Hi NEO. Last Thanksgiving I stayed home on my couch. My youngest son was with me and it was a struggle, mostly because of my emotions, not so much the drinking. I got through it.
Christmas on the other hand was a lot more trying, I stayed at a friends, bawled my eyes out and wished I was out there drinking with everyone else too. HOWEVER, I had to remind myself that it just wasn't worth it. As pathetic as I was last year, I'm so glad that I got through it. I didn't need to pick up, I just needed to feel how I was feeling which was sad, depressed, lonely, angry........I was a miserable mess.
This year I already know is going to be different. Things are much better for me this year. I am stronger and I know that I still DO NOT need a drink to get through anything whether it's a crisis or thrilling.
You can do it too NEO. I have faith in you.
