
This picture was taken 5 years ago when I had just moved to the US. My heart was broken and I was severely depressed, longing to feel free. Willing to do anything to feel a bit of relief. Ironic, as I look pretty free on that swing.
Today I have freed myself from so many of the balls and chains that were weighing on me during those dark times. Depression as a default mode. Alcohol and smoking as coping mechanisms. Codependency as a mean to find self worth. Compulsivity as emotional regulation. Total absence of self love, self care, self worth and and self esteem. On all these fronts, things have dramatically changed. These last 10 months of sobriety feel like the culmination point of a long trek up Mount Return-to-the-self. From up here, things are far from being perfect, but despite everything, if I had to choose between yes or no, I would without hesitation say that yes, I am happy. This was unconceivable just a couple of years ago.
As I look down over the hills and valleys, I see the villages and winding roads of the future stretching out before me. I see vast plains, space on every side: open possibilities. (I also see the end of this “mountain” metaphor). It’s a nice change from seeing only stormy clouds, impending doom and failure, aka. Mordor. Now that I see the play of light and shadow, the beauty in the contrast, I get a better sense of the perfect-imperfection that is life.
Will I live with an anxious knot (the one that lies underneath all the drama and substance use) in my stomach for the rest of my life? Maybe. But now, it’s manageable. Now I know that it’s ok to feel anxious, or sad, or angry. That none of these feelings need to be covered up. That they really do pass, and that letting them arise is the beginning of their end. I know that I don’t need to make a dramatic story out of them, nor do I need to numb out. I also don’t need to sit on a swing and take pictures and pretend I can fly to try and convince the world that I am ok when I’m not. I can stay just here, feet firmly planted on the ground, feeling grounded no matter what’s up. And when I look closely, I can even notice the moments where the knot is not there at all, and I can breathe freely.
I can choose to cultivate these moments, and turn them into a second nature.
I can carry them with me.
Yesterday, after 3 days of final insanity and pushing through, I submitted the last chapter of my dissertation to my PhD advisor. I hope she likes this version and doesn’t ask for a third re-write. Cause I AM EXHAUSTED. Exhausted but happy. 10 months sober under my belt brought me to the place where I stand right now. I hope that wherever you are today you can be grateful for everything that brought you here.
Hang in there everyone
Xxx
Anne
Honestly, just fantastic. Handing in your work, reflecting on where you were way back when and yes … nothing is perfect. Well other than we are all ‘perfectly imperfect’. I’m not sure about that knot in the chest either. I also have moments when I notice it isn’t there but can’t say if it will ever disappear completely. All I know is that drinking is better for us. For our minds, bodies and our souls. You are awesome and you should be so proud of yourself. I just know your future is such an exciting and fulfilling one. Love you loads. Conrats on 10 mths sober. 😘 🎉❤️💕🤗
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thank you so much Claire ❤ I hope you're doing well !!!! xxx Anne
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Congratulations Anne… on 10 months sober, completing your dissertation and making huge life improvements! So wonderful to realize you are happy and look back at how far you’ve come! 💕
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thank you Collette ❤ yes, it's a great feeling. (except that my dissertation isn't complete: now I have t write the introduction and conclusion ^^ but it'll be ok 🙂 )xxx Anne
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Piece of cake! 😉🥰
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Such a positive and uplifting post! Great going!❤️
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❤ Thank you Elizabeth !!! xx Anne
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This was wonderful to read, Anne. I am so happy for you – freedom!! 😘
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Thank you Leafy !!! Almost freedom 🙂 ❤ xxx Anne
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Congratulations Sis, on everything. It’s been uplifting to see how you’ve grown and blossomed. I think you are a hydrangea😀 X
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