Category Archives: Me

Eleven years sober, today

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Today I celebrate 11 years of sobriety. It is also the Feast day of St. Rita of Cascia, known as the patron saint of lost causes. Based upon my early struggles with trying to figure out AA and to stop drinking, she is a fitting patron for me. Her, as well as Matt Talbot, who is the usual patron saint for ex-drunks.

I certainly felt like a lost cause.

It has been an interesting 11 years, I have been through a lot, both good and bad. And despite not having been a regular “meeting-goer” since 2004, have had no greater or lesser desire to drink. And this is even in spite of the many fundamental life changes that have occurred which quite often spell “relapse” in people. From the pit of despair when my Mom died in 2005, to the heights of happiness and hope with my marriage to the wonderful Rose in 2008, it’s been one wild ride. Jesus, thank you. Holy Spirit, thank you. Blessed Virgin Mary, thank you. St. Rita of Cascia, thanks! Matt Talbot, you too, “Thanks!” And me, for remembering to “practice all these principles in my affairs,” I thank me! 😉

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Reader help (no longer) needed to support Sober Catholic (UPDATE)

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UPDATE: Thanks to a few readers and friends, I have received enough in donations to renew the hosting account, as well as the domain names, for three years. I am very grateful to them that they think enough of this work. So, the Sober Catholic bleg drive is over. If you were thinking of donating, but hadn’t yet, please consider some other worthy blogging endeavor, or contribute to your parish. Perhaps your parish has a website? Maybe they could use financial help with their hosting fees.

I am asking for help from readers. The various fees associated with running and maintaining this blog are due for renewal in a month, namely for web hosting and domain name registration, and I need your assistance as we cannot afford to pay them…

Bloggers sometimes bleg (“bleg” means “blog beg”) when money is needed. It could be for any reason. My wife and I have incomes, live frugally, make do with what we have and are grateful for them, but we have had some financial hits recently and the cost of renewing Sober Catholic is coming at a bad time.

So, if you appreciate the work behind this blog, the PayPal “donate” button is way over in the upper left hand corner of the blog, where it says, “Please consider donating, if you like this work.” It’s between the blog title and the “Follow me on Twitter” widget. Nearly $300 is needed (if we were to renew for the most “cost effective” term of 3 years.) Any amount donated in your one-time gift would be appreciated. If you don’t like to use PayPal, you can email me at sobercatholic at gmail dot com to obtain other contact info (or use any method in the How to find and contact me Page.) Prayers are, of course, also appreciated!

We have explored other hosting options, there are none really cheaper. In anticipating a probable common reaction, “Why don’t you just move to a free host?” That is an option of last resort, and one that I am unwilling to do for several reasons:

1) Traffic and readership would be lost. Sober Catholic was originally hosted for free, and when I went to a paid hosting service many people did not follow along, despite numerous notices left up at the old site. Also, links everywhere point to this location.

2) Paying for a host rather than going free establishes “brand name” credibility if your blog is about a service. If I only had a personal blog about my own joys and sorrows, thoughts and opinions, that would be free. But I feel that Sober Catholic deserves its own location. I don’t feel that Sober Catholic is completely mine, it also belongs to those who appreciate it and have been helped by it. I do have 2 other blogs hosted on this account, but Sober Catholic is the only reason the account exists.

3) Having its own location guarantees independence; one isn’t subject to the whims and decisions of a free host. There is greater control over what one can do if the hosting is paid for by the owner or from revenue that is generated.

As I said above, any help to defray or cover the cost is greatly appreciated. Every donation adds to the total.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Paul Sofranko (a/k/a “paulcoholic”)

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Today’s appearance on “‘On Call’ with Wendy Wiese”

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I was on the “‘On Call”’ with Wendy Wiese” radio show today. It went well. Wendy Wiese is an excellent host and made me feel at ease. There was a 10 minute interview with me followed by my fielding calls from the listeners.

This link is the archives of previous shows, including today’s. Just follow the instructions on the page to download the show. Or, just use this link to listen (it starts playing right away, so be sure to have headphones or else be alone: Paul Sofranko appearance for May 1, 2013.

