A 21st Party (Guest post from @morgan)

Lovely long-time member @morgan travelled to Wellington recently to attend a 21st party. She stayed at her elderly Aunt’s house and visited with Living Sober members who live here. She was also supposed to be meeting up with  her man this weekend, but he cancelled at the last minute due to work commitments. As a result the weekend could have turned into a bit of a trial. But to her credit @morgan came through stronger than ever before, and I thought it worth sharing her experience here.  

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@morgan

I have reached a new place this weekend. Often I have not felt entirely part of the Living Sober tribe as I was always a strict moderator when I was drinking. I thought I was not able to fully understand the terrible place addiction can take us.

But at this time when travelling away alone to stay in my old Aunt’s place, let down by my date,  and surrounded by alcohol I have been – to my shame – initially rather tempted.

I examined the usual wine in my Aunt’s fridge then looked over her well stocked liquor cupboard. She is away, the man couldn’t join me, who would know if I had a drink? Would top-shelf liqueurs count?

Pathetic. What a humbling warning so close to 2 years free. I thought I was only here at LS as I love the tribe. Don’t need it/you I tell myself. I wasn’t too bad anyway I would tell myself. OMG the mind can so lie.

Seeing how easily disappointment and imagined loneliness could hurl me back to drinking, even though it would likely be cautious and moderate, (at first) I would be missing out on so much; not growing, just escaping.

I stopped my self pity and loneliness bloody fast after logging in to  check on the tribe. I need this place; I need you.

Then off to the 21st party. It was a major drinking event, embedded in the drunken masses in the centre of the city. Oh god I’ve not been in such an alcohol fuelled situation in 2 years. No mountaintop or lakeside yoga retreat for reflecting on such a milestone. Imagine a coming of age party held up a mountain or by a river, instead of full-on mass poisoning for a ‘celebration’.

I have never seen so many confident, gorgeous, young people drinking and teetering around in their tinsy dresses.  So much noise and excitement the speeches were barely possible. I like deep discussion, not trying to yell over music. And the drinking stories being told – apparently all highly sanitised, the worst untold as family were present to hear details.

Imagine what aliens would think of our ‘social’ celebrations.

It felt weird. I felt out of place. I didn’t have many family there, my son left, I wanted to get out!!!!!

Escaped! Into the streets among the drunks and police and bouncers! Still so early. I managed to grab an uber – Phew. But then he careened around people and traffic.. around the winding streets with one hand on the steering wheel holding his phone in the other for directions. Lord, felt as if I was in India! Thank God for getting home to quiet and camomile.

Am I lonely? No way! I realise what a lovely treat it is that I have only myself to look after. If I had grabbed a drink to numb the sadness, I would now be wallowing in real loneliness, shame, un-wellness, misery, and exhaustion lasting the week.

Instead, a peaceful retreat from the noise and mayhem last night to my books, the stunning full moon and starry sky to wonder at. This morning, views of hills, birdsong, drifting clouds.

Although alone after being very sad the man couldn’t join me for a trip to this 21st celebration, it seems right that on Day 730 I am able to reflect, look after myself, see more of my son than I otherwise would, and, of course, spend time here in this city and meet up in-person with community members who got me to this free place.

Clear head, no regrets, happy to be living life to the full with all the ups and downs that will come with it.

@morgan

19 Comments
  1. Hellsbells 3 years ago

    Hello @morgan. I loved your post and that you could say no to the temptations even when placed in a vulnerable position- ie thought you had man company etc. Hope one day to catch up with you in Welly. Really its not all like that as you probably know!

  2. kaydee 5 years ago

    Just popped it to see how people are doing and saw your post @Morgan. So happy to see you are doing just fine and dealing with the tough moments with strength. Makes me think I can work through them also and come out the other side with pride. Thank you. Cc

  3. Gilbert 8 years ago

    This is a lovely post @Morgan.xox

    • morgan 8 years ago

      Thanks my lovely. It really helped to be raving on to everyone – felt less lonely and helped me process. What are you doing up at this hour on holiday????? Xxxx

  4. reena 8 years ago

    Beautifully written, @Morgan, touching and real. Thank you so much and thank you for being on my “team” here!! xo

  5. SueK 8 years ago

    Great post, thanks @morgan. Thanks for sharing your experience so honestly.

  6. DaisyH 8 years ago

    Oh Morgan – that had me my heart in my mouth! xx I’m so glad you wrote it and came through it all shinier than ever me dear. xx

    • morgan 8 years ago

      Thanks hon. Now to ensure I don’t even harbour such ridiculous thoughts next time. I guess this is my first year really properly alone, so there are bound to be some ‘moments’. Huge change as you well know, though I do seem to see quite a bit of my far off chicks – they fly home or I get to them quite a bit. wondering how yours are – blog? XXXXX

  7. Emjaycee 8 years ago

    Nice @morgan!

    • morgan 8 years ago

      Thanks, but actually Lotta’s work, piecing together bits and pieces. Nice to have a writer sort out your muddly thoughts 🙂 Loved your piece.

  8. enzedgirl 8 years ago

    love your words @morgan xxx

    • morgan 8 years ago

      XXXXXX

  9. BackwoodsGal 8 years ago

    You put me right at that party Morgan! Even imagining the tinsy dresses! Glad you had the resolve to attend and then leave, knowing you paid your dues and were able enjoy the rest of the evening.

    • morgan 8 years ago

      Yes, such an immense relief to get away!! Such a lovely time to myself and a happy, clear Sunday. Pure gold.xx

  10. MissMeg 8 years ago

    Absolutely loved this @morgan , I loved the way you describe waking up in the morning listening to birdsong….

  11. Lizzy 8 years ago

    Wonderful @Morgan 🙂 I love how you recognised and worked through your feelings. Xx

    • morgan 8 years ago

      It was a very special time. Thank goodness I didn’t wallow! And old Aunt has just been saying how beautifully I left the house for her return from abroad. Lucky!!!

  12. Prudence 8 years ago

    Wow! That is a stunning piece of writing there Morgan. Beautiful reflections and powerful honesty. I am now terrified that I might have missed your 2 year milestone? I didn’t did I? surely not?
    Thank you for sharing thisexperience and these thoughts and feelings xox

    • morgan 8 years ago

      Plenty of time for celebrating 🙂 Must get the crowd together once you are back with some stories, and Butterflybecky is back – perhaps when the school holidays start. Might be easier for the parents among us

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