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
through the garden’s dormant splendor.
Say only, thank you.
Thank you.

——————————

Just in case
by Samiya Bashir