Why I quit drinking - part 2
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- One of my biggest inspirations and sober role models is my mother-in-law Jane. I'm so grateful for her interest and generosity when it comes to sharing her story of sobriety and the gifts it keeps on giving.
Thank you so much for watching! We also have a podcast on iTunes & Stitcher - search "Under The Sheets with the O'Kelly's"
If you haven't already checked out Nick's CZcams channel, you can see more about our adventure and Clarity here / nickokelly
www.sailclarity.com
/ meganokelly1 - Jak na to + styl
My drinking has always taken place in the evenings. Like your mother-in-law stated about an earlier time in her life, I have not addressed the underlying problems fully. I made a decision this past Friday evening that this madness has got to stop - and stop now! I have gained an enormous amount of weight with drinking, which subsequently spawns an appetite. This video really speaks to me. I need, as your mother-in-law stated, that accountability with others to talk me off of that ledge. At 57 - it is time to start "living" again. I believe my 27 & 21 year old children would agree.
Thank you for uploading this video. A BIGGER thank you to your m-n-l for sharing her story. 🤙
@C. VMLMT Thank you for your reply. Quite a number of very good points made - some of which had not come to mind previously. 🤙
Congratulations Mark, I’m so proud of you for making such a major change! I wish so much my father would have made the same decision, I’ve missed him so much over the years. I’m wishing you all the best and know that I am cheering you on.
Atta Boy Mark. I am praying for you.
@@backthebadge4009 Thank you. I'm humbled. 🤙
I want to tell you how much I appreciate and respect both of your openness and honesty in discussing this subject. It takes a strong woman to share their personal challenges with strangers. I hope God continues to bless you both.
Thank you so much Barbara, I’m not sure why it feels so good to share but I’m so grateful it does because hearing from you and others really means a lot. We’re all in this together so if our experience can be helpful then what else could we ask for? Thanks again, all the best to you!
If I hadn't quit 15 years ago, I would have been in a grave, prison, or institution. And sailing channels like yours and sv Delos gave me a new goal in life. I've already taken most of the asa courses and have plans for a cruising sailboat in the near future. I also was able to buy a house in Aruba for retirement income - would never have been able to pull that off while still drinking,
Right on, I love hearing success stories like yours well done! So grateful our channel is up there with Delos in your life, that’s a huge compliment and we really hope we share an anchorage with you soon!
Wow, what a mum/mum inlaw...too good
Thank you Peter, I know I'm SO lucky and grateful for Jane!
Hi Megan,
I don’t know if you will see this comment but I just came across your channel this morning. My husband and I have watched your sailing channel for about a year and a half. I have struggled with different forms of addiction most of my adult life. I have recently started a twelve step program and counseling. I have really been struggling lately and I’m so thankful that I saw your channel. I’ve watched 3 episodes this morning. I just wanted to say thank you. You reminded me that I’m not alone in my struggles and you reminded me to focus on the positives and to be grateful. This morning I’m am grateful for you and your mother in law for sharing your journeys.
Hello Stephanie! Thank you so much for your note, I really really appreciate hearing that my videos are helpful. I also shared your note with my mother in law and she also really appreciated it. I'm so happy to hear you're getting some good support and would also recommend a great podcast I just listened to. Search Dhru Purohit Podcast - #243: Breaking Free of Old Habits, Addiction and Past Traumas with Dr. Gabor Mate. I recently discovered Dr. Gabor Mate and find him to be extremely articulate and enlightening. Wishing you all the best and hope we get the chance to meet one day!
More people need to see these videos. Especially with the proliferation of sailing channels showing the 4 S’s. that you sail, swim, sundowners, then sleep.
Awww thank you so much Scott, can’t tell you how much I appreciate your thoughts on the subject!
Very interesting stuff....I'm 64 ..been retired for a few years.. Kids are gone..have beautiful place..nice sailboat boat I live on during the spring..summer and fall on Lake Michigan..no money problems..but love craft beer. I love the taste of the stuff..Don't like wine..don't like hard liquor....but drink a lot of beer in the summer when on the boat. The thought of giving up something that brings me so much joy after a long hot day is terrifying. My wife left me 15 years ago and the dog doesn't even bother to get off the couch to greet me. The beer has been the one friend thAt hasn't deserted me. I am considering total sobriety but am still trying to muster up the conviction to step out of my box....I am sober a lot so it's not like all I do is drink....but I want to explore the challenges in life 24/7 totally sober before I cash out. I have come to realize that the only way I will find happiness is to stop numbing my senses and start to love again. Hoping to find someone sober . Wish me luck.
Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your story. Your honesty is inspiring and I’m wishing you all the best as you go forward. I can assure it is worth it!! Keep us posted.
Thank you both for sharing!
You're so welcome, appreciate you watching and commenting!
Thank you so much for sharing, you ROCK!
You are so welcome! I'm so grateful my mom in law is so generous, open and inspirational!
That is amazing! thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching, I’ll tell my mom in law she will be so happy!
wow, I loved this struggling myself in and out
Thank you Tiffany, I'm sending you strength!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I needed to hear that. It gives me hope that someday I will not be dependent. Please thank your mother for her insight.
Awww you’re so welcome!! We’re so grateful to be of service and we’re wishing you all the best. You can do it and you’ll wish you did it sooner!!
Well Megan... After my last post I decided to see if I could get to know you a little better. So I have over the last few weeks watched all your video's. I now can make cushion covers, dance like a maniac, eat sugar and flour and sew, plus a little more. This video is nothing short of excellent. All of the bases were covered and I applaud your MIL for speaking so candidly. It is not easy, and Jane talked how one is treated at an AA meeting. I am a firm believer in the AA 12 step program and there are other's as well. Most people who haven't had to deal with an "Alcoholic" or the "ism" don't understand that you can still be an alcoholic even when you are not drinking. If you can be 'Honest' with your self anyone can get sober and stay sober... It takes a lot of work, one day at a time. In one of your early video's of maybe one of Rick's, you stated how much you didn't want a channel; or that no one wants to hear what you have to say. Well I differ with you. I think you understand this now. There are many people that need to hear what you have to say. Blessings again.
Wow thank you for your note, I really appreciate that you’ve taken the time to watch all of my videos! I’m loving this new medium of expression so thank you for the encouragement to keep going. Lots up in the air in our life but I will do my best to keep creating and sharing! Thank you again.
Thank you both for sharing your experiences! I cannot stress enough the value physical activity has on keeping me sober. Helps the body and mind. I jog several times a week, stretching and weights as well.
Thank you for sharing this important fact, so cool that you’re sober and active - the best combo. I’m going to go for a walk right now!
Thankyou megan, nick, the raw honesty and reality of the human condition you represent here combined with the freedom & beauty of places you sail to make you're platform so much more independant and realistically authentic thankyou both.
Regards green eyed cat : ) .
Thank you so much green eyed cat from Australia! Really appreciate your huge compliment, all of this is new for us so we’re figuring it out as we go. Still so incredible that we can share our thoughts and experiences with the word in this medium!! Take care!
The alcohol addiction struggles of my son have convinced me to stop consuming alcohol over the last 2 years. Alcohol is a poison and as it left my system I dropped lots of weight and gained fantastic energy. Drunk people are not fun to be with. Congratulations for the realization - you are still young and attractive.
Thanks so much for sharing and for the kind words Kimble. I’m so sorry to hear about your son but know that you not drinking is the best example and influence for him. That’s so great that you’re enjoying good health, I’m happy for you and wish you and your son all the best.
My best congrats to you both 🍒🎯🎯🍒
Tadeusz Polski thank you so much, I love my mom in law!!
Thank you very much. I have been to many AA meetings. I drink on and off these days, but I do know that, as an adult The only times real bad things happened to me I was drinking. I guess I should take sobriety more seriously. Very wonderful video and it gives me new faith. :-)
Thank you so much for your note and for sharing your thoughts and experiences regarding drinking. Just being aware of how you feel and paying attention is huge, so good for you for doing that.
