March 22, 2024 Day 4/93 - Daily Log
One thing I started doing again over the past month is volunteering again. Throughout my life, I've always enjoyed giving my time freely to causes and organizations that I believe in or that I think are worthwhile.
When I was a teenager, I was a volunteer audio/visual tech at my church and stuck with that for almost 6 years, putting in about 6-8 hours in a normal week. When I lived in Florida, I volunteered as my son's Cub Scout pack treasurer which I found to be challenging yet fulfilling. I coached a girls soccer team when I lived in Portland (go Flaming Fireballs!) and within my Coast Guard job, I have led colors in military style funerals.
The Museum
But this current gig is much different than any of those.
I'm volunteering at a museum in my city, the Coos History Museum. Nestled in the corner of what used to be a dilapidated shipping depot, which now sits a modern shopping complex called Coos Bay Village, the Coos History Museum boasts a wide variety of local industrial, fishing, lifestyle, and indigenous artifacts and exhibits. Furthermore, they do regular speaker circuits and other planned events.
I have to say that the best part of volunteering at the Museum is getting to know the other folks who work there.
Tina is a hoot. She has a lightning-fast wit and a sense of humor that will catch you off guard and make you belly laugh. When I first met her, I was quite intimidated by her. She's just super smart and tough as nails and it seems like she doesn't take shit from anyone. But she's easy to get laughing and she's fun to be around.
Sire is super chill and loves to chat. I found out on accident that she knew a Coast Guard coworker of mine through a mutual contact we share at the local airport. Sire is a student pilot and she is learning out of the same Cessna that Mandy and I rent on occasion. The coworker of mine is also a student pilot at the same location. After a short conversation, it turns out Sire has some kind of connection or knows about the drama of many of the Coast Guard guys I work with. Who knew!
Today, I worked a four hour shift at the museum while we put on an annual event called Steeped in History. It's an annual tea luncheon put on by the museum in observance of Women's History Month. The turnout was rather large and I had a blast meeting so many community leaders as they arrived for the event.
There were four guest speakers for the event who each are very successful women in the area. There was Sire herself, there was a former judge, a local indigenous leader, and there was the owner of the largest local brewery in the area. Each woman had stories of their past and present and each shared the knowledge and advice that they wished they had coming up.
In all, it was very informative and equally entertaining event.
Staying Busy Makes Sober Spring a Breeze
If you need a quick reminder of what sober spring is, click this link to read my post explaining what the challenge is. There are a few reasons why I like to stay busy during periods of abstaining from alcohol. You may find some of these helpful to you as well.
Distraction - It makes sense that when you are dedicating your time to things that take up your regular spare time, there is less opportunity to drink. Using today as an example, I had a half day at work today which means that I got off work at 11am this morning. Sometimes when I have a day to myself, I don't mind sitting at the local pub for lunch, writing in my journal, beer in hand, enjoying the freedom from responsibility in those moments. But when I'm volunteering, or working out, or running, or fishing, or name any other thing that takes time to do, I naturally find that I have less time for drinking any way. Consider taking up a hobby or volunteering opportunity where alcohol is no option.
Easier to manage boredom and stress - By having things to do, I feel like my sense of boredom is staved off which makes it less likely for me to reach for a cold one to provide me with that mental lift. Additionally, I find that managing my stress is much easier especially when I'm doing active activities such as working out or running.
Sense of purpose - When I'm volunteering, I feel like I have a greater sense of purpose than I normally have. That allows me to feel like the actions I take (or don't take) mean more to myself and perhaps even to those around me. When I have a strong sense of self purpose, it is easier for me to turn away from alcohol and toward things that I find more rewarding than a beer.
Lunchtime!
After the event, I felt hungry and kind of tired. I left the museum and got lunch at my favorite sushi restaurant in town, Tokyo Bistro. The sushi was on point and I savored every bite. I hadn't eaten all day so that made it that much better. Then, Mandy called to let me know she was home from work. I was excited to see her. We're staying busy together by going on a date tonight.
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