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I went to the job centre yesterday and signed off, I had been claiming I.B. [Incapacity Benefit – ed] for more than 5 years. It was a wonderful feeling and another goal I have achieved that I thought would take me at least another 12 months.
I left rehab in January and had set myself many goals, some short-term others long-term. They included staying abstinent and trying to enjoy my recovery, getting some qualifications, getting Smart Recovery meetings running in Sheffield, and preparing myself to become a participating and active member of society.
Many of my goals were and are very personal to me and my family. If I listed them all I would be late for work on my second day. My goals were and still are regularly reviewed and updated.
I am in the middle of completing my course work for Drugs Awareness, Relapse Prevention and Advice, Information & Guidance, all level 3. I have been stimulated and inspired by learning and using my now active brain for positve outcomes, instead of manipulation and deceit (I have got a masters degree in these subjects and many others).
Smart Recovery meetings take place 3 times a week in Sheffield and last month over 30 people attended at least two meetings. I can’t calculate how much this has helped my recovery but it is probably the biggest single influence (apart from myself) that has helped me to enjoy my new life.
On a personal level, I feel like I am now someone who my family are proud of, I am so pleased to see this and that is priceless.
I started work yesterday as the Volunteer Coordinator at S.A.A.S. and feel priviledged to be able to help improve the services we offer. I have a new, very long list of goals which I will review, update and tick off as they are reached.
My new goals for the next 12 months include enjoying my recovery, making my family and myself proud of my achievements, buying a car, going on holiday (probably to India), expanding Smart Recovery in Sheffield and the North of England.
Helping the Volunteers I work with to achieve their goals, getting back to Manchester more often to spend time with my family, and going to the Theatre of Dreams to watch my team retain the title (again) and hopefully a trip to the Champions League Final.
Why have I written this blog ?
a) because I am proud of my achievements and wish to thank all the people who have inspired and helped me. You know who you are!
b) to hopefully inspire one person who might read this and think, “If he can do it so can I”. Believe me, I was completely immersed in a drink and drug fuelled life of crime, drugs and destructive behaviour. So you really can do it.
It won’t be easy but then again it isn’t easy living the way I used to.
I love waking up in the morning now. I feel alive, happy and positive – and not depressed, ill, worried and anxious.
GO FOR IT. RECOVERY IS THE FUTURE !!!!