There’s a chance I may reappear, if so, information will be posted here.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

UPDATE: I WILL be on the “On Call Show with Wendy Wiese”, for Wednesday, May 1st

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UPDATE: Wendy Wiese contacted me and rescheduled me for next Wednesday. I was supposed to be on April 16th, but I cancelled a few days earlier as I was getting sick.

I will be on the “On Call Show with Wendy Wiese”, Wednesday, May 1st at 1PM CT (2PM ET)!

A description of the show, from Relevant Radio:

“Wendy Wiese keeps a variety of professionals On Call™ from an array of specialized fields to support you as you live out your “domestic Church” – helping you to keep your faith at the fore in your everyday life. Focusing on the important issues that families face through the lens of our Catholic faith, you’ll hear topics ranging from Post-Abortion Syndrome, eating disorders, pornography addiction, or substance abuse to Spiritual Direction. Our experts address issues that affect normal, everyday families, and they strive to help our listeners with their own struggles – you are the most important part of the conversation. Tune in for useful information and practical advice from a Catholic perspective.“

If it goes well, I’ll be a recurring guest.

For more information, here’s the show’s website: “‘On Call’ with Wendy Wiese” and Facebook Page: “‘On Call’ with Wendy Wiese Facebook Page.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Happy Bloggaversary to SoberCatholic

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“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”
“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”
“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”
“Happy Bloggaversary to me…”

🙂

Six years ago today, I started Sober Catholic. It was on Blogger wayback then, and in the Summer of 2010 I moved it to its own servers, thanks to Jerry Kohlbrand, the “hillbilly” (and one of my bestest buddies).

I started it because I couldn’t find anything like it back then. I needed something Catholic and interactive that dealt with alcoholism. There was nothing, and as far as I know, still nothing except for this.

Many times I feel like this is pointless, but I trudge on anyway despite common sense. If you appreciate this effort,a few words of encouragement and/or a PayPal contribution would be nice! 😉

Prayers ALWAYS accepted. 🙂

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

LinkedIn Profile Update!

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I don’t usually announce updates to my LinkedIn profile, in fact, I do not recall ever doing so. I am today as this blog does connect as to why I have a LinkedIn profile in the first place.

OK, enjoy this update to the “Summary” (of experience and goals) section:

“Since 2007 I have blogged at Sober Catholic where I write on how Catholic spirituality and the sacraments can assist people in maintaining their recovery from addictions. I expanded upon that in 2008 with The Four Last Things where I touch upon subjects not normally covered in typical recovery work by discussing the four last things everyone faces: Death, Judgment, Heaven (and Purgatory) and Hell.

I started these because I did not find online resources like them when I sobered up.

In addition to the practicing faithful Catholics who may be seeking a way to apply their Faith to their recovery, I also hope to reach the “lost sheep”, those who have left the Church due to their addictions and perhaps subsequent exposure to secular and non-Catholic recovery programs.

I am also turning my attention to the wonderful opportunities that independent publishing offers. I am the author of the “Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics” and “The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts.” Other works are being planned.

I am also planning novels and shorter works in the speculative fiction genre that include exploring the shadowy boundaries between life, death and what is beyond; and what exactly exists in that stage between awake and asleep? I am convinced that some things do lurk out of the corner of your eye. And what does sentience, humanity (or “alienity,”) mean, actually?

My wife and I are also Independent Reliv Distributors. We market nutritional supplements. We were attracted to Reliv because their primary emphasis is on helping people, both through better nutrition and a greater chance at financial freedom. Different from the too-good-to-be-true claims and get-rich-quick schemes associated with network marketing! Contact me through LinkedIn for information on becoming an Independent Reliv Distributor or on buying the product.”

My LinkedIn profile is at Paul Sofranko on LinkedIn. Concerning the last part (our new business venture) you can either contact me through this blog, or preferably through our business email: relivinganew at gmail dot com. You can also find out more about our venture at Reliving Anew.

Thank you!

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Is back

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Well, today was the first day that I have blogged since early September. No excuses, I have had a bevy of posts churning inside of me, but they were all getting in the way of each other and therefore none came out. And so, I wrote about something else (see previous post.)

