5 years sober ...and do what makes you happy!

So, 2021 has gotten off to a bad start but, let's be honest, we all knew that it would. One thing that I learned from last year was that things can change overnight and time is limited so why not make time for the things that you enjoy?
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - 5 years sober?
02:39 - Make time for the things that you enjoy/ give you energy
05:31 - Ditching unnecessary guilt/ stop being a martyr
06:37 - Reading, writing and drawing
08:59 - Leap of faith
10:03 - Preparing for a bad year ahead
11:05 - Chadd Wright on the Rich Roll Podcast
12:18 - Plans for the channel in 2021
Chadd Wright on the Rich Roll Podcast - • Tackle Goals Like A Na...
My social channels
Instagram - / benjamin_le…
Twitter - / benjaminleewri1
Facebook - / freetobewhoibe
Website - freetobewhoibe.com/

[@goonluv]

I'm struggling to stop. Bloody hard

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

You're not wrong there, mate. Your time will come...

[@damian-795]

The hardest time for me is going out with mates, very difficult that one. Apart from that I dont really miss it apart from when I used to listen to music and drink, that is another big one :-)

[@HpwithBea2013]

Well done on 5 years sober....I celebrated 10 years sober last September and have gone from being being as drunk as a twat every day to living a full and enjoyable life Keep sober and keep happy

[@PoetOnTheRun]

I’m 8 days in with not a drop of alcohol. Want to make it to 30 days and hopefully more. Your straight talk with dry humor is a blessing. Cheers and keep posting videos. Thank you.

[@jamesshielssoberlife.3701]

Well done, join the club, 5 years and nine months sober for me!

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks a lot James and congrats yourself 👍

[@MoShugah]

Quality over quantity, always better decision. I think it's important to celebrate sobriety like any anniversary. Especially with friends. Addiction never goes away, it just gets easier to deal with over time. Thank you for the update and I think you're an inspiration to many addicts who want top get sober with me being one of them. It's why I subscribed. No pressure Benjamin, you do you and whatever it is, we will watch and take notes. I do agree with doing things that bring you joy and make you happy. I also agree with removing or changing things you do not enjoy or are even stressful, such as feeling like you HAVE TO put out videos on a regular basis. Streaming is the same way, I've tried it and it's a very different dynamic when you feel like you have to satisfy an audience, instead of just doing it when you actually feel like you'll enjoy it. Thank you for the update, great message. Keep it up for your own sake, not anyone else.

[@cynthiaslater3684]

Just wanted to say hi, after watching you for the first time 23 months ago. I'm still sober, lost 40 pounds and feel good even in these crazy times. I hope you and yours are well and thank you again. Cynthia in WA state USA.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@loneridar]

Well done man still with you 7 years for me. Life is good

[@kate4885]

Great achievement!! Still trying, did 6 weeks, but on it again 😔. Well done for 7 years 👍

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Cheers Dave. Congrats on 7 years 👏

[@christopherbull2512]

Hi ben happy new year by the way. Back in November 2020 i was supping on a can of Carlsberg export and i said to myself i have had enough of this it is time i need to start thinking of quitting this shit. So i decided 1st January was going to be the start date. My reasons for wanting to quit was well apart from the obvious that being health reasons were it stopped me enjoying the things i enjoyed. So the 1st January came along i had 2 cans left in fridge and about 1 single of jim beam left so it went down the sink. Each day i put a youtube stream of this person ( quit drinking expert ) each day i put up a different stream of his as a motivator. i'm in my 3rd week now obviously and i dont think i need to watch his streams really i just keep watching them. i have noticed since i quit that now i want to eat more healthier too so i eat more salad fruit veg and even started to eat salmon steaks which i have always loved but not eaten in like 15 years. On the 17th i decided to start walking again too so i now do 10 miles a day 6 days a week sunday/friday and do 10 sit ups 10 press ups a day that will gradually get more in time. In this video you mentioned that you want to start drawing as you was quite good at it when you was younger. i started doing that earlier in the month aswell. i said to my wife can i get a drawing book and pack of pencils as want to get back to doing it. first drawing i did in over 20 odd years was not to bad for saying and it was the first drawing my wife saw of mine ever and she was impressed. my new years resolution is to buy more music new and old. i started collecting cd's again early last year but want more and more. so my first buys of the year are rain ( singularity ) frozen soul ( crypt of ice ) and shame ( drunk tank pink ) im ordering steve wilsons new album and accepts new album and bring me the horizons new release this week. what albums have you got recently ben? i enjoy watching your videos especially the just 1 chip one now that did make me laugh. i hope you continue with the music reviews as i really like those too

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

Nice one, mate.

