Blessings of the day ☯️ #sober #soberposse #recovery #peace #faith

Alcohol landed me in jail several times. It ceased solving my problems decades ago, despite relapses when I fell back onto old coping strategies. I understand the meaning of loss of freedom. I also understand the fragility of being human. #sober #recovery #ODAAT #strength #soberposse #Faith

I love the seasons in New England but I do miss my flowers. Isn’t it a blessing to have hobbies or things we can be excited about? #sober #sobersky #OFAAT

This was my key…..to freedom. #sobersky #soberposse #recovery #freedom #serenity

If you were able to get through Thanksgiving gatherings clean and sober, you’ve gotten past the 1st of the compressed holidays of the Trifecta. Early in recovery this can be the most challenging time of the year. Reach out for support, go to a meeting, help is waiting. #sobersky #ODAAT #recovery

A simple wish that we all find our own reasons to be thankful today. I know I’m blessed with many. Have a peaceful, day. ☯️ Photo by Peter Ralston, Ralston Gallery. He lists the stone belonging to Thankful Phinney Burgess who passed in 1891, buried in Carver Cemetery, Vinalhaven. #sobersky #AA

Half a century of alcoholic binge cycles creates neural pathways used to intensity, drama & putting out fires. The brain needs healing. Years into recovery the pathways are still rewiring. Learning to just “be”; quiet, no distractions can feel foreign. Retiring is next level. #sober #ODAAT #AA

Coffee on the porch in the chilly afternoon sun slide….time to ponder next steps. I’ve made the decision to retire. Many feelings, hopes, concerns & uncertainty. Heard a paraphrased quote which research attributes to Ira Kaufman; “Trust is the currency of transformation”. #sobersky #sober #ODAAT

Unconditional love. Our boy, who is a service companion, loyally watching me as I wait my turn to see the surgeon. Whenever we’re in a medical setting & he knows he’s working, he’s quietly attentive. That’s another piece of joy for me as I compile the days gratitude list. #sobersky #ODAAT #AA

Lately I find a challenge in recognizing the trap of perfectionism. It comes up at work. My boss & I have conflicting opinions on the definition of a task well done. “Good enough” doesn’t sit well with me. Then I recall page 417, just below Acceptance. #sober #sobersky #soberposse #ODAAT #AA

Who are we in sobriety, or in our reflective moments? What shapes our character, what connections resonate? We are not our disease, we are so much more…with so much left to discover. Thinking about my life, and these words spilled out. #sobersky #sober #ODAAT #AA #poetry #freedom #joy

To be of service to others isn’t meant for our recovery fellowship only. The gift of sobriety bequeaths an unconditional and generous spirit. #sober #sobersky #soberwomenunite #ODAAT #AA #recovery #faith

In the midst of the griefs we all walk through, are the joys in the moment. End of season colors and gifts around my partner’s garden this afternoon. To be able to experience this parallel to my grief is a result of my recovery. I remember that I have today only. #soberwomenunite #ODAAT #sober #AA

Today I had to say goodbye to this beloved companion of 16 years. She saw me through so much & all with her gentle, loyal & loving spirit. Oh how I’ll miss you Kitty O’Shea. A piece of my heart travels with you. I don’t have to drink to mourn your leaving, for that I’m grateful. 💔 #sober #ODAAT #AA

Tomorrow is an anniversary I don’t want to forget. It’s not remembered to wallow in self pity, but to embrace. surrendering. At 8am that day,officers knocked on my door, escorted me to court & then jail for 2 years for a 4th DUI. My sobriety means everything to me today 🙏🏻 #sober #ODAAT #Faith #AA

Like many of us, the current state of things has resulted in my working 2 jobs to not just survive, but have something to set aside, as I’m retiring w/in 5 years. But at my age, it’s draining on many levels. I’m reminded that the T in HALT, stands for Tired. I must stay vigilant. #sober #ODAAT

Emotional maturity. We’re not stuck in the bondage of self in an unhealthy way. Self-centeredness caused us to stay stunted. Empathy, kindness, respect are the higher traits that feel right. #sober #ODAAT #sobersky #AA

“Joy at our release from a lifetime of frustration knew no bounds” ~ AA, pgs 128-129 I was texting with a friend in recovery that when we were active, situations that were too frustrating caused us to quit trying. We found the easier, softer way. Sobriety gave us tools for growth. #sober #ODAAT

Finishing up another 4th step, the most extensive one ever. I left no stone unturned. A years worth of writing but I can see the finish line. Both emotionally draining having to review, and then come to terms with repetitive character challenges, but freeing. #sober #ODAAT #sobersky

I took this in a past summer, but the butterflies continue to love the flowers. I’ve had lots of hummingbirds this year as well. Small joys of sobriety which I appreciate. #sobersky #sober #ODAAT

When Bill wrote this, he was talking about soldiers in WWII. But for this alcoholic, it’s about life on life’s terms, when you hit the trying times, or it’s coming at you full speed. Perseverance; it’s everything. #sober #sobersky #ODAAT #AA #soberwomenunite

The past week has been maximum busy….day off, coffee, reset. #sobersky #ODAAT #FirstThingsFirst #sober

