Do you have any sober heroes/heroines?
I am involved in a running group and most of those I am friends with are careful about their training and would prioritise that over alcohol.
The 18 men and women I was in treatment with are people I think about often. Some have died tragically, some have stayed clean or sober, while some are still in active addiction. I admire all of them for sharing part of the journey with me and helping me during those 28 days we were all in treatment together. . If there is someone out there reading your story what would be your top sober tip?
What other significant changes have you seen in your life without alcohol?
I’m healthier, more focused, and more energetic, and have a better perspective on balance now in terms of work life, home life, and socializing. D o you have sober daily routines-rituals that are your non-negotiables? If so, what are they? (Prayer-Meetings-Exercise) I run 6 times a week. I find the structure of a marathon programme for example is excellent for a sober life. I joke that when I look around the start line of races now in my home city of Cork, I recognize so many faces from our clubbing days. We’re all chasing natural highs now! Have you found meditation, podcasts, or books helpful in recovery? The Two Norries podcast is doing some incredible work in probing issues of sobriety and recovery.
Don’t let fear of societal or other people’s judgment of you stop you from getting help.
What is your favourite quotation that either empowers you or inspires you?
Sir Edmund Hillary: ‘It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."
What does the future hold for sober Brian?
More marathons, hopefully, many more years of sobriety, not taking myself too seriously, and maybe another book as I approach the 20-year anniversary of being in treatment.
What was the last book you read about sobriety?
I really enjoyed AA Gill’s Pour Me.
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