Sober for 2 Years
Dear Transformers all over the world,
I want to wish you a transformational New Year and share a little story. In the last conversation I had with Ariel and Shya they asked if I am still sober. I suddenly realized that I am sober now for more than two years (I had been drinking since I was 16 am now 40) and that I have my driver’s license back for more than a year now (I lost it, guess why?). But the most amazing thing is that it has become so normal to me (not drinking), that in the moment of the question I thought in my head, “why do they ask?”. You can get used to the good things as well as to the “bad” things. Before my sobriety it would have been unimaginable to live a life without alcohol, now I can’t imagine drinking every day, as I did.
Being pulled over by the police, being arrested for the night and loosing my license (as a caterer) for 11 months had a very strong impact. Combined with a great partner (my wife Maiken), great coaching (guess who that was) and a great community (that’s you guys!) it was possible for me to start a new life.
I don’t want to tell you not to drink, I definitely do not recommend drinking and driving! But I also had the experience of how you can get used to things (in my case alcohol). Step by step (a barrel a day, keeps the doctor away). If I were to drink the “normal” amount of alcohol I drank two years ago today, I probably would go straight to the hospital. So, I invite you to have an honest look at your habits, if you have some. Or be honest with your friends, if you see something they are doing which isn’t in their best interest. Without the help of my friends I would probably still be a drunk waiter instead of a sober business owner.
I wish you a sensational year; thanks to all of you and especially to the Kanes.
Love,
Stephan M.
