A Sober New Year’s Eve: A Spiritual Rebirth and Tribute to Jane B.

Happy New Year, ya’ll 🎉

Yes, we are well into the year and my salutation is surely intentional. No doubt, this jubilant journey of ‘22 has begun with new adventures. I don’t know about you, but it has already introduced me to the unexplained and unexpected — in positive ways. A welcoming such as this reminded me of a special day that reflected the same effortless satisfaction.

The Night That Changed Everything: My First Sober NYE

The photo below is of Jane B. and I during one of many major transitions in my life. Jane served as not only my AA Sponsor but also a dear friend and declared family member. On this day, December 31, 2007, we celebrated my first sober New Year’s Eve. As her home filled with perfect strangers (aka more declared family members) sporting similar sober smiles, I experienced what it felt like to move into the midnight hour with confidence and a mug of sweetened coffee. The joy I had on this day was genuine. Effortless, enlightening, and encouraging — with seven months of monumental movement in recovery, it was a transitional and transformative new path.

A rebirth. 

Jane and I on December 31, 2007.

I think I drank five cups of coffee that night.

From One Evolution to the Next

On the last eve of 2021, I rang in the new year with an elorasong coffee mug filled with Welch’s Sparkling Juice and a smile. Fireworks lit up my neighborhood as I reflected upon my first eve without a drink. Though 2021 was mentally and spiritually challenging for me, I experienced every portion of it without a drink and landed a closer relationship with and for my Self.

Thank you, Jane, for showing me life is meant to be lived and loved.

Though she’s no longer with us on this earthly platform, I’m certain Jane celebrated with me holding her own coffee mug of spiritual pride.

Naturally, 2022 has provided yet another evolution and I welcome it with open arms.

For this, I am grateful.

So … What has this year caused you to reflect upon in awe and wonder?

Until next time ... Joyous Journey.

Elora