My sober pandemic: Pam

Pam on the beach smiling widely

"Putting my head in a giant bucket of gin isn’t an option anymore. I'm grateful - it didn’t work anyhow."

=======

Today's hero is Pam, a kiwi living in Brisbane.

========

Mrs D: How are you feeling about what's going on with this COVID-19 virus?

Pam: Each day is a mystery envelope. My waking thoughts are about the virus; that I am restricted, that people are dying, and that there are idiots running the world. The level of serenity for that day depends on how I carry on from there.

Mrs D: How have your emotions shifted and changed since the crisis began?

Pam: At the start, I treated the crisis with all the compassion of a long-time journalist. It would be sorted soon, the virus was over there, not here, next story please. Then the local angle kicked in. I have a daughter in the UK and another in Auckland. Both were in lockdown, there was no vaccine, and I became hugely fearful. Then my bloke was exposed to the virus at work, so we were self-isolating rather than locked down. I missed my walks and fantasized about making a hang-glider out of a shower curtain, like in the old war movies. I was resentful and at times snappish, I’m told. I have acceptance of the situation now, most of the time, but still find myself crying way more than in non-virus times.

Mrs D: How long have you been sober for?

Pam: I have been in recovery since 31 July 2009.

Mrs D: How is being sober helping you at this crazy time?

Pam: For all the unsettling early morning thoughts, recovery via the 12-step programme has given me ways to deal with life on life’s terms. Putting my head in a bucket of gin isn’t an option anymore. It didn’t work anyhow. I am so grateful for these genuine feelings. Being worried about my loved ones is normal, as is being concerned about my own safety. While being cranky is understandable, there’s no need for me to pass on the bummer. This level of self awareness is heady stuff. Before recovery, I couldn’t handle pain yet my responses were like a haemophiliac looking for something sharp to bump into.

Mrs D: Have you had any pangs to drink since the lockdown began?

Pam: I don’t know if they are crisis related. It has been incredibly warm here and I would think of a cold beer and even imagine the taste. But just for a few seconds. I know where it took me. I don’t ever want to forget that.

Mrs D: Any particular self-care actions that are helping you in these gritty times?

Pam: I straightaway reached out to my sponsor in NZ. I’m not always that sensible. She listened, affirmed, made me laugh. I got off the phone and boom, she had sent links to reading, video and audio resources which are gold. Prayers, guided meditations, advice on how to practice self-compassion. I am doing them all. And she sends me heaps of great comedy. (Take my recovery seriously, not myself, is her advice.) I then pass on all this information and wisdom to my sponsees and others in the fellowship, so it’s not all about me. I start the day praying for personal and global endurance during this scary time, then I have a good breakfast. I do at least one meeting online a day, and outside of meetings I check in with others in recovery. Before sleep I do a gratitude list and a thank you prayer for my life free of alcohol and other drugs.

Mrs D: What are you doing to fill in the days?

Pam: The above takes up some of the day and it gives me structure. I am a freelance writer and reporter in regular times but have set myself the task of a larger writing project, learning new skills, and feeding my creativity in lock down.

Mrs D: What would you say to people who are struggling with alcohol while they're in lockdown?

Pam: I was introduced to recovery and the anonymous fellowships by a mate who said, ‘you will give up drinking one day’. I was so relieved until he added, ‘you’ll either decide to stop or you’ll die.’

Mrs D: What's in this photo you've shared with us?

Pam: I went to an NA camp in Ohope in early recovery. My sponsor took a pic of me wading in the surf. I was shocked by how free I looked. Since then, the humbling nature of the sea has been a special celebration of the gift of recovery. This pic is at Surfers so even if it’s in lockdown I can imagine being there soon-ish.

Mrs D: Anything else you'd like to add?

Pam: Before I die, I would like a hug from Jacinda.

======

Join our community to talk with others who are looking at the role alcohol plays in their lives.

17 Comments
  1. marybarbara 4 years ago

    Me too! A hug from Jacinda for all!

  2. behind-the-sofa 4 years ago

    Big fan of ‘The Two’ : )

  3. enzedgirl 4 years ago

    Lovely Pam – wouldn’t we all love a hug from Jacinda 🙂

  4. Anonymous 4 years ago

    Pam, you legend. Thank you for everywhere you have been coz its brought you to who you are and where yo are now. You rock. Me too re Jacinda – lol. And thank you for the inspiration – which you have always been. Keep on swimming – the currents are what life is all about. Namaste!

  5. Megan Scoullar 4 years ago

    Lovely to see you living your best life xx

  6. Nick Lamport 4 years ago

    Love you! And your journey! And your beautiful nature xx

  7. Pollyonthewagon 4 years ago

    Lovely to read your story Pam. Always enjoyed seeing and hearing you on NZ media.
    I am sure you will get that hug xxxx

  8. Pam 4 years ago

    Thank you. xPam

  9. Lorraine Franklin 4 years ago

    Well done Pam you are an inspiration to lots of people. So very glad you came into my life. Very proud of you. ?

  10. Fiona M 4 years ago

    This is exceptional Pam. Love your face xxx

  11. Suzy Morrison 4 years ago

    Pammy Pammy Pammy
    Thank you
    I love you ?

  12. Liberty 4 years ago

    Thanks for your story Pam, I’ve always enjoyed your down-to-earth, wry and warm humour and this is no exception. Nice to know you’re out there and doing well. x

  13. Aunty 4 years ago

    Thanks for Sharing . Nice to know a familiar face is out there doing well.

  14. newbeginning 4 years ago

    Inspirational story! Just what I needed to hear today – thanks for sharing, love the comment about life on life’s terms.

  15. Prudence 4 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your story Pam. Lovely to see your face again, I’ve always admired you, especially your humour. I knew your brother Jim in Sydney many years ago and later in Lyttelton. He is missed. Look after your good self xx

  16. Danne 4 years ago

    Thanks for sharing Pam, and well done on your recovery, an inspiration! 🙂

  17. mistchance 4 years ago

    Nics to see your face again Pam. Never met you but always thought you were a good sort.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Licensed by NZ Drug Foundation under Creative Commons 4.0 2024. Built by Bamboo Creative and powered by Flywheel.

Log in with your credentials

or    

Forgot your details?

Create Account