Letters

How does one embrace sober living?

Asked by: Ala Non

Answered by: Samiya Bashir

Ala Non, Armpit, CA, United States

I’ve recently surpassed a year’s sobriety, and while I’m happy and proud of the accomplishment I’ve been stuck here with a slightly overwhelming and foreboding sense of dread. When does the boredom end? How does one fully embrace the plainness of sober living? And how do I find a purpose or direction to lead my life? Thanks

Dear Ala Non,

While considering your question, I came across this deeply exciting statement: “Boredom is the most reliable catalyst for innovation.” — W. David Marx

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So, first of all: hey.

Congrats. For real.

Try not to let fear

steer you toward the ditch.

In fact, embrace. Boredom

might just be your path

through chaos’ aftermath.

That restlessness?

Boredom’s residue.

Find purpose through small motions:

how morning light strikes

a teacup. how the beat

of a pulse keeps time.

Boredom doesn’t end, it shifts.

First: flat line.

Then: horizon.

What a gift!

Walk toward it

as color begins to rise.

Watch what blooms.

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Oh, Dear Ala Non,

Keep going. Keep going. Keep going.

Just in case, I share two poems that just might bring light. The first, by dear dear Ross Gay. The second, my own, a reminder. No – a labyrinth. A map.

Thank You

by Ross Gay

If you find yourself half naked

and barefoot in the frosty grass, hearing,

again, the earth’s great, sonorous moan that says

you are the air of the now and gone, that says

all you love will turn to dust,

and will meet you there, do not

raise your fist. Do not raise

your small voice against it. And do not

take cover. Instead, curl your toes

into the grass, watch the cloud

ascending from your lips. Walk