Dream On

[skyhook]

The fruit of recovery comes in many shapes and sizes. I was wondering if there are those here willing to share the dreams and goals in their life that have come true (or are in process of), as a direct result of them embracing recovery. This is not to say we have no more work to do, but it is to say that the fruit of recovery can be pleasant and rewarding.

For me, having a family I can love unconditionally and who reciprocates that to me is huge. Having my young adult children, seek my advice (sometimes :))...is nice. If a cop pulls me over, the worse case scenario is a speeding ticket. After 2 years of hard, life sucking work, I sit for my final State oral exam for professional licensure in 3 weeks. I got the letter 2 days ago with the invite, and am still pinching myself that I have made it to this point.

True recovery is so much more than simply abstaining from our poison of choice...there are real and legit rewards released as part of it.

Lets hear about those !

ps: Big Al, lets hear yours too, which will help put fear in perspective. It (taking inventory of my blessings) works for me.

[sioux]

When I got sober I set out some attainable goals. I wanted to get married and experience a healthy relationship. I got that, and more...wonderful kids that have the benefit of a mom with The Program.

I wanted to finish school. I did that. Got a worthless diploma, but saw it through.

I wanted a career. I had that too, but today I do not have a career.

I wanted a decent car. Have had three of them. Today I love my old Buick more than any of them. A recovery person gave it to me.

I wanted a house. I got a home instead.

I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I got that in AA. Still.

What I want now? To lose some weight, get healthy again. A part-time job would be great for me. Don't need to be on first base anymore. I'd like a vacation too. I can save for that.

Funny how some things seemed so important and the things that were really important were the rewards I got instead.

[BIG AL]

Best thing that ever happen to me be glad to share a goal that was reached.When I was dinkkin and useing I became a hazard to my family.My wife ended up putting me out on the streets.As she should I was destroying my family and could not be trusted around the family with my temper,stealling,abuse,and etc.etc.Well about 2 yrs ago I was going out and she said to me a take John with you(her oldest son) he does better when he was around you.Wow I almost fell out.I went from a abusive horrible father husband person to someone my wife wanted to influence or children.That is a blessing a huge one.I had become the man I always wanted to be but couldnt.To me that is better than any object,job,money,or anything I could of acheived.And about 2 yrs sober as I walked into a meeting some guy said man you smell good.I almost fell over.I never smelt good I never bathed that much and I smelled good.

[sonia n]

My goal in my life in recovery is and still is to MAINTAIN MY RECOVERY and to NEVER FORGET WHERE I CAME FROM!! :D

[skyhook]

My state oral exam is tomorrow. I will travel into the city today and lodge up close to the testing center. Myself, 3 examiners, 35 (3 point questions), a hotel suite converted to place of meeting...2 hour exam.

As far as the other 600 or so candidates who will be testing as well... I will be the old guy. For convenience, I tell people I am "Captain Procrastinator", but truth is I took a 15 year detour into addiction. Certain resumes are better served by not disclosing this type of experience.

My internal naysayers and paparrazi in my brain have started their usual chant of "you're not good enough" and "what are you thinking?". Frankly, these guys consistently show up whenever I extend myself, so it is no suprise that I hear their background music as I write this post.

While they serve to distract, they also bring me once again to a relentless reliance on my HP. A HP who created me, can be trusted to settle me and give me perspective and poise in the midst of challenging circumstance. He grants me, once again, the opportunity to embrace the faithful blessings of health, provision and covering for myself and family.

He reminds me that tomorrows outcome is pre-destined and no matter the result, lifes beauty, majesty and inspirations will live on. He reminds me that today is Sioux's 18 yr. b-day.

Peace

http://www.cyberrecovery.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23435

[zoomie]

Skyhook, I hope all is well when you do your exam!!! I hope you pass with flying colors!!!

[skyhook]

Some 30 plus days after my exam, I recieved a congratulatory letter from the state, telling me I had passed and my license is in the mail. Almost 2 years of studying in the basement and testing is now over and there is a sense of accomplishment I cannot deny.

Unfortunatley it is not without a sense of loss, because sometimes you have to be an ass to pursue your dreams . Colateral damage can happen anytime we remove ourselves from loved ones in order to chase a vision. Some of these relationships will be repairable with time, others not so much.

But they all will remain dear to my heart regardless.

So my week included a magic passing letter, reinstatment to this noble Forum and this spoken prayer for healing in some of my personal relationships.

Two out of three ain't bad.

Peace.

[Honey Barbara]

Congratulations Skyhook
Congratulations EVERYBODY - You have all done so much work, there is inspiration everywhere. I have much work to do, but already feel the best I have felt in a very long time. I am running and doing yoga daily - I have lost 3 kilos already and only have a few more to lose.
Drinking really was poisoning me - I had no motivation for anyhting other than work and drinking. i feel like my life is starting over.
Honey Barbxxx

[alcoholrehabcoach]

AWESOME thread topic! Outstanding focus!

One goal I set during my recovery was to "Earn $21,000 per month by Jan 1st, 2001"

I am very proud to say I hit that goal before my target date. I never would have got there if I had only been focusing on what I fear, if I hadn't clearly stated what I wanted, and consistently kept my eyes upon the prize.

Dreams come true!

Thanks again for this thread and the opportunity for everyone to share more good feelings and possibilities.

[yukonm]

SKYHOOK!!!

http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu291/yukonm/congratulationscomment0my9.gif

[Craig A.]

Congratulation! It is great to finish something we start. I am in the process of going back to school also and for me it is scary but not impossible! You have shared about your committee, well they join me too. I took a detour also and now I am in my 2nd year of school to become a special education teacher, yeah all the voices speak up at the right/wrong time but like you said it is relentless reliance on my Higher Power to keep me going. Today I don't give in to those voices if I do I will use again and I don't want to go back there! Thank you for sharing your experience, strength, and hope because that gives me the strength to keep pursuing my dreams! God bless you on your journey and I know you will be fruitful in your career!!!