I made a new sale, now I want to Party

[dgillz]

I just closed a huge deal, the biggest in a couple of years. I won't have to worry about cash for a month. The old me would be at the bar in a New York Minute, celebrating. I know I absolutely should not even think about it, but it is all I can think about right now.

Has anyone else been thru this? You get great news and just want to party party party? I thought I had these thoughts out of my head forever but man are they ever here now.

I am NOT going to drink, but I sure would like to get the idea out of my head. It must be conditioned behavior, like Pavlov's dog or something

Any insights on how others have handled this would be appreciated.

[tommyk]

You probably got the deal because you don't drink anymore.

(Hope that helps...!)

[scoob]

Find another way to treat yourself. Buy something you've had your eye on for awhile, donate money to a charity, something to make you feel good.

When I have a few months under my belt I plan on getting the tattoo i've been wanting for a long time.

[RufusACanal]

I just went through this and my friend you simply accept it for what it is. What are you really good at? I am rather good at a 15" jump shot; even at 51. Of course, I have practiced that shot a gazillion times over the years. For me, the same is true of how I practiced my Alcoholism; I was a pretty experienced Drunk and many of my behaviors were automatic. My analogy is poor, but the fact remains that repeated behaviors become deeply ingrained or habitual. When I previously came into a load of bucks, I had a plan in place faster that you could slander the President. This is simply an old habit, easily defined and turned aside today. You have a glorious new life and the responsibility of the same. You may scratch your head for a few moments, but you will overcome the possibility and act accordingly. Damn good post!

[Tazman53]

It must be conditioned behavior, like Pavlov's dog or something

Probably so, I on occasion if something really great or bad happens do have the thought of a drink pop into my head.... today I just push it out the other ear and replace it with something a bit better for me.

Last time I checked one can party without drinking or going to a bar! LOL Why not go out to a dream dinner, stuff your face with food and then lay back and relax.

[gravity]

What helps me is prayer & meditation. Regaining my focus – why I am a non-drinker. One little thought that helps immensely is:

In my sobriety journey, after a difficult day, I have never ever woken up the next day and thought “man, I really should have got hammered last night”. In the morning, it is always unbelievable gratitude, peace, and happiness. Always.

Sobriety is always the best option. Don’t take that first drink and everything else falls into place.

Congratulations on the deal!

[CarolD]

Wow! Congratulations on your successful deal.

Why not do something special for your home group?
Good news is always exciting to hear about.
....Especially with cupcakes or candy or ice cream bars.

How about adding extra cash in the basket?
I do that when it's my AA anniversary
and at other dates meaningful to me.

Good for you!

[Jfanagle]

dgillz,

I live in a world that has just such ups and downs when it comes to the "big contract" and have been doing this for over 30 years, 20 of which I was drinking. I well know the euphoria of the "big deal" as well as the "got to drown my sorrows" of the lost bids.

I still celebrate when we land a big job, but just without alcohol, imagine that! A great dinner with friends or a special friend can be and is a celebration. As was earlier suggested, rewarding yourself with that item that you wanted, but really didn't have the budget for, or a day at the beach, it all works.

We who live by "eating what we kill" are most likely never going to escape the need to celebrate the win, nor do I think we should. That is part of our make up; we just have to learn to define "celebration" in the context of our new reality.

Good job on both the sale and the sobriety to enjoy it.

Jon

[Rowan]

At about a year sober, I got a huge raise and a big retroactive cheque. I wanted to celebrate with my co-workers - they all had a beer .. and I skedaddled. I definitely relate to wanting to drink to celebrate an accomplishment, but it was just a thought, and it passed.
I was able to use the money to pay for a solicitor to (finally) finalize my divorce.
Money well spent!
I just got paid today - I lose track of the date often, so I thought I was broke until next week. I am going to celebrate by picking up a big tray of goodies for my home group which is tonight.
Congratulations on your success! Sobriety rocks!

[Astro]

Originally Posted by scoob

Find another way to treat yourself. Buy something you've had your eye on for awhile, donate money to a charity, something to make you feel good.

I liked these thoughts. Every months I get cash bonuses, some large, some small. Sometimes I'll treat myself to a new piece of hiking gear or motorcycle gear, I'll bring my GF flowers or a piece of jewelry. It's also a good time to donate extra money to AA, the program that has saved me and blessed me with the ability to earn those bonuses. The rest goes into savings or towards necessities for my children.

I've always found it interesting that as I move forward in recovery my money worries lessen and I've got a little more cash to be charitable with. But isn't that what the Promises tell us? "Fear of people and financial insecurities will leave us".

I believe that's true, and it's up to us to use those blessings wisely.

[Astro]

Originally Posted by gravity

In my sobriety journey, after a difficult day, I have never ever woken up the next day and thought “man, I really should have got hammered last night”. In the morning, it is always unbelievable gratitude, peace, and happiness. Always.

I couldn't agree more! Thanks for posting that gravity.

I'm going to use a little money tonight to go out for dinner and a movie with a group of "normie" motorcycle riders. First time I've done this in sobriety, should be lots of fun and I'm looking forward to it!

[bballdad]

congradualtions!
hay,now you can afford to grab a few newcomers and drive them to a meeting today...

[dgillz]

Thanks everybody for posting. I really needed it. I feel a lot better now.

Just a few days ago Rufus had a thread on Charity and I openly admitted in the thread that I need to do more. Here I sit with the opportunity and means to do more - and I think about getting drunk!

This just proves what I have heard in the rooms of AA: while I am sober, my disease is doing push-ups, waiting for the chance to tangle with me again. Cunning, baffling and powerful indeed.

Well, its not gonna happen. I am going to an AA meeting tonight, I am going to make a charity contribution, I am going to put $200 in my niece's college fund, and buy something nice for my sister, who helped sober me up after my last bender.

After that, I am giving myself a treat - I am going fishing this weekend.

I am not drinking.

[RufusACanal]

Let me email you my address for any fresh excessive fish you may want to contribute!~

[Tazman53]

You going fresh or salt water fishing? I love both.

[dgillz]

Salt. Red snapper and Amberjack are the target species, but who knows?

[Signal30]

Congratz man!!!

You can party hard totally sober. I've seen people at AA functions have the time of their live with a drop in the house (obviously).

Invite your sponsor, friends in the fellowship, and family out for dinner and bowling, miniature golf, etc. That situation you can go have fun with people who support and love you.

Just some ideas.

Tom

[dgillz]

Fishing report: Mechanical problems with the boat, did not go. It was kinda rough out there yesterday anyway from what I hear.

Don zero, Gulf of Mexico 1.

At least I didn't drink over it though.

There is plenty of time yet this year so I am not worried.