Wishing everyone a sober, peaceful day. Enjoying the tail end of summer. Photo by Mandy Hazen, 2025 #sober #ODAAT #AA #sobersky #soberposse #gratirude

Who knew I’d have a 3rd career at this retirement stage of life? Sobriety brings surprises constantly. Recently was offered & accepted a promotion at a PT job which I intended only as a way to stay active mentally & physically. Now I’m in a brand new FT career lane. I love living sober. #ODAAT #AA

A reminder that no matter what life may present , I just need to deal with 24 hours at a time. To do the best that I can and the next right thing. Just for today. ☯️ #sober #ODAAT #sobriety #gratitude

A friend of many years relapsed after double digit sobriety. From a slip to a tsunami. She now sits in jail awaiting sentencing for a list of felonies that will keep her behind bars for possibly the rest of her life. Her disease was waiting. Cunning, powerful, baffling. 💔 #sober #relapse #ODAAT

The best description I’ve seen of why staying present can alleviate a great deal of the suffering of our own making. ☯️ #sober #sobriety #sobersky #AA #acceptance #ODAAT

Routines for me are two-fold. It keeps me doing the good stuff consistently. But I have to make sure I’m inviting new experiences into my life as well. It’s what I sobered up for. #sober #ODAAT #recovery #sobersky #soberposse

Emotional maturity in your relationships is a fulfilling gift of sobriety. Mark Travers, PhD suggests these are the attributes of a healthy partnership. ☯️ #sober #soberwomenunite #recovery #AA #ODAAT #sobersky

Integrity 🌅 #sober #sobersky #recovery #ODAAT

Life on life’s terms #sober #ODAAT #sobersky #AA #soberposse #gratitude #recovery

Those people are rare and a gift 🙏🏻 #sober #sobersky #ODAAT #recovery #gratitude #serenity

Summer 2025

Illness is a top tier challenge. My recovery stays rooted in the long game; stay the course. That soul place is where commitment lives. Staying grateful today. #sober #ODAAT #sobersky #soberwomenunite #AA #faith #soberposse #strength

Into my 6th decade and I still fight against rest. I fidget, need to be doing something. I want to make up for all the time I sacrificed to drinking and its consequences. Learning to meditate or sit with self, is still very difficult. But It’s just for today. #sober #gratitude #sobersky #ODAAT

Those around me know how to make me laugh, often when I’m slipping into letting circumstances beyond my control begin to take charge. Laughing at myself helps. Humor is a great reset button! #sober #soberwomenunite #recovery #faith #ODAAT #AA #fellowship #sobersky #soberposse

I find this in spades within our recovery networks. I just had eye surgery and the kindness abounds. #sober #sobriety #recovery #ODAAT #AA #sobersky #soberposse #faith

Another beautiful evening here on Cape Ann. Joys of sobriety #sober #sobersky #soberposse #AA #faith #recovery #ODAAT

Today I live my life striving to be real; my authentic self. The active years of being a chameleon to please others is baggage I no longer want. #sober #recovery #ODAAT #faith #AA #soberwomenunite #sobersky #soberposse

I’m reminded on my days off from work that rest and relaxation are an indispensable part of my recovery. #sober #ODAAT #soberposse #sobersky #AA #recovery #faith #soberwomenunite

I’ve been told in the past that I’m broken. That’s not a label I’ll wear. As I’ve grown in recovery I discover that I’m most beautiful in those healed parts, with Spirit illuminating my gifts. (Photo:Henriet Offrein) #sober #soberposse #AA #sobersky #faith #ODAAT #soberwomenunite

Whether at a meeting, or out in the world, we practice principles before personality. Outsiders may be amazed at the wisdom that is the foundation of the program. Don’t believe in God? That’s no problem. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. #sober #recovery #AA #soberposse #faith

My wish to all of us on our journey. My life is so rich in spirit when alcohol is not a consideration. ☯️ #sober #recovery #sobersky #faith #AA #ODAAT #soberwomenunite

These are anxious times, and staying grounded is essential for my recovery. I believe I can make a difference every day by acting from a place of love and compassion. #sober #sobersky #recovery #faith #AA #soberwomenunite

My retirement job is now full time, so Sunday and Monday have become my self care, refueling days. Add in space for another 4th step which does fire gratitude for what recovery has brought into my life. Peace to all ☯️ #sober #recovery #AA #sobersky #faith #soberwomenunite

The end of a long but significant day, a warm beautiful June evening by my sea…… #sober #soberwomenunite #faith #sobersky

I’ve been facing various medical challenges recently that come with aging. I’m grateful that my program and faith keep me from relief seeking or feeling helpless. #soberwomenunite #sober #AA #recovery #sobersky #faith

I try to approach my recovery with this thought on a daily basis. Not everyday is a personal best but I know the intention matters 🙏🏻 #sober #sobersky #recovery #AA #soberposse #soberwomenunite

Yes we are 🙏🏻

“…the search for a simple, fast spiritual fix…” Filling the void, avoiding the feeling, ignoring responsibility. Mind altering substances worked for us, until they didn’t. When we seek the wisdom, it will find us if we’re earnest and open. #sober #AA #sobersky #soberposse #recovery #peace