Blake'sTyger

Hello all-- I'm new to these forums. The screenname, as you can see, is Blake'sTyger.

Now, that should take care of introduction, so now my question:

Does anyone have a place they go when they're tempted to fall off the wagon? Like a "quiet place" or a "thinking place"? I guess you could call it a "sober place".

I'm thinking about designating a place like that-- a rock on a nearby beach or something-- but was wondering if anyone else has done anything of this sort and whether or not you found it effective.

Thanks!

B'sT

Anna

Hi Blake and Welcome,

That's a really great idea.

I don't have a designated place, but I do go outside and walk/hike for miles. It really helps to calm me.

I also have a 'place' in my mind where I go and I feel peaceful and safe. That works pretty well too.

Jersey Nonny

Yes...It's called an AA meeting room...and, there are many and all kinds to choose from.

Blake'sTyger

Thank you Jersey Nonny- I had a feeling someone would post something to that effect. You're right that meetings <i>are</i> a good place to go during those times.

What I mean is someplace personal and private OUTSIDE of a meeting.

Astro

I choose to use the halls of AA too, but any place other than one that serves alcohol can be effective too. I enjoy the outdoors, so being somewhere that I feel close to nature helps me to feel at peace. Churches are good sober places too, a good place to be with my God. Recently I've started to feel comfortable in my own home, which wasn't easy since that's where I drank most of the time, but it's nice to relax and read a book or just sit in peace.

Welcome to SR, glad you've joined our family in recovery!

CarolD

Prayer helps me immensley.

Welcome to SR!

NOMOMERLOTMAMMA

I would say that my bathtub is the place that I most go to when things are hard..

And the rooms, yes, for sure.

Omega Man

Blake - since your in Laguna, I'm sure you've already been to one of my "get away from it all" places. The tide pools, just North of the main beach.
But my first choice is Holy Jim Trail and waterfall - theres hardly anyone ever there. It's very peaceful and relaxing.

nandm

What a positive idea. I do not have any place in particular that I have designated as my "sober place". I have just utilized the rooms of AA and anywhere that I am able to relax and recenter. Sometimes that has been while taking a hike, sometimes a drive, and sometimes in a warm bath with candles. It just varies on my mood.

Welcome to SR glad to see you here

Brittany Marie

When I'm tempted to drink and feel like I need a quick escape I go
into the city.
It's beautiful at night and I love to sit near the harbour and watch the
water.
One night I went there to distract myself when I was feeling low and
these fireworks all of a sudden started popping up all over the sky.
Nothing was being celebrated that day, I don't even know who was
putting on this firework show but it sure as hell lifted my spirits.
I spent my time on the train home smiling and being grateful for my
life.

Britt x

timetogiveitup

I've always thought of the coast as being my "happy place" but it's about a 1.5 hour drive from my home so I might try and find somewhere a little closer lol.

tkdan

Hey Blake, welcome to SR. That is such a cool idea. We've just built a gazebo and I'm planning on doing a pond with sort of a tropical atmosphere. I was wanting it to be a little place to relax and get away from stress. I never thought of it but I guess it could be my sober place. Thanks for the idea.

nogard

Welcome to SR

I walk as well, also talk to or spend time with another addict in recovery, help someone new to recovery. Last and mostly be with my higher power, thats is talk and listen.

Kevin

Doug

On my motorcycle, and it works wonders. Welcome to SR.

stone

I have found that place too.... I am SO grateful for that.

Welcome Blake.

crutch0108

I'm house sitting for someone that's in Florida for 3 months. A couple of times this week if I had nothing to do in the evening I just headed over there with my dog and watched some tv at a different location. Just being someplace else makes me feel like I'm out and doing something.

Taking5

I have a beach house I like to rent out occasionally. Not cheap, but cheaper than relapsing.

Luckyv2

I don't go to a lot of meetings like I used to go anymore. Maybe hit up one or two a week now. As far as a place to go when that urg or feeling hits. Well I haven't had that for quite sometime I do get a little squirrelly though LOL

I like to take Chance to the bark park. That seems to be my quiet place and very special to me. Anything to do with the outdoors I can find something special with that.

Aysha

Hi and welcome.
I always like to go to some large body of water. I live by a river. But I use to live in Florida and I would always go sit on the beach or by the intercoastal and just stare out into nowhere.
It is so peaceful and calm. The river is ok. But there is nothing like the ocean.
I really miss that.

This is Lake Worth Beach. Where I always went.


And this is the intercoastal Right off Lake Worth. Another great place. I would just sit on that wall for hours.

Blake'sTyger

Thank you to everyone for the lovely welcome and for the input regarding my "sober place" idea.

I found mine yesterday evening, and it proved helpful during my first day back. I'll be going back very, very regularly.

I'm a bit curious regarding the couple of you who mentioned the place you've found "In your head". What exactly do you mean, how did you initially find this state of mind, and how do you get yourself back there? Meditation? Reading certain things? Prayer? Kickboxing? Inquiring unraveling minds want to know.