Hola Sober | Issue NO. 20
Ed, Al, (Fellow 12-Step) Seamus + Monica (Seamus 's Beautiful Wife from Donegal)
Where were you born and what is your sober date? I was born in Tipperary in Ireland and my sober date is November 14th, 2003. When did your drinking start? It was the late summer of 1974 when my first cousin came from New York and we went to a carnival in Banagher, Co. Offaly. He bought a six pack which we drank in a field (as you do) and off to the carnival where a series of events unfolded resulting in us being driven home in a Garda car. Police Car) Did you have a rock bottom or how did you find your way into 12-Step? It was a gradual bottom where I had not lost everything but I had lost every body, which I wanted so I could drink in peace... Is finding a sponsor crucial to your success? I had a sponsor from my first meeting and although it took Ed longer to get a 'temporary' sponsor, I believe it has been a key part of the jigsaw. Professionally has your sobriety helped or hindered your career or neither? Yes, not drinking has given me clarity to be able to be present everyday and hence forth, I have been entrusted with constructing rather large projects. Have you seen great changes within your personal relationships in sobriety? I had no personal relationships at the end of my drinking. Alcohol was my master and everyone else, including the people I loved and who loved me, were in a very distant second place. I had hostages and I am now happily remarried to a wonderful (not an alcoholic) woman called Monica and we have a great life together .
Have there been other changes in your life having giving up alcohol? The TRUE friendships that have grown through our common bond of the journey into sobriety and the maintenance of some serenity day to day. The return of people I alienated in my disease, ex wife, ex in-laws and non-alcoholic friends. Do you have daily sober routines? Yes, I am an early riser, meditate, pray, and read my daily reflection for the day. I attend a 7.00 a.m. meeting each day, I answer my phone to other alcoholics if called, and I call my sponsor at least once a week. I meet him once a week. Have you heroes in this sober life? My heroes are the newcomers that come in beaten and defeated and stay sober. Through the toughest of situations and then go on to help others. What is your top sober tip for those reading your story? It's about leaning into the recovery program. when my first thought is usually an alcoholic no, but my actions through experience counteract that first thought. Your favourite quote? Contempt prior to investigation will keep one in everlasting ignorance - Herbert Spencer -Spiritual Experience-
Hola Sober | Madrid
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker