Newly born as a sober person

This powerful guest post is written by community member @kristins.

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If you’re running the gauntlet of early sobriety or standing on the crumbling precipice of a relapse, this is for you. 

Or perhaps you’re on your hundredth ‘Day One’.

Take a deep breath and imagine your sobriety as a freshly minted newborn. It has been pickling in its own juices, pleasantly cushioned from the outside world. Thrust from its cosy, familiar environment, it screams - outraged by the rude awakening.

It's raw, demanding and loud. But also tiny, fragile and helpless.

It can’t go back to where it was and must adjust and adapt to its new existence.

But it can’t sustain itself. It must be nurtured and cared for. In addition to food, sleep, and shelter, that precious baby needs to be swaddled and soothed with comfort and connection.

Don’t fall down the rabbit hole of comparison. Has she lost more weight than me? Are they getting more sleep? Sometimes there wont be much sleep. You’ll be tired and emotional. Despite that, you must show up every day and give it your constant care and attention.

The early days and weeks will be pure survival mode while you settle into new rhythms and routines. After a while, it will feel more natural, and moments of genuine joy will emerge through the haze of exhaustion. Make the most of these. The baby exists in the moment - it doesn’t dwell on yesterday or fret about tomorrow.

Focus only on today, and the tomorrows will take care of themselves. They will add up to weeks and then months. Incredible milestones will be reached, like first steps and first birthdays. These should be met with celebration. The transformation from day one to one year is miraculous, but there is still work to do.

Don't turn your back on it and expect it to take care of itself.

Enjoy the wins and be ready for what comes next. Friendship dynamics may need to shift and morph to align with new priorities.

There will be good days and bad days, teething and tantrums. Anything can happen.

Sobriety, like parenthood, is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

@kristins