Day 4 with no alcohol
 

I started a previous thread called "Beginning again today" a few days ago that outlined most of my story. I'm happy to say that I am going on day four without any alcohol. I guess I'll use this thread to keep track of my progress. I've gone four days lots of time but this is the first time I'm had any real support from people who know what it like to be an alcoholic.
About a month ago I started working on a self portrait of myself in oils (I'm a professional artist). When I started the painting it made me take a good long hard look at myself. I had no idea that I looked so run down. When you look at yourself in the mirror for hours on end (you need to do this when you paint a self portrait) you begin to see everything including the inside. What's going on in the inside of you (emotions, struggles, etc.) definitely shows on the outside. I have some of my artwork here in an album I created if anyone is interested. I haven't posted my self portrait in the album yet. Still have a ways to go on that. Anyway, just trying to stay strong by staying away from alcohol. Thanks everyone for the support. It's probably saving my life.
Scott

Are you getting to meetings, Scott ?

Not yet. So far I'm using this forum for support. Haven't ruled out AA. Still trying to get the courage.
Scott

They will be there if you need them.

I was in VA last April for Garden Week, great time.

Wishing you the best.

Bob

Thanks Bob. That's good to know. What part of VA. I'm from Virginia Beach.
Scott

I was in V.B. , went for a drive on your bridge tunnel too. Stayed in Williamsburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville. Drove all the back roads through VA and WV.

Wishing you the best in your recovery, Scott.

Bob

Thanks Again Bob. I've been to all those places. Williamsburg is favorite place to visit and unwind.
Scott

CONGRATULATIONS ON DAY FOUR! That is awesome! xo

Thank you LadyNoBinge:) Today was a little tougher but still not giving in. Going down to my favorite bar for a few drinks and my favorite food really sounds good right now. I'm going home instead and cook myself dinner! On to day 5 :lala
Not listening to that voice anymore today :lala
Scott

I remember having just over a week (the first time I went to AA). People held hands in a circle at the end of the meeting to say the serenity prayer. When the prayer was done the woman next to me let go of my hand, looked at me with astonishment and said, “your still shaking”. There was a certain empathy in her words that I have never forgotten these many years later.

Just why I feel the need to say this now I don’t know. Perhaps it’s my hope that you can experience something similar.

good for you man! keep up the good work

Wonderful decision. It's not been all that long ago that I was where you are right now. Getting support is very helpful, at least to me. I do go to AA, don't believe it's the only way to do this but I do believe that if you decide you want to go there you will be greeted warmly by folks who know exactly where you're coming from.

Keep it up and keep posting here so we can keep encouraging you!

congratulations on day 4 Scott - your artwork is impressive too! :)

D

Thank you for sharing that with me awuh1. I hope I can experience something like that too. Retread59, thank you. Yes I will absolutely keep coming here daily. I will get the courage to go to AA eventually:) WhySoSerious..thanks a lot. Dee74 thank you also. Glad you like my work. The only way I'm going to be able to keep painting is to stay sober. This is a HUGE motivator for me. Art is my life.
Scott

Scott, in another thread you mentioned finding "other ways to cope" with your ism (disease of alcoholism). Other than SR and the self portrait, is there anything else you can share with us? I'm really curious.

Peace,

great job. Keep moving forward.

Thank you Wes. Sugarbear.....yes there are. Other than the ways I've already mentioned, my family telling me how important I am to them and my (which I know isn't popular to some here) belief in God and spiritualism in general helps me quite a bit. Hope this answers your question.
Scott

Thanks, Scott! Are you getting to an AA meeting, yet? The solution (the steps) is where I've been able to lose my anxiety, fears and social phobia. I've been working them for less than a year and if I can see a difference (and other people say they have), I know it can help you, too! call them! Virginia AA - Area 71 of Alcoholics Anonymous - Virginia Intergroups

How's day 5 turning out? You might want to hit an AA meeting sooner rather than later...just saying. May I suggest an open meeting to start with? You won't have to do a thing but sit back and listen with others who are mostly in the same boat as yourself. Being an open meeting you can bring someone with you for support, alcoholic or not. All the best.

Congrats on day 5, Scott. :-)