15 Years of Sobriety: Things I’ve Learned

The Sober Exec founder Chris Anthony shares 15 personal lessons from 15 years of sobriety

April 10, 2022
Text reading, 15 YEARS

Here are 15 things I’ve learned in 15 years, from others and on my own, about choosing this life:

  1. Sobriety is my SUPERPOWER.
  2. Yes, you can be in sales/business and NOT drink.
  3. Sobriety is re-earned daily. Sometimes in much, much smaller time increments.
  4. Living life 100% head-on and in the raw rocks!!
  5. You either get locked up, covered up or sobered up: It’s your choice if you have a problem. Whoa.
  6. You can’t fix it alone. Read this one again.
  7. Don’t confuse asking for help with weakness. See No. 6.
  8. Everyone is in a war with something. Everyone. Be supportive.
  9. When you say “no” to drinking, someone will always ask you very publicly (and loudly), “OH WOW YOU DON’T DRINK — YOU MUST HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DRINKING?” That never happens with saying “no” to cilantro but it’s OK. Just roll with it. Plan your answers in advance.
  10. Being vulnerable is super uncomfortable (but it’s totally badass too).
  11. You can still make bad decisions without drinking.
  12. Don’t judge others for drinking.
  13. Not having to apologize for doing something stupid from drinking is wonderful. Bonus: no hangovers.
  14. People that judge you for not drinking (or posting about it) are not the people you want in your universe anyway. Carry on.
  15. Love yourself. Love others. Be of service to others.

I would not be who I am today if I did not stop 15 years ago. However, I never really talked about my sobriety openly up until about six weeks ago. I’m about 14.8 years late, but I have come to find out that if you really want to help others you have to have the courage to be your open, authentic self. So, here I am. This is me. I post this very much in the spirit of vulnerability and with the hope that it helps just one more person. Ask for help if you need it. Nothing would make me happier.

So many family, friends, leaders and random people in the universe have inspired me and gotten me to today. You know who you are. Thank you for that. There is absolutely no way to express that gratitude properly other than the promise that I will repeat what you taught me and help others. Be well.

— Chris Anthony

Source: Original post on Chris Anthony’s LinkedIn account, published June 20, 2020

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