9 years. I should have posted here...

[HopeAgain]

On Monday I got 9 years sober. I didn't think to post it here and then I was reminded that we celebrate not for ourselves, but so that others can see recovery is possible.

I'm old school recovery and by the grace of God, and a willingness to do his will, it has really worked for me.

[Irish_Dem]

1. Many congratulations!

Thank you for posting.

[Break time]

2. Congrats...

Whichever plan works is the way to do it....

[rzemanfl]

3. A couple more decades and you'll forget to think about your anniversary. That's what

happened to me. Congrats again.

[tymorial]

4. I have 12 congrats¡!!!!!

13 come march

[onecaliberal]

5. Way to go!

[JDC]

6. Congrats! I hear the 10th year is the toughest, lol

If by old school it means that you will perhaps go to a gathering of other sober, and those with the desire to be sober, individuals, then do so - as you indicate it's about showing others that it is possible. Definitely share your experience, strength and hope with them as you did with us. Thanks for the post

[HopeAgain]

7. I actually have a friend who drank in his 10th year.

I plan to stay close to my gathering! Thanks everybody for the congrats.

[irisblue]

8. I need this today

Thank you. The hope, experience and strength are my need today.

[yallerdawg]

9. One day at a time.

And "suddenly" you have a new life!

Congratulations!

[calimary]

10. Thats Fantastic!

Congratulations, HopeAgain! That’s quite an accomplishment.

Recovery IS possible. You have to want it, sincerely, and be willing to do the work that’s necessary to achieve it. Perhaps most important: first you have to admit you have a problem (which we sure don’t see a lot of in this era of epic denial!).

It’s hard! And you’ve pulled yourself up! I’m certain you had support, but the hardest work was on you.

YOU ROCK!!!!

[Moostache]

11. Congrats and good luck with 9 more years to come...

Keep up the fight and keep earning those daily wins. Much respect and much support for the future!

[lucca18]

12. So happy for you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

[dem in texas]

13. My dautghter has been over 20 yeras sober

Good on you! Stay with it and don't feel afraid to ask for help, a hug or a pat on the back when you have a "weak" moment.

My daughter started drinking a lot in college. After college she worked out her home as a free-lance artist. She would start drinking in the morning and go on all day. We didn't know as we did not live near her. She was in a bad traffic accident caused by her drunk driving and facing jail. She had a recovering friend who got her to go to AA. It worked for her, she got sober, got her life back on a positive track.

Stay with it's a win, win for you.

Another encouraging thing. My husband quit smoking at age 79, he started when he was 12. Last year, he almost died from a breathing problems. I had to rush him to emergency and he spent a week in the hospital. He quit while in the hospital. He is still wearing the stage 3 patch. I talked with his doctor and the doctor said it wouldn't hurt to wear the patch as long as he needed it. Way to go old boy!

[Permanut]

14. Great accomplishment..

23 years here. I have a new life. Still has challenges, but I deal with them sober.

[Hulk]

15. Happy for you and so impressed

I know "impression" is something we prefer to ignore, but how else can I say what you have done is nothing short of a miracle, and I respect how difficult it was to start, and it is each and every day to continue.

My landlord, and once good friend, had been sober for around 18 years while he was a professional airline pilot. When he retired, he returned to drinking. He's had two DUI's and spent 3 and 30 days in jail, paid thousands in fines, fees and higher insurance, and he let loose on me once too often, to where I want nothing to do with him any more. We were closest of friends for years.

Every day matters. Such character you are showing, everyday of your life...one day at a time.

Best wishes. You are proof that it can be possible with all the right grit.

[fierywoman]

16. BRAVISSIMO !!!

[FailureToCommunicate]

17. Congrats! Each day...

[KY_EnviroGuy]

18. Congratulation on 3285 days!

I just crossed 27 years doing ODAT. A lot of that was while traveling on business, carrying my books along and the serenity prayer for tough times.

Above all, keep it simple and pass it on. Be sure to let us know when you get that 10-year token!

[adigal]

19. I have 7, congratulations!!! I'm not old school, art worked to keep me sane and sober

but whatever works is what is best.
Keep on going!!!

[Iggo]

20. Yes!

[Rhiannon12866]

21. Congratulations! That's a lot of 24 hours!

I have 8.5 years as of last week, just One Day at a Time. Learning that is what worked for me. And I agree, thanks for sharing! I'm GSR for a beginners' group and we love celebrations since it shows those who are just starting out that it can be done...

[TxDemChem]

22. Congratulations to you!

It is a hard road, but I am so glad to hear you did it! You’re an inspiration.