you in your sober journey. Lean on others ...you’re not alone 🙏
Thanks so much, Dee. I'm so thrilled to be finding the truth of that here in this online community. Blessings to you too, in your sober journey and in your willingness to support other people through theirs. 🙏
I know I'm in trouble when I start isolating. While my addiction isn't alcohol or drugs, it's apparent to me I am in some kind of trouble when I don't want to engage with anyone, anywhere. Very wise words.
Yep, the little alcohol f’r turned on me alright….after decades of fun. And no, that isn’t my rational mind’s ‘false’ memory. 1987, Van Halen’s 5150 tour at Alpine Valley, solo cups and half barrels of Old Millwaukee, 30,000 half naked people in the sun enjoying just being fucking young!!! Best day of my life!!
Fast forward 30 years; shaking from DT’s in a ‘Drunk Tank’ cell in prison. Tattoo’d tweakers yelling profane jokes through steel walls. I smell like ass and dirty socks. Wife won’t answer my one prison phone call. Lost my job. Lost my car…my wallet, my phone….gone!! A cold, stainless steel and white brick hell!!
Quite a contrast huh??!! Great article!! Thanks for getting real!! 💪
I loved this walk through the many ways connection can save, then break us then save us again. The drinking and using - it starts off giving you a feeling of connection - but so easily can morph into isolation. Feeling alone in a crowded, so many get stuck there.
Thank you, Dee. Cheers to you and this C thang 🫶🙏🏼
I love this. Thank you. Truly, sobriety was a gift beyond measure because I had never actually had that connection and "family" i found in the rooms and fellowship until I arrived there. Obviously the drug world provides the illusion and feeling of that, initially... but holy SHIT it gets dark beyond words, as you know. The beauty of it now is... if we know firsthand what community can do to eradicate the urge we used to be dominated by to drink and use daily... then we know it can combat anything. Thank you for this post my friend.
🙏 thanks for giving it a read
Loved this. And damn that big book, so on the mark.
Thanks Susie 🙏
Thank you that was beautiful! I share your need for connection and I know that it is so much easier to connect with others when you can let your inhibitions down. I think that those who have let their inhibitions down so far to realize that we are all One are that much closer to the Truth. But do we need drugs to do that?? No!!! Christ in us our midst! Love in Christ my friend
Thank you Holly 🙏
Goosebumps and tears. Incredible, Dee. ❤️
🙏❤️
Grateful for our connection on this path, Dee!
Likewise Dana 🙏
Wise words. Thank you.
This is a very touching piece, thank you Dee.
First it touches on how it all begins, with the good feels and connecting like a normie.
Then it lobs over to the other side as we feel the ebb away from how-to-function-like-a-regular-person.
Next I'm sitting on the bar stool beside you sharing my story and we are 'connecting'.
But then, at the end of this essay, I feel the true tug on my heartstrings as I share your sentiments about deep and meaningful connection, even those friendships that began online, and I am truly touched.
I appreciate your writing so much!
We would’ve had some fun on those barstools together, ☺️ but this is better now.
You my friend are part of my current connection. Thank you for reading and engaging and being who you are here and in The Bright Life. Your writing helps many people. 🙏
Thank you Dee❤️
Well done, Dee! I am amazed that you made Wimberley your home. It’s perfect! You are giving back to the community in so many ways, you are working by doing something that you enjoy, you have a family of rescue dogs, and a wonderful wife that makes you “whole”! Who needs alcohol or drugs? Keep on writing, my friend!
Thanks Chris. Grateful for my many blessings 🙏
So wonderful. Your words about companionship and conviviality brought up so many memories. I remember when I first came to Beijing 2.5 years ago, bonding with a new group of friends as we huddled around the free-flow champagne at a lunch event, and toasted to having found new drinking buddies. (We actually used those words, clinking together our glasses in joyous drunken celebration.) And when I stopped drinking 643 days ago, I reflected on the fact that the lunch event where we met was a get-to-know you lunch organised by our children's school. The kids were in grade two. Seven years old. And their parents were all getting hammered together at lunchtime. Those friendships have either had to change or fall by the wayside now. Only real connections stay the course. Thank you for sharing. Raising a glass (of lime soda) to "rooms full of pain, joy, reality and laughter."
Powerful stuff Michelle. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story. I can’t wait to read more. 643 is a great start. Many blessings to you in your sober journey. Lean on others ...you’re not alone 🙏
Thanks so much, Dee. I'm so thrilled to be finding the truth of that here in this online community. Blessings to you too, in your sober journey and in your willingness to support other people through theirs. 🙏
I know I'm in trouble when I start isolating. While my addiction isn't alcohol or drugs, it's apparent to me I am in some kind of trouble when I don't want to engage with anyone, anywhere. Very wise words.
Thanks Kim. Isolation is the canary in the coalmine for sure 🙏
Hell yeah!! Gettin’ down and honest!! I love it!!
Yep, the little alcohol f’r turned on me alright….after decades of fun. And no, that isn’t my rational mind’s ‘false’ memory. 1987, Van Halen’s 5150 tour at Alpine Valley, solo cups and half barrels of Old Millwaukee, 30,000 half naked people in the sun enjoying just being fucking young!!! Best day of my life!!
Fast forward 30 years; shaking from DT’s in a ‘Drunk Tank’ cell in prison. Tattoo’d tweakers yelling profane jokes through steel walls. I smell like ass and dirty socks. Wife won’t answer my one prison phone call. Lost my job. Lost my car…my wallet, my phone….gone!! A cold, stainless steel and white brick hell!!
Quite a contrast huh??!! Great article!! Thanks for getting real!! 💪
Back at ya Chris. It’s real alright...that’s all we got.
I remember those closing day picnics. I did several at Vail back in the day. I have no idea how I made it down the mountain 🙄
I loved this walk through the many ways connection can save, then break us then save us again. The drinking and using - it starts off giving you a feeling of connection - but so easily can morph into isolation. Feeling alone in a crowded, so many get stuck there.
Thank you, Dee. Cheers to you and this C thang 🫶🙏🏼
The journey continues, eh? Thanks so much Allison. As ever I appreciate you reading and I love your comments so much. 🙏
Love your writing. Keep going.
Thank you Douglas 🙏