So how do we stay sane in the everyday grind? And what does sanity even mean? My program teaches me that God can and will restore our sanity, but on some days, I think God definitely has His hands full. When I first got sober, it was all about how to stay away from a drink one day at a time. As I look back, I think that might have been the easiest part about it for me. Don’t get me wrong, wanting to drink every second of every day for the first 6 months was not pleasant, but my life wasn’t all that difficult then either. Granted, it was hard, along with having to deal with my upcoming incarceration, but despite those things, I really had it pretty good. I didn’t have to worry about paying bills, taking care of a family, being a productive member of society, or being a responsible adult. I just had to keep my head above water, and do what everyone else told me to do: clean your room, say a prayer, call your sponsor, go to work, go to a meeting, work the steps.

Now, 5 years later, I have bills to pay, a family consisting of a husband and two crazy dogs to be committed to, a house (that I actually own) to take care of, a job to go to, volunteer commitments to attend, family commitments (and with now 4 families, that is a lot) to keep track of, planning for the future, taking the dogs to the vet, taking myself to the doctor and attempting to take care of my health issues, laundry, dishes, cleaning, making meals, and having too many calendars and to do lists for me to even keep track of, sometimes it feels like I just can’t keep up with it all. It may sound like I’m complaining, and yes I am a little (apparently that is in my nature) but I am also very grateful.

At times, I think back on early sobriety and even comment with my husband, that life just seemed so easy then! I reminisce at times, but I know that I can’t back and I know that I don’t actually want to go back. Life is about change and growth. If we are moving backward, then we aren’t moving forward, and that can even be worse than just standing still.

This weekend for example, we have been taking care of our friend’s dog. Great dog, great friends, but oh my gosh, its been a fun weekend to say the least. Taking care of 3 dogs is no joke, especially when all they want to do ALL THE TIME, is play, play, and play some more. This also includes at all hours of the night, which means that my husband and I have gotten no sleep what so ever. We were thinking about getting another dog, or even having a child in the future, but now we might be rethinking those grand ideas. All kidding aside, I’m sure one day we will have another dog or even a few kids running around (of course if God sees fit), but I can promise you this, I am exhausted and extremely irritable. Rightfully so I suppose, but at the same time, Laura, haven’t you forgotten about your blessings? Don’t you remember where you used to be, drinking alone, by yourself, miserable and no good to anyone? And now, you actually have friends that trust you and know they can count on you to take care of their dog. Just look at you now! Doing big things and stuff.

Moral of the story, know that God has got this and He has you every single step of the way. Don’t forget about your blessings, because if you are alive and breathing, trust me, you have some. I have taken on blogging, which seems to help to relieve some stress. Practice yoga, go to the gym, do some devotionals, talk to God, call someone. Just don’t forget about you. Take some time for you. The crazier life gets, we tend to put ourselves on the back burner, thinking we are superwoman and despite it all, can and will get it done. Maybe we can, but what we will also get is resentful, miserable, annoyed, and negative, if we don’t take some action to grow our spiritual condition through it all. Trust me, this has saved me a time or too. As stressful as life gets, as down as we get, just remember that it can always be worse. If I choose to take a drink again, I know for a fact, that it will most certainly be worse. Just for today, I choose to live this beautiful life that God has blessed me with.