A Voice of Ink & Rage...

And it’s kind of sexy.

For shame.

I’m not a professional, but finding unconventional ways to stay sober when you’ve run out of conventional ways can be hard. Here are some things that work for me.

Deciding to get sober is easy. You have all that momentum going. You’ve destroyed your stash and started telling your friends who are patting you on the back and congratulating you for deciding to deal with real life. Here’s how to keep going when that feeling goes away….

1. Masturbate. A lot.
Let’s just put it on front street. It’s generally a bad idea to have sex for a while during the process because, simply put, you’re gonna feel some shit. Being sober means feeling your emotions, but since you’re still raw, things that are simpler for people will feel impossible to you. For example, if you have to put your pet down, this is something that would be hard for anyone, but to you it could feel unmanageable. If you decide to “fuck the pain away”, you run the risk of thinking about Sparky’s death every time you have sex and nobody likes a crier. On the same token, not all the things you have to feel have to be bad, so masturbate a lot. Particularly in the morning. It’s a nice way to start the day.

2. Plant a tree.
Planting a tree is a lesson in selflessness. Addicts tend to be very selfish people. By planting a tree, you’re providing more oxygen for future generations and you’ll likely be gone before the tree fully develops so you’ll never see the end product of your work. It makes more sense when you actually do it.

3. Smile at strangers more.
When they smile back, you’ll notice we’re all just trying to get through the day hoping for the same little moments of humanity.

4. Talk less, listen more.
Your friends will tell you some shit you don’t wanna hear about the really messed up stuff you did. Listen to it. And don’t interrupt or make excuses. Own it, apologize and move on.

5. Magic is dumb.
People get too disappointed believing there is only “that one” for them or everything happens for a reason yet the reason is never discovered. There is no “one”. Find a person you always wanna hang out with and hold onto it. Put up with the things they do that annoy you and the will return the favor. And things just happen and sometimes it sucks. Keep going anyway.

6. Go outside and sit by yourself for an hour a day, or as close to it as you can.
Everyone deserves some time alone. The fresh air helps.

7. Talk to stranger
Long gone are the days where talking to strangers is bad. Well, kind of. Use your discretion. I’ve learned most people mean well and have great stories to tell.

8. Stop taking yourself so seriously.
No one else does.

9. Wake up at the same time every single day.
A basic routine will keep you in check.

10. Don’t be afraid to open up.
Find a professional if you need to. You learn really quickly that everyone is fucked up and it’s ok.

11. Keep your mind open.
Do things you wouldn’t normally do because of absurd morals or standards you hold to yourself. Make mistakes. It’s ok.

12. Spend more time naked.
You get over body issues. Maybe don’t do it around company. Your small boobs, small dick, weird birth mark, that mole you should get checked out, it’s all not a big deal and more common than anyone admits.

13. Don’t dwell.
Not everything is a lesson to be learned. Sometimes a bad thing just happened and it’s time to move on now. Thinking too much won’t get you anywhere.

14. Trust more
Yeah, it’s pretty scary.

15. Burn our comfort zone to the ground.
You don’t need it.

16. Travel
Learn how other people live. Don’t compare, just learn.

17. Judge less.
You’re not better than anyone. In fact, make sure you realize they are, at that moment, stronger than you mentally. They’ve been dealing with life’s hard shit sober. You’ll get there too.

18. Be humble.

19. Learn how to do something new.
You’ve got the time.

20. Be positive
Even when the world is really, really fucking scary

TO BE CONTINUED.