Hi Megan
Thankyou for sharing,l always liked your boat name,it now is even more special.My wife and l (63)have not beeen drinking for about 7 months.Glad we stopped before Covid lockdown here in Melbourne Aus.Both of us have had parents who were alcoholics,my mum sober for 27 years now.Appreciate your honesty,and that of Your lovely mother in law.,look forward to your coming videos-Peter
Peter Cooke hi Peter so great to hear from you! Congratulations to you and your wife, so happy for you two. And to your mum that’s incredible. Sadly I heard alcohol sales are up 600% with Covid. Clarity is the best reward and boat name for us! Take good care and hope to see you down under one day!
I just started watching your sailing videos. I'm 64 years old, I've been sober for 8 years. I got sober through A.A. the program is a key prt of my life My wife and I live on our boat. Its great to find other sober boaters
Great to meet you and thanks for sharing your story. Love meeting other sober boaters, congrats on your 8 years!!
More good stuff Megan.....love your Mother in Law......
Awww thanks, she really is amazing!!
I celebrated 26 years off the booze on 4 May 2020. I've just started following your yachting channel. Thank you both for sharing your story of strength, hope & recovery. Been in isolation for 6 weeks now and no physical meetings so what a lovely surprise to "have a meeting" by following your yachting channel which is why I ended up here.
Beazle Teats wow 26 years congratulations!! I’m so glad you found us on the internet and we can share the sobriety connection. It’s true that it’s like a virtual meeting! I’ll share your comment with my mom in law, she will be touched. Be well, thank you for your note!
Megan I am so happy that you have started your own channel and think you are amazing! We have been subscribers of your other channel for about a year now and you have helped us make the decision to become full time nomads a reality. We have sold everything we own and are off on our new adventure. We both strongly know that none of this would have been possible if both of us had not made the decision to give up alcohol and live a sober life. I love the fact that you are so willing to address this part of your life so open and honestly. We follow other sailing channels and notice the emphasis put on the daily 'sundowners' and just know that that will not be apart of our lives. Nor will the stress of all the negatives of the drinking - like running aground or dragging the anchor at night, mostly because we were not tuned in enough to do it properly the night before. And waking up with a hangover only to find that the batteries are dead because we did not turn the party lights off before stumbling off to bed. We now laugh a little louder, get along awesome, and enjoy the little things in life. Thank you again and I agree - you have the best mother-in-law in the world! With highest regards - Gary & Stephanie - The Cruising Hooligans
Thank you thank you! You’re too kind and I’m so excited to hear about your new adventure. I know what you mean about all the sailing channels and sun downers which is one reason I wanted to share another perspective. So many people have emailed or private messaged me thanking me for showing another sailing perspective. I really hope we see you out there soon! Thank you so much for your note!
Hi Megan, I appreciate your personal stance on drinking as a "must do" daily activity. My wife and I are starting to get into the cruising life and don't want to get swept away with alcohol. Thanks for your candid discussion.
You're so welcome, it's my pleasure to share my experience and I thank you for your note. How exciting that you and your wife are getting into the cruising lifestyle! Good luck with everything and know there are plenty of people who either don't drink (or much at all) or have zero interest in whether you do or not.
What a touching, thoughtful, heartwarming story. On occasion my path crosses, directly or indirectly, people of interest. People I would like to know better or at least hear more of their story. Jane is one of those people. I’d like to chat with her over a long lunch to learn more of her back story. My sense is it takes a tremendous amount of courage to lay bare one’s frailties in a public forum. Combine that courage with the eloquence she recounts her story and factor in she’s a land baron and I would like to hear more from her. If she hasn’t already been part of your crew this is something you need to change.
Thanks for the continuation of this important message.
That’s such a huge complement, thank you. Will definitely have her back on the channel next time she visits! I keep telling her she needs to have her own CZcams channel so maybe your comment will motivate her! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your stories! I've been sober since Feb 2011. I had a cold turkey moment while praying and I started to cry when reflecting on all the money, time, and brain cells I'd wasted on substances over the years. I was ashamed of all the wasted opportunities, and asked God to give me the strength to stay sober. Praise God, I've been sober since that moment.
I hope your stories and channel are beneficial to many people struggling with substances.
Thank YOU for sharing your story, that is really powerful! I hope our stories inspire others to take that hard look and ask for help, miracles really do happen when we do that.
Great video I wish I was Courageous as you both
Thank you so much TJ, I believe the fact that you wish to be more courageous is a very good start. Nurture that desire and it will grow into experience.
