Well today is my birthday.  40 years old and I am celebrating by going to my Outpatient, working and class.  The good thing is that I am sober and I have about 2 and a half months clean.  I can actually accept happy birthday from loved ones and even strangers without feeling awkward.  It’s a new feeling being able to celebrate something about myself and to believe that what happens to me might actually be special.

I spent yesterday with my family in LA. Some cousins that I haven’t seen in years and am finally beginning to reconnect with.  There are benefits to being clean and to seeking a life where alcohol does not hold the chains to my daily living.

Gratitude List for my Birthday:

  1. I woke up without having to reach for the bottle. Without throwing up and feeling shaky and like shit.
  2. People are sincerely happy to wish me a happy birthday and not just because it’s a social obligation.
  3. I feel good about my age.
  4. I am looking forward to what the day brings.
  5. I feel I am worth celebrating.
  6. I am reconnecting with family.
  7. I can look forward to living more years.
  8. I have loved ones who care about me.
  9. I can be an example for some younger family members who are struggling with their emotions and dealing with life on life’s terms.
  10. I am smiling.

Thank you for giving me one more day sober in which I can be me.