Gratitude for the Little Things

 I had taken a little break from reading quit lit when I was putting the finishing touches and editing my own book. I needed some separation from what I was doing and what was out there in the same space as where I was writing my own story. But now that I finished my edits and my book is on its way to the publisher, I picked up a new quit lit book recommended by one of my sober sisters. Sara Doell, author of Next Time Leave Me on the Floor, is in the same circle as Peggi Cooney, author of This Side of Alcohol and early inspiration to me in writing my own book. Sara's book is a little different than some of the quit lit I've read, in that it doesn't focus on mommy wine culture or talk about the struggles of drinking as a parent during the pandemic. But there were still so many nuggets of truth in her book that I could relate to, and one of the resounding themes of her book was that you shouldn't make any big life decisions in your first year of sobriety. Although I have made some pretty big decisions (like writing a book for one) this really rang true for me when it comes to my career. I've gone back and forth over the years about a second career in teaching, and earlier this year, I was struggling with my role in human resources. But I can also see how my body and my mindset has gone through a lot this past 9+ months in my sobriety journey, and it makes a lot of sense to hold off on any life-altering decisions. So that gave me reassurance that I'm doing the right thing by staying where I'm at, pursuing my book published by end of 2024, and then re-evaluating my career trajectory in 2025. Reading something that gives you reassurance about the choices you're making is often very helpful in times of back-and-forth that I've found myself in over the past few years. I was grateful for Sara's insight on that. 

Having gratitude for the little things is a recurring theme in my life since becoming alcohol-free over nine months ago. I am able to see things more clearly, less clouded by emotions or guilt or shame. I am able to process things at my own pace, rather than making hasty decisions that are going to affect not only my life, but the lives of those around me. I'm able to sit in the uncomfortable feelings and the "not knowing" for more than a few seconds without feeling the need to act or react to something or someone else's choices. I'm grateful for those moments of pause and for being ok sitting in the discomfort in a way that I never was able to before. 

My word of the year for 2024 is authenticity. I am grateful that I've been able to stay committed to that word and focus for the year, and am already thinking about what my word for 2025 might be. I feel like so many dreams are coming true - and I am grateful for the opportunity to rewrite my own narrative.