[@augtenth]

Congrats on 5 years! 2 years coming up for me September 1st.

[@cynthiaslater3684]

No problem Mr Wright, nice to hear from you. Looking forward to your video!

[@ianbarker1959]

5 years sober? Celebrate and be proud. Works for me, helps keep me from complacency. Great vids, you've inspired me with sobriety and exercise ideas.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks a lot Ian. Hope the sobriety/exercise is going well 👍

[@jcaiwa185]

8 years sober nxt 24th June. I decided to go nxt level and create very soon (24th June) a YT channel dedicated to Sobriety. People like you motivate me to do so. Greetings from Berlin, Germany.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@joed2444]

I have 2 years in! I remember discovering your vid shortly after I quit drinking. What an improvement. I do wish I could be in better physical shape, but family responsibilities get in the way. Anyway, thanks for inspiring us and keep the faith.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@rickyspanish2857]

Congrats on your 5 years! Awesome. Wish i had your willpower.

[@janetloontjer68]

Benjamin! I love your videos!! you are so humorous, so honest.. you give me great motivation to continue the sober life! ❤

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much for the kind words Janet. Hope all is well 😊

[@SM-sf7kw]

Great to have you back on the screen buddy.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Cheers bro 🤜🤛

[@markotuomas672]

Hey! I have missed your videos. I was on the path for six month's, but then I started to drink again. Not to point of being drunk or having hangovers, but still I am not so proud of myself. Well, I will still K.B.O ✊

[@francissavege4872]

Thanks Ben. Nice to see you back. Day 26 of dry January for me. It has made me feel so much better that I think I'm going to extend it. Kind regards.

[@kingsamoflange]

Thank you for your frank and honest opinion on this subject. What you say really does resonate. It's not all fluff around the edges. I hope and do believe that your videos help people and I'm going to try to use them to help myself. Good man 👍

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@LukeAndersson1]

I agree, Well done! I know it's hard because I struggle with it as well and I have been sober for ten months and I use you as an example for strength. Thanks.

[@kate4885]

Well done!! I need to get off it again, struggling tho 🙄😔

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much for the kind words Mike and congrats on 10 months 👏

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

Nice one, Mike.

[@beastoftalvar]

Congratulations to five years of sobriety. May I ask what your special trick is? Because I relapsed last month after just 4 months of sobriety and this felt already like a lifetime. Either way Benjamin, I just wanted to tell you to keep doing your amazing thing, as you are on the path of enlightment. And a saying that may help you is: "I am not my thoughts. I am what I do." At least this helped me a lot of times. You don't need to have no bad conscience as you obviously do good. Can't wait for another video.😊👍

[@andymodeller965]

Nice seeing you back Ben. Really wise words. Dropping the 'guilt' about saying 'no' or 'not obliging' comes with the wisdom of quite a few summers gone by. As a British guy of 57 - this came to me only after the age of 50.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks Andy. The wisdom is there but now I have to apply it. Did things get better for you after you realised this?

[@andymodeller965]

Ben - the short answer is yes it did. From a young age I've been an active 'go get it' kind of guy - and that included trying to please and appease those around me. It was exhausting at times. Maybe even before the age of 50 I made a conscious desisiom to stop being a 'people pleaser' all the time. I didn't become a 'dick' about it. But if there was something I really didn't want to do - then I kindly declined the offer. I found that I had more energy - 'mentally being free' - of the past habit of worrying about - 'what if''s'. Hope this makes sence?

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks for sharing that mate. Most helpful and reassuring 👍

[@Mookiethedog]

Great to see and hear you again! Happy 2021

[@elfmix]

Sweet, just came online to tell you I was missing you, and here you are.. nice.. I've just decided to quit booze (again) (at least for a bit) so right video at the right time.

[@alanwatson5136]

Your a good man Ben.Thanks for the video really listened to all you had to say and its very encouraging.Nearly two years of sobriety for me and your videos have helped me along the path to recovery.Thanks mate.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks a lot Alan. Congrats on 2 years man 👍

[@pam164]

Miss your comedy clips! Nice to see you back. Congratulations on 5 years sober 👍

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks KH. I will definitely be doing more comedie vids soon 😊

[@anthonyaylmer1704]

Good to see ya back mate hope your well.

