Catching up with others
I'm now at about 71 days without alcohol. It has been quite a ride. Not the first time I "quit" of course, but this is the longest I've gone in, well, my adult life for sure. I'm doing well! Not particularly tempted, mostly because I see the improvements for the positive so much in the last couple months. I feel much healthier in both mind and body, not to mention I feel like I'm getting a lot more accomplished due to not losing any time to hangovers and drinking. I'm making more meaningful plans with friends to do real things instead of just drink, although I have noticed a friend or two I'm having less to do with because they want to spend all their time at the bar (not drinking buddies, real friends for a long time, just ones that still drink and socialize at the bar scene in my hometown). So that is kind of sad, but I'm definitely taking a "me first" approach to my sobriety in that I'm not going to put myself in a bad situation just to appease someone else.
This was a heck of a weekend for my AV. I was at many parties, all of which involved alcohol. It wasn't too bad, but I sure had to keep myself busy and occupied at these parties to make sure I didn't "accidentally" grab myself a beer or accept one being offered. I didn't, though, and I had a great time every where I was. I'm really hoping that I'm seeing myself change to a real non-drinker. I still get the occasional pity party where I'm like, "poor me, why can't I drink like a normal person?" But even when I think that, I'm always thinking of getting hammered, NOT of drinking like a normal person. I don't LIKE drinking like a normal person! I like getting drunk! And I hate getting drunk, too. So, easy solution, right? Haha, well, easier said than done, but it IS getting better all the time.
I was sad today, though, reading through some people's posts from today and over the weekend. I know this weekend was very tough for a lot of people what with the "festivities" that surround bbqs. So for anyone struggling, I'm really sorry because I know what you were going through, because I've done it before. Quit until that next event came up that knocked my sobriety to oblivion. All there is to do now is pick yourself up and brush yourself off and reach out for help. We're here! I hope this week finds many of you feeling better and stronger.
Anyways, thanks as always for the support! And the encouragement I find here, either directly or indirectly. I really appreciate it and couldn't have made it this far without this site.