7th Anniversary of a bet free life......
 

Well today at 11 AM I marked exactly 7 years bet free. It is weird to see the growth of myself and what and whom I have become since.

I have a wonderful lady in my life, the very lovely and gracious Ms. Lucy :icare: :thumbsup: :D . A job that while testing and have had a scare at, I can go to smiling and leave smiling every night. I have a house I'm trying hard to get... some days looks like I'll get it some days looks like I won't.

I have great friends in my life now, true friends that if I call and need something they are here in minutes regardless of the time of day. They know also that I am there for them.

After a health scare last October, I am in excellent health. The Sarcoidosis flares up at times and I am in some discomfort but I'm going on 39, not young like I used to be, going to have some aches and pains.

Financially, while I still struggle, I have never been in better financial shape with decent credit and I find I am doing better than I want to believe.

The conscious and subconscious self destruction that I used to take myself through has given way to a true inner peace and understanding of who I am ...... and to be honest, I like who I am.

I have gotten rid of most of the negativity in my life (although I am still a political animal, which is a release for me).

I have a great dog, DinkyDawg, who is my angel and while she has the chihuahua Napoleanic complex and attitude, when I look into her eyes and I see that total 100% unconditional love and acceptance, it is one of the very few things make me happy when in a funk or can show me how great my life truly is today.

Life doesn't get better. In these 7 years I have truly learned that it isn't what you have or how many toys you will die with for heirs to fight over, it isn't anything materialistic....... Life gets better, and is at it's best when you have true love in your life, when you are helping others by sharing your experience strength and hope, when you are surrounded by people who truly care, and when you accept that life is all about sharing and helping others.

Life is grand this day, and I thank my God for allowing me to have it, for those who love me and for myself for finally accepting, acknowledging and appreciating all that I have.

congratulations. you seem to be at a very good place and you recognize that you are and that is inspiring :icare:

:)

sweetpea

*applauds* congrats... and thanks for sharing.

Buona realizzazione!

congrats pan, happy anniversary. Hope its a special day for you.

congrats pan, heres to 7 MORE years after today!!

congratulations on managing your addiction and for being so self aware!! I wish more people could be like that :icare:

That is awesome news. Thank you for sharing... I know many people who struggle with the same issue, and they haven't come nearly as far as you have. Congrats, man. :thumbsup:

You are an inspiration, Pan. Thank you. :)

When I was a kid, I was thoroughly convinced that once I became an adult, everything would be a breeze and there would be no unhappiness in my life. When I became a young adult, I attributed my unhappiness and problems to young adulthood and was convinced that once I hit my 30s, everything would smooth out and things would go well. By my late 20s, I finally came to the realization that life doesn't work that way.

I learned that every day is another step in the direction we're headed and every day we decide which foot to start out on and which direction to go.

It's great to hear that for the past 7 years, you've taken a step in the direction of your choice and have been succeeding at it.

Here's to making the remaining days turn out your way.

Why not ... 70 more? Congrats :)

Seven years of ANY kind of sobriety is a great accomplishment. Congratulations! Whatever you are doing right -- keep doing it, one day at a time.

You'ere such a positive example. Keep it up.

Pan:

Way to go, and congrats!

I'm giving 10-to-1 odds that he WILL make it another 7 years! :lol:

I can't figure out whether that is off-kilter, but I find it funny, so I'm going to let it stay. Hopefully it's taken in the positive tone in which it's meant.

I thought it was funny, and I think he has a good sense of humor.

That said, super job staying the course, pan. I wish you the best.

Congrats Pan. Its great to see you have a positive outlook on life and are able to manage everything.

Keep up the good work :)

Thanks everyone, I truly appreciate the warmth. :thumbsup: :icare:

Had a great night tonight with the lovely and gracious Ms. Lucy and am looking forward to the concert.

Then of course there was this..........

If I take those odds, would it really be a relapse...... hmmmmm

Better not take them just in case.

:lol:

Yes, I do have a sense of humor and Scott when you least expect it....... I WILL get you back.

Bring it on! :)

Pan - you are truly an inspiration to those who are fighting an addiction of any kind. I wish you the best of luck on your continued bet-free ways.