[@dvdsvg68]

I understand you wanting to not do as much due to the time it consumes but take it from me, all your material is very watchable and interesting. Do what you do and enjoy it.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much. I will do my best to get something else posted soon 👍

[@soberreference2975]

Fantastic video Ben, this has been helpful for me in realizing how far I've come in my own recovery and realizing that there are more amazing things in for me. Thank you

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Glad you found it useful.

[@jamestaggart79]

Well Done Sir!!!!👍 Me 16 months now, 🗣Endings & New Beginnings

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks James. Congrats on 16 months 👏

[@kingconable]

Unshakable resolve ⚔️

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Cheers bro 🤜🤛

[@sigthedog1]

Got to say your videos help me with my sobriety and having one come out a month is fine with me give me something to look forward to 😁

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Cheers for the support Stephen 🤘

[@kate4885]

Ahh so great to see you!!

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks Kate 😊

[@budowens6478]

Haven’t heard from you in a long time, hope all is good.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@budowens6478]

@@BenjaminLeeWright thanks man, looking forward to your new video

[@aaronrichey583]

Congratulations man!

[@bizzygeernaert-davies8306]

Funnily enough my rather vague New Years resolution is to do what makes me feel good. Things like running in the countryside, delicious and nutritious food and bubble baths (todays list) As apposed to sitting on my butt eating cake- all 'nice' things to do but without the feeling good factor.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

I think after 2020 that we all deserve to do some things that make us happy.

[@goonluv]

Well done on your sober years

[@thomaspage2773]

Many congratulations Benjamin, well done buddy. What a huge achievement man. Should be, very proud of yourself 😃

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks a lot Thomas. Hope all is well bro 👍

[@thomaspage2773]

@@BenjaminLeeWright your welcome Benjamin, not too bad . Thanks for asking buddy. 😃

[@Simon-T.]

Great to see you back Ben, look forward to the videos whenever you are up for putting them out.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks a lot bro. Hope all is going well in your world. Crazy times. 🤜🤛

[@mechcntr7185]

Congrats on 5 years Sober! Very well done!

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much man 👍

[@patrickhollywood93]

Thanks for the inspiration.

[@philotown]

And so . . . where are you and what are you up to? Are you coming back to us? In the meantime - be positive - keep moving forward, head down, carry on.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

I have been concentrating on my other channel for the time being. I am doing very well and training hard so all good with me. Hope all is well

[@Trivico]

Congratulations on your 5 years sober🥳🙌 fantastic achievement! Letting go of unnecessary guilt really hits home for me. I’m a worrier with massive anxiety so feeling guilty is a behavior that’s very difficult to let go of.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

It is indeed. I am trying to be "in the moment" more and it is definetley helping. Depression is living in the past Anxiety is living in the future Peace is living in the present

[@vanmantalksMetal]

i think we could all spend more time promoting the things we love rather than damming the thing we dont, ever been on facebook recently???

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Very good point 👍

[@jimcreee3299]

content for the sake of content. I enjoy your channel and if it's turning into a chore or a bore it's best to knock it on the head for a bit. like you said the answering questions part might be the way to go just now. keep up the creativity drawing,writing etc I build wwii models

[@laurenrogers6834]

That's a amazing achievement you should be so proud .. love your channels especially the music reviews great content and gorgeous too

[@englishpsycho8425]

Happy New Year Ben. 👍

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

You too man 👍

[@alessandrolazzaro4996]

Oh, Happy New Year Ben, i always love a nice tracking shot on the english country side :) aren't this strange and hard times? you can tell! I actually found myself psychologically exhausted, for a few reasons. and i don't want to talk about addictions either, but sobriety, lucidity, was the thing i needed the most. disengaging it's been beautiful. with that, yet quite slowly, i can see coming back some strenght. also there's another spring ahead. i wish you well too. see you!

[@IOWPCV]

Nice to see you back, and to see a few similarities behavioural wise... enjoy your work. 🙌

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much bro 👍

[@fieryharmonicadude2203]

Hi mate, how are you doing? Hope all is well. Looking forward to seeing you back in action!

