Today is a good day. Writing about my plans for later in the week (in my last post) helped to relieve some stress, and I have been spending time thinking about how much more positive I feel compared to when I was drinking. Plus, you guys! I got a new haircut. A totally new look, and I love it! I feel like a different person. Or… that’s not right exactly… I feel more like myself with this haircut. Yes, that’s it. It suits me quite well, I love it, and I never would have had the balls to do it in the past. And really… who cares what anybody else thinks, anyway? It’s my head! In the past I would have worried about it more, I think.
But seriously, life is good. I feel more like myself on so many levels, not just superficially because of my hair. I think quitting drinking has given me a renewed sense of self, and I am only now beginning to explore it. I know these happy feelings won’t last forever, but I sure am enjoying them while they last.
Some of these good feelings have to do with praying and meditating, I do believe. I read a quote yesterday that made a lot of sense.
“Whenever you feel inadequate, pray to be of service. When you’re in an energy of service your ego melts away.” -Gabrielle Bernstein*
I feel inadequate a lot, and praying to be of service changes my perspective. It doesn’t have to be a big service or anything, you don’t have to immediately go out and begin feeding the homeless, for example, but doing this gets me out of my own head and thinking about others in a different way. I am going to do this a few times today to stay balanced and centered before heading out to my friend’s bachelorette party this evening. Maybe I can enjoy my time at the party by listening to friends talk about themselves instead of thinking about me, me, me and drinking, drinking, drinking the whole time. We will see how it goes.
*Gabrielle Bernstein is the author of ‘Spirit Junkie’ and ‘May Cause Miracles.’ I just checked out ‘May Cause Miracles’ from the library, and am curious to see if I like it. I will write about it if it is helpful. She has been sober (mainly from a drug addiction, I believe) for 8 years.
The Soberist Blog 
Awesome post! I am sure you have a radiant glow from your sobriety happiness and your new haircut! I love the feeling of confidence and sassiness that comes from a new haircut and a new outlook. I hope that you have fun during you social engagements. Warm wishes! – Heather
I like that quote a lot. I’ve been thinking, for many of us drinking was a way to get out of ourselves. It makes sense that service to others would be a much better way of doing just that. Nice post, thanks. And congrats on the new hair!
Yeah, I think so, too. I am working on meditation because I think it could do the same thing, but that is slow going so far. Baby steps… 🙂
Never underestimate the power of a hair triumph! I love what you said about quitting drinking giving you a renewed sense of self and I wanted to say that–for me at least–that aspect has only gotten better and better as my sobriety stretches on (I’m around day 115 or so now). So I bet you have much more of it to look forward to too. Have fun at the party, but also remember that if it feels a little awkward, that’s totally normal and okay too–you’re making new habits. 🙂 –Kristi
Aw, thanks, Kristi! Everything you said is so nice and reassuring! I hope I continue to feel good, but I am expecting the awkwardness, too. I am already tired so I don’t think I will stay long! 🙂
Oh I love Gabby B. I read her book adding more ing! Last year and really found it empowering. She is such a positive, inspiring girl! Bounces on a trampoline a lot – whatever works!!
Enjoy the wend!
Oh, I have never read either of those! I’m Amazon-ing it up in a minute. 🙂
New hair is so fun. I know what you mean about not being able to do it before- I was that way about the way I dressed- always for other people, never for me. Now I wear what I want, what I feel like and it feels so good! 🙂
I’m glad you’re feeling so happy. 🙂
So many smiley faces. 🙂
🙂 Thanks Amy!