Hope.

I want to share what sixty (one) days of sobriety has taught me.  I am an addict.  We are addicts...But that is not ALL we are.  I am also a woman, an artist, a daughter, a friend, an educator, and a super awesome cook (Amongst other things)!  Above all else I am human.  We all are.  We are not our addictions.  Every day I discover a part of myself that was buried beneath the pain and sorrow of addiction...It's not always pretty-but we can't pick the parts of us we want and throw the rest away.  Acceptance and forgiveness are the only way to let go of shame and suffering...There is no weakness in this, in fact-it's where I found my greatest strength.  No matter where you are today in your journey...Know that ALL human beings fall down.  We must in order to learn how to get back up. Today share some of that beautiful compassion that you all have with the hardest person to forgive...Yourself.  Life is worth it....You are ALL worth it.  
Much love...
Lu

[Addicted2long]

Very good way to put it Sarah..when using we just exist..everyday is the same thing with the same job, same appointment, class, deadline, or whatever u may call it..but you can't call in sick,  can't be late, can't take the day off, when your an addict your day is dedicated to one thing..getting high. And sadly i must say if I kept as good of a schedule at my real job as i did getting high id be alot further in my career. But all that matters right now is I'm sober. I don't wake up it utter panic and anxiety of when i will get my next fix. I'm not using my finance degree to swindle, con and manipulate people out od their money. I'm using it in an honest job making a real living and my new hustle is my ambition. It feels good to be real..to be normal so to speak. I like being me. And although many of my friends are further along than me or with better jobs or making more money I don't care..because deep down I feel I've been at my own college the last few years. I've learned some real stuff. To value life like everyday is your last, take care of your body you only get one, and I've learned to handle and get through situations and feelings I bet 99% of those people couldn't do. I'm better prepared for life's long journey and anything that might get thrown at me. Now is when my dreams take flight. Good luck and God bless! ~@2/…™

[all_alone1]

Wow lulu...that was wonderful to read...you are a wonderful person and such an inspiration to me....to us

Happy 61 days....and many more to come

Lots of love

Angie

[IwillDoThis]

such a beautiful thing to say, thanks for your words of wisdom!

[kk1303]

I really enjoyed reading this :-)

[gg636]

Hi Lu.

As always your words are so kind and uplifting.  We all need words of encoragement. and you know just what to say everytime.

Congrats on Day 61!

xoxo

[IwillDoThis]

I wanted to tell you, I saw in your mood you said Yoga solves everything.  Yoga was one of the things that gave me the strength to say "no more" - I know a lot of people will knock it but it's given me a peace and strength to move ahead and I would encourage who's been thinking about it to just try it.  I know I can't move forward as a person until I got this pill crap behind me.  Monday night after my yoga class I knew I was done with pills.

[NeverDreamed]

This made me cry, thanks =).  Today is Day 8 for me.  I still think of the damn devil pills, but i'm feeling good.  I'm proud I feel free, strong, and honest.  Thank you for your beautifully supportive words.  

Congrats on Day 61!  

[wtf1213]

Thank you for that beautiful message!

[howlingshadow]

That was absolutely beautiful and well written.

[Ballgame]

So can you think better now? Remember things better?

[justme1119]

love, love, love

[lulu747]

Ballgame-
LOL...I still have my moments!  But yes...I can think better...And my memories are much, much brighter(:
Iwill...
Yoga has been a huge part of my recovery...It's all about balance and breathing through adversity(:

Love to all, and to all a good night!

[kyle505]

Just saw your post...Very well said. Hopefully someone struggling with the whys of being an addict will read your words. I think the truths you express lurk in all of us, but sometimes they are buried under so much guilt and self loathing that they are lost for a time. Have a good night, and a great Saturday.

[kyle505]

Just saw your post...Very well said. Hopefully someone struggling with the whys of being an addict will read your words. I think the truths you express lurk in all of us, but sometimes they are buried under so much guilt and self loathing that they are lost for a time. Have a good night, and a great Saturday.

[dominosarah]

Feels good to really be living now instead of just existing doesnt it?

[texaslady68]

Lu,

As I have told you many times, you are great support for me and I am sure I can speak for most for them as well.  What you said is so true about being all of those other things besides an addict.  Without the addict involved, we will be better mothers/fathers, daughters, etc.  

I am day 41 and I wont lie, there are some very rough days.  I still have days where I cry.  I have been in horrible pain in my back the past few days and have not been able to take my "pills" that would keep me going.  I have been in bed for 2 days which is very depressing.  I just read your posts and try to make it through with my iburprophen and heating pad. lol

You are truely an inspiration and I wish you nothing but continued success on your journey.

[lulu747]

(((TEX)))
43 DAYS!!  Already?!?  JK....
I'm sorry your back is hurting, darlin'...
Stay with the heat and the NSAIDS and cry if you need to..Tears release the pent up emotion...Fear, anger, sorrow...  Let them flow...  It took me awhile to give myself permission to cry..  
Go easy on yourself...There is only one you..and I, for one am incredibly proud and grateful for you...(:

Sara-
It feels amazing!  Thank you so much for your continued support...You've always been a voice of reason for me on this forum and I so appreciate all that you do.  

Love to all...
Lu

[Addicted2long]

Very good way to put it Sarah..when using we just exist..everyday is the same thing with the same job, same appointment, class, deadline, or whatever u may call it..but you can't call in sick,  can't be late, can't take the day off, when your an addict your day is dedicated to one thing..getting high. And sadly i must say if I kept as good of a schedule at my real job as i did getting high id be alot further in my career. But all that matters right now is I'm sober. I don't wake up it utter panic and anxiety of when i will get my next fix. I'm not using my finance degree to swindle, con and manipulate people out od their money. I'm using it in an honest job making a real living and my new hustle is my ambition. It feels good to be real..to be normal so to speak. I like being me. And although many of my friends are further along than me or with better jobs or making more money I don't care..because deep down I feel I've been at my own college the last few years. I've learned some real stuff. To value life like everyday is your last, take care of your body you only get one, and I've learned to handle and get through situations and feelings I bet 99% of those people couldn't do. I'm better prepared for life's long journey and anything that might get thrown at me. Now is when my dreams take flight. Good luck and God bless! ~@2/…™

[dominosarah]

Awesome post!  The sky is the limit~~

[lulu747]

AD2L..

Awesome. Raising my cup of Sleepy Time tea to you and your dreams...(:

[bama88]

Hi lulu ...
Im so proud lf you!!  I've watched you grow so much through this first 61 days of your journey. i read all your posts and each day i saw a new stronger woman emerging. your so positive and inspire to become a better you!! what a great gift it is to finally love yourself. not many people put their selves first and you do. i know that you will always Be true to you....you reach out to everyone and always give support. Im so glad to have you in my life!! you put down one kf the hardest drugs to detox from and you did it all on your own. you put the work in and now have the reward. Im proud of you. doesn't 61 ddays go by fast? good things will coke your way. Go get em wonder woman!! and a great post...love you mama

[Stacy_Lynn]

so proud of u & can't wait to be where u r!!! Coming here daily makes me appreciate & look foward to being away from my demon even more! Thank u so much for ur wisdom from someone who so wants to be there!! Keep up the awesome work!

[lulu747]

(((BAMMA)))


All-
Here's to working towards accepting ourselves for who we truly are...And never under-estimating who we can be...(:

Love
Lu