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@davidgoodship3893]

Really happy to see you back Ben, and happy new year. Last year was a shit year for a lot of people, but we just keep striving for the best we can be. Really happy that your doing things that make you happy, that is what life is all about. I passed my 1yr without alcohol on Jan1st, and to be quite honest I don’t miss it, feeling like shit from hangovers and the grumpy pissy person I was when I would drink. Life is more clear now, and I feel happy within myself. Nice to see you back, your videos have helped me in so many ways in my own live and I am forever grateful for your posts 🤘🙌🏻

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much for the kind words David and congrats on your 1st year 👍

[@corriesavage3096]

Well done mate

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Cheers Corrie 👍

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

Quality, not Quantity. Good 1 M8

[@bobmunsey1817]

5 years in March for me, good job sir. Keep up the good work

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Cheers Bob. Congrats on 5 years yourself 👍

[@pam164]

Mine is getting fitter which i have being doing last 2 weeks running up and down stairs twice 7 times each god that really makes your heart race! Lol and walking

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

That's great to hear KH. That sounds like a solid workout 😊

[@lynnk4486]

Great to see you back Ben, 5 years is a very impressive achievement I hope to do same! I thoroughly enjoyed this video, January is a tough month regardless of lockdowns, you say very wise words 👍

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks very much Lynn. Hope all is good in your world 😊

[@lorrainepowell1546]

Good show!

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks Lorraine 😊

[@rollandjoeseph]

Any local runs , events etc happening near you this year you wanna sign up for? I signed up for a bike ride, looking forward to it, keep positive!

[@charliehobson33]

On vids, quality over quantity imo. There are some flash self improvement channels I've stopped watching because i felt i wasn't getting much value, so been focusing on reading instead. Enjoy rich roll podcast. I mostly been off boose, whenever i go back I don't enjoy it at time and definitely not after effect, just 3 beers will give me negative thoughts the next day, i don't think about it nor am I drawn to it, i just do it kinda to fit in, which is sad!!!

[@kate4885]

Hi Benjamin, missed you... Good to see you are well. Yes you have got to do what pleases you in this life.... Good for you... Thought you may have a new romance and that's why we've not seen you? ❤️ I was on wagon, fell off, so need to get back on... You're looking good Benjamin, be proud of 5 years sober. 😘

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Thanks a lot Kate. Don't worry about the relapse. It is all part of recovery 😊

[@goingfarwebb26]

Hope your good buddy 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

All well with me bro. Haven't checked this channel in a while so sorry for the late response. Hope all is well with you?

[@goingfarwebb26]

@@BenjaminLeeWright thanks for the reply, and glad you're ok✌🏻 is there any plans for a video on hear soon? Take care 👍🏻

[@Haydnmk]

👌

[@davida7135]

Congrats Ben! Did you or are using any outside sources on your sober journey? Eg. Books, podcasts, etc? New to your channel so you may covered this already.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@Mookiethedog]

Come back!!!!

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@Mookiethedog]

@@BenjaminLeeWright awesome Ben. So happy to get a reply. You’re one of the good dudes out there. I will check out your new channel if I can find it. Also love would be cool if the time difference works. I’m 8 hrs behind

[@downhilltwofour0082]

I hope you're doing well? haven't noticed any videos lately.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Doing great thanks. Just haven't felt compelled to do any videos lately. Hope all is well 🤘

[@downhilltwofour0082]

@@BenjaminLeeWright I'm happy to hear from you. Stay healthy sir!! All the best in the new year!

[@wayneellis96]

What's happened to the videos man...missing them

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Just been busy with work and the like but I'm keeping well. Hope all is well with you?

[@budowens6478]

Haven’t heard from you in a while, hope all is well.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Doing great thanks. Just haven't felt compelled to do any videos lately. Hope all is well 🤘

[@budowens6478]

@@BenjaminLeeWright ok good deal. All good here. Keep on keeping on my friend.

[@markotuomas672]

Hey Benjamin, How are you doing? You haven't done any videos for awhile. I hope you are fine and it would be great to hear from you.

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

All well with me bro. Haven't checked this channel in a while so sorry for the late response. Hope all is well with you?

[@markotuomas672]

@@BenjaminLeeWright Good to hear! Any plans for the future? I have been 4 months alcohol free and yesterday changed my smartphone to a "dumb phone".

[@scottypersia5715]

6 months have gone by, where are you?

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Sorry for such a late reply but I have been away from the channel for a long time now. I have a new video explaining where I have been and future plans going live on the channel tomorrow evening. Hope this is of interest to you but no offense taken if not. Stay positive!

[@soundingthedeep1]

What are you reading?

[@BenjaminLeeWright]

Reread a couple of classics like 1984 and I Am Legend as well as a few biographies for inspiration. I'm currently reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck.