Celebrating Your Sobriety Birthday: Why It’s A Big Deal
If you follow NBC’s This Is Us, you must have seen Kevin Pearson’s ongoing struggle with alcohol use, including his rehabilitation journey and several AA meetings. The turning point, however, comes with the birth of his nephew Jack; the day he decides to commit himself to sobriety after witnessing how his drunkenness nearly cost his sister her baby.
A year later, as the whole family gathers for Jack’s first birthday, Kevin has an additional cause for celebration—it’s also his first sobriety birthday.
What makes sobriety birthdays so important? Let’s take a look.
They Present You an Opportunity to Thank Your Loved Ones
When you were at your lowest, there were a few individuals in your life who helped you get through that dark period in your life. Be it your family members, friends, an old colleague, a neighbor you’d barely spoken to before, someone you met in rehab, or your mental health counselors; these individuals made up your support system and encouraged you to stay focused and determined on your resolve.
Your sobriety birthday is an occasion to celebrate your achievements, which wouldn’t have been possible if not for these individuals. It’s the perfect time to thank your loved ones and mentors for all their help and support, and acknowledge their efforts in the past year. You can do this by preparing a small speech, writing them notes, presenting them with a token or gesture of appreciation, or simply calling them to say, “Thanks!”
They Give You an Opportunity to Reflect
It has been a full year since you last had a drink. Much has changed during these past 12 months, be it your health, your relationships, your employment status, or your perspective toward life. For the most part, you’ll find that your life has improved ever since you started your sobriety journey.
Your sobriety birthday is a chance for you to reflect on how you’ve grown and what positive changes have come about during this time. It’s a time to see what goals have been accomplished and which ones are yet to be achieved. Most of all, it’s a time to reflect on all the challenges you faced and the lessons you learnt, and see how they changed your life for the better.
They Reminds Us to Love Ourselves
In between thanking your peers and reflecting on your journey, don’t forget to show some self-love! Sure, your support system had a huge role in getting you where you are today and the journey was long and difficult, but hey, you made it! A year ago, you didn’t think you could, but here you are: 365 days sober and counting.
This calls for some self-appreciation and love. The most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself. Remind yourself of your own strengths and victories, and rejoice in your accomplishments and self-growth.
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