Kjell

Well, I made it through the holidays. I thought I'd try to start a thread and all of us who made it through sober, could add to it. Hopefully this helps us to build on our momentum and add to our confidence.

Basically, how did you make it through the holidays without drinking/drugging and how was it?

For me, I did the following...

Prayed (a lot).
Went to as many meetings as possible.
Came to SR a few times and went on "chat" for the first time.
Did a lot of chores around the house and made sure I was available to help my family.
I live with my sister and she left for FL, immediately my mind started obsessing about a bottle of vodka she has in her closet. I poured it out as soon as it started. Problem solved (though she is a bit pissed that I went in her room, but that's a better problem to have).
Shaved my head (just wanted to do something to change myself).
Kept telling myself it's gonna be ok

It was tough at times, but I feel great now that I'm on the other side.

24hrsAday

Nice Going KJ.. it gets Better The Longer you keep at it!

CarolD

bananagrrrl

Great thread.

I prayed and meditated a lot. Talked to myself in my head and wrote down feelings. Went to a meeting. Should have made more but that is me and my laziness.

I like to look up topics like humility in the daily meditation books I have and read all of them and then put down on paper what I think and feel about them. As Bill Sees It is great for that also.

Oh, and I drank mocktails. Flavored soda water with limes in high ball glasses.

I feel very irritable and moody though. I can't help it. I am praying about it.

Horselover

Great job KJ and Bananagirl! You both made it and each time you will feel stronger and stronger. Awesome!!

Tazman53

LOL Now that is change, but I am not sure if that is the type of change needed, but hey if it helped... cool!

bananagrrrl I sure hope you did not shave your head!!!! LOL

BTW congrats to both of you! Since you both live in Atlanta perhaps you could check with you District AA folks & see if they have an Alcathon over the Holidays.

We do in my area and it made a world of difference for me in early sobriety and still does today. An Alcathon is several days & nights (24X7) of fellowship, FOOD, speakers and meetings. Great place to give and get support.

Saphie

I had a close call, which was in fact created by myself.
Went shopping for the last bits and pieces on Christmas Eve and on the way home I asked my husband's opinion on whether I'm able to have some wine. I wanted a straight yes or no answer, but instead I got the 'it's your decision' reply. I guess he's smarter than I give him credit for .
Anyway it went silent after that until we came to the T and he asked: Left (liquor store) or right (home)? I told him 'right' and it didn't bother me and I didn't think about it after that. If I'm honest I'm really proud of myself. Sorry for padding myself on the back
As for New Year's Eve: I will fall asleep in 2009 and wake up in 2010. It works for me. Going out solializing would not.

Saphie

I meant patting myself, not padding. Oh well

coffeenut

Yay!

Being on the other side and feeling great....Awesome!

Horselover

Don't apologize for patting (or padding) yourself on the back Saphie. You deserve to do that. I don't know if my husband had given me a choice that I would have made the right one.

Tazman53

Saphie we all take a degree of pride in being sober, it is human nature to have a degree of healthy pride in not slowly killing our selfs and living life to its fullest.