Yesterday, I attended a company-wide team-building day. The activities included archery, clay pigeon shooting, Segway racing, and a challenging vertigo obstacle course with a high zip line at the end. In the past, this would have been a nightmare for me—not just because of the activities but because of the crowd and the social interactions. There’s no way I would have gone anywhere near the vertigo challenge due to my major fear of heights.
Previously, I would have coped by drinking on the way there, carrying a bottle of Coke that was 95% vodka just to keep myself topped up. I would have participated in the activities but grudgingly, and there’s no way I’d have gone higher than knee level on any obstacle.
But yesterday was different. Since starting my new sober life, I’ve been practicing doing the opposite of what my self-will tells me, especially in situations where I might mess things up. I woke up early, did my morning routine—read page 85 from the AA Big Book, wrote down three things I’m grateful for, said a few prayers, and decided to stay open to whatever the day brought. I left home early and arrived at the venue well ahead of time. I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and 40 peaceful minutes watching nature wake up, and the view was breath-taking.
When everyone arrived, we were divided into teams. The first activity was clay pigeon shooting, and I participated willingly. Next was Segway racing, followed by lunch, where I actually joined in conversations and listened to others. In the afternoon, we had archery before heading to the vertigo obstacle course. Panic started to creep in, but I reminded myself to do the opposite of what my mind was telling me. I put on the harness and went for it. My legs were shaky at first, but I used meditation techniques to calm down, and I ended up completing the whole course—including the zip line.
At the end of the day, the final scores were announced, and to my surprise, our team came in third. They also announced individual rankings, and I found myself in the top five. As 5th and 4th place were called, my name wasn’t mentioned, and then, in 3rd place—it was me 😁.
Yesterday was amazing. I learned that I can be around large groups of people without alcohol as long as I stay present and calm. I don’t get overwhelmed when I take things one step at a time. I discovered I’m pretty good at both shooting and archery, can ride a Segway, and—most importantly—I’m braver than I thought, having faced my fear of heights.
Overall, it was a great day, and I did it all without alcohol.
Overcoming Heights
Yesterday, a daunting day, a company’s plight.
Afraid of crowds, heights, and social fright.
A nightmare once, a fear I’d hide.
But now, a change, a sober pride.
No more vodka, no more fear's disguise.
Just peace and calm, a morning’s rise.
A grateful heart, a mind at ease.
Open to all, a day to seize.
Clay pigeons shattered, Segways raced with glee.
Conversations joined, a newfound me.
Archery's twang, a target’s sight.
Vertigo's challenge, a fearless flight.
Panic crept, but courage won.
A harness strapped, the course begun.
Legs trembled, but mind was strong.
Meditation's calm, the journey long.
A zip line’s thrill, a fear conquered.
A day transformed, a lesson learned.
No more alcohol, no more dread.
Just bravery and peace instead.
