Section 1.1: The Joy of Reading

During my childhood, I was an avid reader, but that passion faded in my early adult years.

This decline in my reading habit was rooted in my experience as an English major, where I felt pressured to read only "classics" or award-winning literature, much of which tended to bore me.

The book that rekindled my love for reading is Blackout: Remembering The Things I Drank To Forget by Sarah Hepola. This captivating memoir about blackout drinking was so engaging that I devoured it in nearly one sitting. It not only reignited my passion for reading but also set me on the path to sobriety.

Hepola’s narrative opened the door to an entire genre of sobriety memoirs, sparking my interest and curiosity about recovery. The key takeaway here is that I stopped imposing limits on my reading choices and began to indulge in what genuinely interested me.

While I still enjoy the occasional novel, my true love lies in memoirs and nonfiction. Currently, I'm engrossed in Generations by Jean M. Twenge, which offers fascinating insights into my own generation.

Audiobooks have also become a favorite medium for me, especially those narrated by the authors. A recent standout is Rainn Wilson’s Soul Boom: Why We Need A Spiritual Revolution, which, though not a memoir, provides a delightful exploration of society's spiritual landscape. Even if my former professors might raise an eyebrow at my choices, it’s my journey, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.

This video, "How to have fun in SOBRIETY | Find NEW hobbies and interest after addiction," explores various hobbies that can enhance the sober experience and foster a fulfilling lifestyle.

Section 1.2: Embracing Running

I often find myself fitting the mold of a typical newly sober person who turns to physical activity—specifically, running.

What draws individuals to exercise, particularly running, during recovery? It's common to seek healthier habits after letting go of destructive ones.

For me, the motivation to run came from a desire to maintain my sobriety. I joined a running club in 2019 during a 200-day sobriety challenge. The club met on Saturday mornings, which necessitated a responsible Friday night routine—avoiding late nights, eating healthily, and steering clear of alcohol. After all, running with a hangover is a battle no one wants to face.

This commitment not only kept me on track but also deepened my love for running. The challenge of long-distance running fueled my sobriety goals, as I realized that staying sober would enhance my performance and overall enjoyment.

While my enthusiasm for running fluctuates, nothing compares to the exhilarating feeling of hitting the pavement, breaking a sweat, and rewarding myself with a hot shower and a hearty breakfast afterward.