I'm on day 3 (again) and doing fine. I've managed to slip right back into a healthy routine. I do believe, in hind sight, that we should disclose our alcoholism to family and friends. This will help them to help ourselves.

It all started with a visit to my parents. We went out for dinner. My mom said she wanted a margarita and asked me to join her. I never told her I was an alcoholic. After drinking one margarita I knew I was back to day one. I thought of telling this story on SR. Because I was starting over, I figured I’d first do a little experiment, a very dangerous experiment.

I bought an 18 back and drank 9 beers. The next day I drank 9. The next day I bought another 18 pack and drank...

I spent the day worried about the economy. I wanted to run to the store for a 12 pack. I thought about what it would be like to drink one beer after another and how disappointed I would feel. The thought of propelling myself into the routine of drinking again kept me strong. Thank god I remember just how horrible that feels.

I am now convinced that routine is the answer. Your routine is who you are...change your routine and you change yourself. I'm still tweaking it. I sit with a blank page and write what I would like to see change in my routine. I figure, if I can create one without drinking, I can create one that is healthy and fulfilling.

Never let any negative activity become routine.

This includes relationships, eating, driving, careers and hope.

Wow, almost 100 days! I guess this is how you do it; you just stay the course. Just like smoking (not one puff) with drinking, it's, not one sip! I won't say I haven't thought about it but each time I do, it gets easier to shake off. I never ever want to return to the way I used to be. EVER!

I am healthy now. I eat healthy, I exercise, I even think healthy! I consume only what is life-sustaining. I look at everything different now. I look to find the beauty in everything....