The current situation and the global life changing circumstances, present a lot of challenges to everyone – but also some opportunities.

I can relate to this myself, as after returning from my 2-week holiday in March; my life, my sobriety and my sanity were severely tested.

I got caught up in an administrative mix-up. Not of my own doing, but it did prevent me from working and created serious consequences and uncertainties going forward.

Here I am, on my own, back in my flat, doing my 14-day SHN. Unable to go outside or meet with anyone – and dealing with this situation while trying to protect myself from the emotional effects…anger and resentment were spilling over.

In that moment, my relatively new sobriety was tested, and it did not stand up to the challenge.

I picked up a drink, put it down, picked it up again, put it down again. Blamed the situation, blamed the lockdown, even blamed my Higher Power. Of course, it was not my fault, I did not do anything wrong, how dare something like this happen?!

Thankfully, there were people around me to help. People who must also deal with their own challenges that are currently presented, but still they’re there to help another alcoholic in time of need. For that I will be forever grateful!

Eventually my problem was sorted out and in the moment of – what it supposed to be a joy and unbelievable relief – my alcoholic mind guided me to drink even more! It was 2-3 days that made it onto my Step 1 list and reconfirmed, once again, that I am powerless over alcohol.

But again; with the help of AA I found a way to stand up, clean up and do the right things.

And that is my new beginning, my new opportunity – once again to turn away from the obsession and insanity. Keep learning how to live my life and how to become a better person.

Today I am not going to drink, and I will be grateful for being alive, healthy and in a much better situation than a lot of unfortunate people out there.

Greg