I've been sober 20 years, 10 months and 10 days and still very much involved in the "program of recovery." Huge changes have occurred in my life over the last few years and to state the obvious this year the world has changed in ways no one could have anticipated. Living aboard a yacht and sailing off to exotic places was an old dream of mine from childhood that I never followed through on. But then I stumbled across your channel and a few others a year or so ago (Sailing Uma, Odd Life) and now I'm thoroughly hooked on the idea. It could very well be a pipe dream or a really bad idea especially since I'm older now and have never sailed before but I think that's the point. If not now when? Because of the pandemic there isn't anything I can do about it right now anyway. But within the next couple of years I'd like to realize this vision I can't seem to get out of my head.
Congrats on almost 21 years Robyn! I hope you take steps to realize your dream of being on the water. Take classes, become crew, start small, etc. wishing you all the best!
@@meganokelly Wow Megan, thank you so much! I'm a little startled that you remember me. I'm very happy and very blessed. I didn't get here on my own that's for sure. I got a lot of help from a lot of wonderful people and I try to give it back. I talk to newcomers all the time and stay in service. Who knew giving it back would be so fulfilling? I'm going to set up a sailing lesson soon from a friend of a friend. You and Nick are such an inspiration to me. 💖
These have been really wonderful videos, thank you for making them! The one question I don't see addressed is how Nick reacted to your drinking, does he drink, and how did he respond to you quitting?
Thank you so much Robin really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. We quit together so that makes it really easy. He noticed how much better he felt without it and never looked back.
Thanks for your honesty...Thru God's grace I have been sober for 41 years and am the same age as your Mother in Law...her talk brought tears to my eyes and a great deal of Gratitude to be sober...thank God for AA!!!
You’re so welcome James and congratulations on 41 years that’s simply amazing and inspiring! Jane is an amazing woman and there are so many like her in AA.
I have a Labrador... she is my life. I wish my wife was but we both have problems. I need to live off grid. We just agreed to name a boat.... if we ever get one.... we are 10 years into a mortgage so we never know....
But her name would be frelsi.....
I am an artist as well so her haul would be Celtic green knotting woven into the white if I would have the privilege painting her.
Dogs are angels In convinced and we miss our Sugar every day. I love that you’re an artist and can picture the beautiful knot you will paint! Boat naming is hard so congrats on getting that one in the bag!
...off the subject - but just curious as to how you 3 (Nick, Megan and Sugar) are doing... Been 3 weeks since your last Sailing channel video (N.O'K)... I miss my fave sailing channel!... Hoping all is well and to see you back real soon... All the best!... Thanks....
Aww thank you so much, honored to be your fav channel wow! We’re all doing really good and miss doing videos. Focusing on replenishing the cruising kitty while keeping Sugar on solid ground. We’ll be back to videos at some point, just not sure when 😬
C
If only I knew how easy it would be, it’s been over 2 years and I don’t have any cravings at all, for me the key difference was that I didn’t suffer withdrawal, not even within the first 30 days after go’ogling and following Steffon Barkload’s and quitting because I just wanted to.
I am allergic to alcohol so I can't even imagine an addiction to alcohol. I can tell you that I had a bad bout with limeaid. Before you laugh, sugar is a bad thing too. I was double fisting those Simply Limeaids...52fl oz of almost pure sugar with lime flavoring. Those things were really playing havoc with my s ugar levels. Luckily I stopped before it was too late.
Lucky you to be allergic to alcohol. That’s a lot of Limeaid! Glad you figured out how it was affecting you. People think juice is so good for you, and maybe it is once in awhile in small doses. Thanks for your note!
Megan, you are so youthful looking! I hope Nick didn't break any age laws when he first married you!
awwww thank you so much, I'm actually 4 months older than him!
The elephant in the room is where you got your power? OMG you and your mum had god's power, but how did you push beyond that pressure?
I yearned for the integrity of being myself without the ephemeral and debilitating veil of alcohol. I think practicing giving it up for 30 days every year laid an important foundation. When I went 9 months, that was another level. Now, at 13.5 years, I don’t even remember what I enjoyed about it. I love feeling my life sober and am so grateful I stuck with it! Best decision of my life.