And now this one right here that you are now reading.

So, now that the creative flow has been unplugged, perhaps a few of the other posts backed up in my brain can now behave themselves and proceed out in a reasonably orderly fashion.

We’ll see. There’s some good stuff coming. In early September I camped out in the bush for a Catholic Men’s retreat, and as a result, a whole bunch of things got stirred up inside.

As if I haven’t gone through enough “conversion experiences” these past 10 years.

There will be the bush adventure, what was stirred up, and maybe a few other things. See you again soon!

 

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Long absence, but I’m still here; I have a writing gig, sort of!

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I noticed that it has been over a month since I last blogged. No reason for it except that I found a new job, a work-at-home gig writing for an online auction startup. Per my new boss’ rules, I can’t divulge the name of the site as he is fearful or concerned that doing so will cause a deluge of spam emails and other such unsolicited offers from people who pounce on online employees. I can’t even link to it on my Facebook or other social accounts. Not a big deal, nor am I bothered. It is NOT what the Good Lord gave me whatever writing talent I possess to use it for, but it is a nice job, and it pays the bills.

It has been a month since I started, it is OK, it keeps me home and saves tons of money on gas. Not completely satisfying as it isn’t Catholic, recovery-based, or spiritual. Not even fiction or poetry. But, it is a job and for that I am deeply grateful.

I have more-or-less settled it, and the habits should bear fruit in my other writing and blogging endeavors.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Stayin’ Alive

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Well, 10 years ago today was my first full day of not drinking. I wouldn’t say sober as “not drinking” and “sober” aren’t the same.

Earlier this year, in February, I had posted about what would have been my original sobriety date: An Almost Anniversary: February 3, 2002, Part 1 and An Almost Anniversary: February 3, 2002, Part 2

Earlier this week I mentioned that I’d write about the 88 hours of sleeplessness I endured and survived. They were dominated by hallucinations.

These next posts over the next few days will be about the hallucinations. I had never written them down before and will take this long overdue opportunity to do so.

But first, a musical interlude:

Yes, “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. It was one of the hallucinations I experienced during those 88 hours. Not the video, just the “ha…ha…ha…ha… stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive…” section, repeatedly, for a few hours after 70-odd hours of sleeplessness had passed. I kept hearing that in my left ear, with an audio quality reminiscent of a 1970’s era inexpensive little Japanese transistor AM pocket radio.

I only lead off with this hallucination due to the recent death of Robin Gibb.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

I will be on The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer tonight on SiriusXM (UPDATED)

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(NOTE: Interview rescheduled for one hour later, at 9:20 PM, ET USA)

I will be on The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer tonight at 8:20 PM (Eastern USA Time)! Apparently they have had a lot of discussions on the show recently about substance abuse (what to do if you have a friend that you think is in trouble or needs help, how to ask for help, etc.) and the show’s producer came across The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts and The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics online.

From what I gather the interview with me will last 15-20 minutes. This is my first live interview on air. (Although not my first one for a radio program. My interview on American Catholic Radio was taped in January 2011 for the March 2011 airing.)

An overview of the Busted Halo show is here:

The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer

weekdays 7 pm – 10 pm ET on The Catholic Channel

SiriusXM Channel 129

Nobody’s perfect, but we’re all on a journey toward God—that’s the premise behind The Busted Halo Show. This is not your typical radio talk show hosted by a priest. Before entering seminary, Paulist Father Dave Dwyer had a successful career directing and producing television programs for MTV and Comedy Central, and was an on-air personality for a hit music radio station. In his years as a priest he has been popular with college students and young adults and because of his dynamic, relevant preaching, enthusiasm for the faith, and fun-loving personality. Father Dave believes the Church needs to meet young people where they are, so this show invites listeners to find the connection between spirituality (faith, prayer, service, church teaching) and everyday life (culture, news, entertainment, work, relationships). Rather than going for polemics, this show seeks to bridge gaps in a fun, open environment.”

(Via Busted Halo.)

So, tune in if you’re a SiriusXM subscriber. I think they archive shows for later free download, once I learn more about that, I’ll post that here, or on the SoberCatholic.com Facebook Page.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)