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Sober at the Christmas Table

Sober at the Christmas Table

Hey there, friends.

As I sit down to share my thoughts on navigating the festive season while staying true to my sobriety, it feels like I’m opening up a chapter of my heart. I hope that my journey might resonate with some of you who, like me, are on the winding road of recovery.  Its been 6 years on 31 Dec.

The festive season used to be a tangled mess of pain, sadness, and a blurry struggle for me. I faced the challenge of untangling the threads of celebration from the webs of my past. It wasn’t just about saying no to substances; it was about saying yes to a new way of being.

One thing that’s become crystal clear in my sober journey is the importance of creating new traditions. It’s not about avoiding the festive cheer; it’s about redefining what that cheer means to me. So, I’ve started new traditions—ones that revolve around genuine connections, gratitude, and self-care. Trust me; there’s joy to be found beyond the bottle.

Social settings can be like a battleground for someone on the recovery journey. But I’ve learned that authenticity is my armour. I no longer pretend to be someone I’m not. If you’re with me, you’ll know I’m in recovery, and that’s okay. The real connections formed in those moments are the ones worth keeping.

Triggers still come, they always will, unexpectedly and sometimes like a massive tidal wave. But now, I’m equipped with something I didn’t have before inner strength and the ability to actually ask for help.  Sobriety is not a journey most of us can do on our own. I’ve found solace in journaling, in the quiet moments of mindfulness, and in reaching out to friends who understand without judgment and trying to fix anything. Every trigger is an opportunity to write another chapter in my strength story.  Every day I understand it is my choice to be sober.

As the festive lights start to twinkle, I’ve come to appreciate that sobriety doesn’t mean missing out on abundance. It’s about seeing richness beyond materialism, finding gratitude in the simplest moments, and cherishing the connections that are built on authenticity.

This festive season, I invite you to join me in celebrating sobriety—the most precious gift I’ve given myself. It’s not always an easy journey, but it’s one filled with authentic joy, genuine connections, and the kind of magic that can only come from the heart. To those on a similar path, know that you’re not alone.  Share your choice with others.

My heart is filled with gratitude for the choice I made to release the hold Alcohol and pills had on me all those years ago.  Waking up each morning with a sober mind and a clear conscience is the reward.

If you’re on a journey of recovery too or have a story to share, let’s connect. Comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or any words of encouragement. Our collective stories can be a beacon for those who need it most. Together, let’s spread hope and support. 🌟💛

You never know the difference it makes until it does!

#SobrietyJourney #HeartfeltRecovery #AuthenticCelebration #OneDayAtATime #ShareYourStory

Much love from heart to yours

Marléne

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Navigating Rough Waters

Navigating Rough Waters

Hey there, lovely souls,

I hope this message finds you wrapped in the warm embrace of love and light. Today, I want to share something that’s been weighing on my heart as I sit down to write. Life has its way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn’t it? Lately, since the Lunar eclipse on 28 Oct I’ve been feeling the currents of energy around us getting a bit turbulent, making it challenging to ride the waves smoothly.

In these moments, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s okay not to have it all together. It’s okay to admit that the journey feels rough, and it’s okay to lean on each other for support. We all face storms in life, and it’s in these storms that we find our true strength.

I believe there’s something profoundly beautiful about speaking from the heart, especially when the energies around us are a little chaotic. It’s in these vulnerable moments that we connect on a deeper level, reminding ourselves and others that we’re not alone in our struggles.

When life feels tough, talking from the heart becomes our guiding light. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to express our fears, our uncertainties, and our hopes openly. It’s a reminder that authenticity is our greatest superpower. By sharing our raw, unfiltered emotions, we create a safe space where others can do the same.

So, if you’re going through a rough patch, I want you to know that your feelings are valid. Your struggles do not diminish your worth; they are a testament to your resilience. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you and share your heart. You might be surprised at how healing it can be to simply speak your truth.

Let’s embrace these challenging times with open hearts and open minds. Let’s support each other, uplift each other, and remind one another that we are stronger together. After all, it’s the rough seas that make us appreciate the calm waters even more.

Wishing you strength, courage, and an abundance of love as we navigate these rough waters together. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Much love from my heart to yours

Marléne

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The Stillness of Illness

The Stillness of Illness

Hello there, wonderful souls! Today, I want to dive into a topic that might resonate deeply with many of us – the journey of self-discovery and self-care that unfolds in the hushed moments of illness. So, grab your favourite cozy blanket, and let’s have a heart-to-heart about the realizations that come when life slows down unexpectedly.

When the Budget Tightens: Lessons in Financial Resilience

Let’s talk about finances – you know, that not-so-fun but oh-so-important aspect of life. Falling ill can be a bit of a wake-up call when it comes to money matters. Suddenly, we’re grappling with medical bills, prescription costs, and maybe even the worry of missing work. It’s like life decided to play a financial curveball!

But guess what? Amid all this chaos, there’s a little silver lining. We learn to reevaluate our spending habits and see where our priorities truly lie. Those impulse buys? They don’t seem as appealing anymore when we realize the true value of our health. We start to put more thought into creating a safety net for ourselves – a financial cushion that can help us weather unexpected storms.

Hugging Our Emotions: Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Now, let’s talk about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with illness. It’s okay to admit that being sick can feel lonely, even in a room full of people. Suddenly, we’re faced with our own vulnerabilities, our own fears, and those moments of uncertainty that we often push aside in our bustling lives.

But you know what? There’s something incredibly empowering about allowing ourselves to feel all those emotions. We learn to embrace vulnerability and recognize that it’s not a sign of weakness but a testament to our humanity. It’s in these quiet moments that we discover the power of self-compassion. We learn to be our own best friends, offering words of comfort and understanding, just like we would to a dear friend.

Dancing in Rain Puddles: Savoring Life’s Little Joys

Now, let’s talk about the joyous part – those moments of sheer delight that come from the simplest of things. Illness has a funny way of making us slow down and appreciate the little stuff. Suddenly, a cup of soup becomes a warm hug from the inside out, and the sun streaming through the window feels like a gentle reminder that life is still beautiful.

In the stillness of illness, we’re reminded that life doesn’t always have to be a whirlwind. We learn to find happiness in the ordinary – a good book, a soothing song, or even just the feeling of fresh sheets against our skin. These are the moments that remind us of the magic that exists in the everyday, if only we take the time to look for it.

Wrapping Up: Taking Care of You, Always

So, my dear friends, as we navigate the waves of illness, let’s remember to do it with an extra dose of self-care and empathy. Let’s be kind to ourselves, not just when we’re under the weather, but all the time. Let’s keep those financial lessons close to heart, reminding ourselves that our health is our most valuable currency.

And let’s not forget the beauty of our emotions – they make us beautifully human. In the quiet moments of illness, we’re gifted the chance to connect with our true selves, to wrap ourselves in the warmth of our understanding.

So, here’s to embracing the stillness, finding strength in vulnerability, and to dancing in rain puddles of joy. Remember, you’re never alone in this journey, and your well-being matters more than anything. Until next time, take care, my lovely readers, and never underestimate the power of a little self-care and a whole lot of empathy.

Much love from my heart to yours

Marléne

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