It has been over a year since my last post on this site. I can report that I have struggled to exercise regularly due to a problem with alcohol that has finally surfaced in the form of a beast and is currently being dealt with by myself. I have always been able to exercise off an on, but not able to commit to a normal life of exercise. By normal, I mean totally sober until recently. Over the last year, I have been injured due to my alcohol use and been unable to exercise--including Martial Arts. I have been depressed, but not willing to deal with myself in the form of stopping until now. Let me explain a little about how I currently feel as a result of being sober in such a short amount of time.
I am just starting to get my clarity of mind back. I feel great. I wake up in the morning and am not hungover. I do not have any cravings for the drink. Everyone keeps asking me how I feel and if I am struggling. Not yet to the degree that most people feel. I will say that I have had a recent, as in the last 48 hours, experience that I did not expect. I did not expect to have the support and respect of the people in my family and friends that I have been receiving through this transition. At the same time, I am amazed at the anger by some of my new family at me. My father asked me just today by phone how many people have I told about this transition in the family. I told him everyone. I have nothing to hide. Admit your wrong doings and move on with your life. Living by my own words, "Adapt and Overcome." I will adapt to any situation and overcome it with time. Of course, the "haters" in my life have known me for the shortest amount of time. I am truly blessed to have been surrounded by those in my journey over the last 40 years. Now, I am embarking on a new life as the same person inside. The change currently that is difficult for me is the ability to be selfish and work on myself. That is the large challenge. It is alright to be selfish with my time. This might be trivial for some, but it is difficult for me. Lets move onto my exercise regime.
Last Sunday, I got to participate in the Cyclavia, which is an event in downtown Los Angeles where a street is blocked off and people are allowed to ride down through LA. We got to ride down beautiful Wilshire Blvd without worrying about car traffic. It is the first time in years that I have ridden a bicycle sober in years. I know that this is rather amazing to most people, but the truth is the truth--without incriminating myself too much. I have since returned to Martial Arts and feel great. Next, I would like to return to running. I am looking forward to feeling better with each day passing. To those who struggle with any addiction, remember, there is no other time than the present to change. I wish you well in your adventures. With this in mind, I will sign off and go for a bicycle ride to the local farmers market. I hope that everyone has a great weekend. Cheers (alcohol free of course)!