Canberra… it’s literally is 1 degree of separation. I mean, if you break up with someone that lives in Canberra… chances are, you’re lucky if you get past the one month mark without bumping into, their family, their best friend, or them. To be honest, I don’t’ want to be all ‘D-town’ with my entry – I just want it noted that this week was tough. Ex’s are exes for a reason. But when they still manage to wash away the anger and resentment with a flash of a smile, it’s like your whole world falls apart from the inside. I knew it was going to happen. It’s Canberra. And I’d played it out in my head about a thousand times. But the rehearsals didn’t make the final cut; I almost crumbled under the pressure. Enter life saver #1 – Sobriety Challenge/HSM. Thursday night - I can actually guarantee that the 2009 Katherine would have already been at least 6 drinks deep, emotionally unguarded as a result, and tears and embarrassment would have ensued. The 2010 Katherine, was composed, polite, amicable, seething on the inside, but proud of herself. I looked good. I’m not going to lie, it was awkward. It was tough. For the last 4 days, the ramifications of that night have overflowed into my 2010 personal life. It is potentially damaging something beautiful I have with someone else. What I’ve learnt is:

• That running doesn’t fix anything.
• Masking my pain with alcohol, and numerous other distractions delays the obvious.
• I can choose to feel the way I want to feel.

Thursday night stabbed me in the gut, it wacked me in the head, it slightly penetrated my heart – but I walked away just that little bit stronger; just that little bit more proud; and just a little more wise; and on the road to recovery. I said that HSM was going to be journey – with many obstacles. I can’t even thank myself enough for accepting this challenge; for me. It’s moments like these, that clarity and lucidity of sobriety are my best friends.