For us drunks, or at least for me, St. Patrick ’s Day was such an important celebration! Finally a day where everyone else drank like me. I didn’t have to hide how I drank because everyone else drank like me today! Starting as early as possible, drinking in excess, and the behavior was appreciated, even encouraged.
But after a few 24 hours under my belt, and a few sober St. Patrick’s Days as well. It’s just another day. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love some corned beef and cabbage, but the Tom Foolery associated with this holiday is not missed.
But keeping with the Irish theme, the word ‘Lucky’ gets thrown around a lot.
And I can say, without hesitation, that I am ‘Lucky’, dare I say Blessed, to be where I’m at.
First of all, I’m lucky to be here, with my family, supported. I’m not in jail, I’m alive, and I’ve found a glimmer of hope and peace… and for that, I am truly grateful. There are some who are not so lucky, dare I say ‘such unfortunates’. This disease ruins lives, it tears families apart, it kills people, I’m one of the lucky ones.
Speaking of grateful, I remember early on in the program, I heard at a meeting, ‘I’m a grateful alcoholic’. ‘Um… What… Excuse Me?’ I thought…. How could anyone be grateful to be an alcoholic, it sucks (I thought). But it turns out, that gratitude does exist and I am feeling it now.
I Am Lucky
I’m lucky to have realized that my life was heading in a horrible direction.
I’m lucky to have pulled myself out of the physical cravings of alcohol
I’m lucky to connect with others who have experience similar struggles
I’m lucky to be given an opportunity to change my life
I’m lucky that today, I can smile, and know that I don’t need to drink today!
-M
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