10 Years of Living Sober - Current member photos

Building community is what we're all about here at Living Sober. And what better way to build community on our 10th birthday than by sharing a bunch of personal photos from current members. Over the past couple of weeks I have been asking in the Members Feed for people to email me a photo of something in their environment that makes them feel good, gives them strength and keeps them grounded. Below are the images - enjoy these glimpses into each other's lives. 

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@pixel: My happy place.

@liberty: It's been over 8 years since I joined Living Sober. This wonderful community has been a constant support. I find inspiration in the way flowers keep celebrating life no matter what, just as they are. Happy 10 years LS and thank you for so much. 

@rosied: Sailing in the Bay of Islands, freedom, fresh air, nature's beauty .... All so much better with a clear head and a positive outlook on life reclaimed from the dark days of despair and regret.

@nina: Here's a floral and baking tribute to add to our "happy place". It signifies the simple things, nice smells and first flowers of spring.

@sugarbelly: Now that I have quit drinking, I have time, energy and motivation to take care of the lovelies in my life and to appropriately mourn the ones that have left. 

@time2test: Weekend Freedom, to get up on a Sunday morning and tramp to somewhere beautiful!

@squiggle: The beach is my happy place. It helps me feel calm and relaxed. I find that getting back to nature is comforting, and it is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

@Francie: This is my boy Bowie. I got him 3 years ago . In those three years a lot has happened and my drinking has slowly increased. Apart from being locked down in Covid alone he was my only buddy . Alcohol has made me so unmotivated and he definitely doesn’t get walked as much as he should. He inspires me to be better and get off my arse and go to the park. He deserves better and I will be better for both of us !! 

@Jinglewriter: I took this pic a while back, which reminds me of a time of great decision in my life. I was contemplating leaving my 2nd wife and giving up drinking which she had no intentions of doing and was unhappy I wanted to as well. I stumbled on this cross road took that pic and spent a couple of hours sitting there in tears. Ultimately making the decision to leave .

@ Irongirl27: My beautiful daughter and 3 beautiful granddaughters. I want to live a good, healthy life to see these beauties grow up. That is a major motivation for me to stay sober, not to mention fun, sober times with them in the years to come. xoxo

@Ewdd: This photo represents my commitment to permanent sobriety. It's a brass keyring I received after successfully completing my 1-year outpatient alcohol abuse program. That same day, I attended one of my mandated AA meetings and received my 1-year AA chip. So, I added the AA chip to the keyring. As I near year 6 of sobriety, this keyring is my treasure... and always with me. "No thanks, I don't drink."

@mdallytk: This painting is of Socrates telling his friends not to worry about his death because his soul will still be with them, forever. I do not believe this, I believe that this life is the only one I will have. I wish to make this one-and-only life as good as I can. Fate and fortune notwithstanding, there are many simple actions I can take to enjoy this life; diet, exercise, rest and recreation, tobacco, alcohol, etc.. This is a comfort for me whenever I think of 'booze-moments' when I used to enjoy grog. Taste and comfort from poison, that is what alcohol became. And now is not, for almost 30 years. I've made it to 80-years old, and plan to make it to 90. Things are ok now for me, without alcohol.

@JM: I've been so happy and proud to be part of this amazing online community for the last 8 1/2 years! Here's my sober coach, teaching me daily about sweet, simple joys of life. 

@anon44: This is where I sit every morning reading LS posts and making my plans for my day. Watching the birds and just being present. No matter the weather there is always some thing to watch. It's my happy place even if I am not feeling happy.

@starlight: Here is a photo of my boy Nico. He inspires me to be present and be the best mom I can for him. My user name is Starlight. Happy 10 years and thank you for all that you do for us! xox

@blackcat: This is my dog with his much loved frisbee, just taking a wee break. He's a constant reminder of finding joy in the small things & living in the moment. 

@jojoa: Maniatoto -room to breathe - I don't like fences.

@mrsd: Two of the beautiful men in my life in the beautiful New Zealand bush. These things keep me grounded.