4 Weeks today!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
4 Weeks today!
Well, not a drop of alcohol has passed these lips in the past 4 weeks and I am feeling pretty proud of myself. Like most people, I've had a real craving for sweet things (correction.... For anything edible) and I've probably gained a few pounds.......but one thing at once.
I actually think that my past failed sobriety attempts have helped me to understand the pitfalls (and there are many) and I have learnt from them this time. There are 3 pieces of advice that I remind myself of whenever I need to.....
1) Never, ever question the decision to quit drinking. Just do not go there!
2) keep it simple and don't try and do too much.
3) Become the man you want to be, not the man you've become!
I've had some good and bad days over the past 4 weeks and I know that will continue for some time to come. This time however, I'm prepared. I'm not going to go through this again, I deserve better. The bad days will become fewer and as long as I keep the focus, do not become complacent and talk about my problem with friends like you I know I can beat this!
The very best to you all in your own journey and thanks for listening
Julynine
I actually think that my past failed sobriety attempts have helped me to understand the pitfalls (and there are many) and I have learnt from them this time. There are 3 pieces of advice that I remind myself of whenever I need to.....
1) Never, ever question the decision to quit drinking. Just do not go there!
2) keep it simple and don't try and do too much.
3) Become the man you want to be, not the man you've become!
I've had some good and bad days over the past 4 weeks and I know that will continue for some time to come. This time however, I'm prepared. I'm not going to go through this again, I deserve better. The bad days will become fewer and as long as I keep the focus, do not become complacent and talk about my problem with friends like you I know I can beat this!
The very best to you all in your own journey and thanks for listening
Julynine
Congratulations! That's wonderful, good for you. It sounds like you have a fantastic attitude and a very practical way of looking at this... I'm right with you on that, and # 1 on that list is SUCH an important part of being sober (or at least for me, anyway) and #3 has also been something that I've told myself many a time... "you are you NOW, not then," is something I say silently quite often, if I'm feeling regret. All the best to you and congrats again!
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 120
congrats!! that first month is really hard, and ya got that down
your list is great, too.
#2 is big for me- i've always pressured myself to get an absurd amount of things done or i felt worthless...really nitpicky crap like regrouting the bathroom immediately. then i would of course feel overwhelmed and when i felt overwhelmed i would drink my brain quiet.
so now it's one thing at a time. i don't even make lists anymore because they stress me out too much
anyhow! congrats to you!!! sounds like a day for ice cream!
(not that everyday doesn't sound like a day for ice cream. good lord, i got the cravings for sweet stuff, too)
your list is great, too.
#2 is big for me- i've always pressured myself to get an absurd amount of things done or i felt worthless...really nitpicky crap like regrouting the bathroom immediately. then i would of course feel overwhelmed and when i felt overwhelmed i would drink my brain quiet.
so now it's one thing at a time. i don't even make lists anymore because they stress me out too much
anyhow! congrats to you!!! sounds like a day for ice cream!
(not that everyday doesn't sound like a day for ice cream. good lord, i got the cravings for sweet stuff, too)
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Water's Edge
Posts: 239
Great going! The thoughts you express are similar to ones I have right now, I have just a few weeks longer than you in sobriety. The person you are becoming . . . That's a strong motivator. One thing at a time, doing it well, that is success!
Congratulations!!! I know that has to feel awesome! Have you started to see an improvement in other areas of your life? I'm sure it's easier to face the bad days now, being sober makes us more aware of our reactions and actions in the game of chess we call life.
Julynine:
Great post and congratulations on your milestone. Looking in my crystal ball, I see many more in your future
"1) Never, ever question the decision to quit drinking. Just do not go there!"
One thing for people to keep in mind is when a voice in your head questions the decision to quite drinking, it is the addict's voice talking, not yours. The addict is not your friend, so ignore that voice, and as Julynine says "Just do not go there!" No point in arguing with a voice that won't listen to reason.
Way to go, Julynine
Great post and congratulations on your milestone. Looking in my crystal ball, I see many more in your future
"1) Never, ever question the decision to quit drinking. Just do not go there!"
One thing for people to keep in mind is when a voice in your head questions the decision to quite drinking, it is the addict's voice talking, not yours. The addict is not your friend, so ignore that voice, and as Julynine says "Just do not go there!" No point in arguing with a voice that won't listen to reason.
Way to go, Julynine
Way to go Julynine...I am at day 8 of no alcohol...have been doing it on my own...did you do this on your own or did you go to the doctor and/or meetings of some sort? Finding its getting harder....
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Southeast US
Posts: 332
I will remember these tips. It looks like you've gained tremendous insight not just from the last four weeks, but from other attempts at sobriety. Your post gives me hope!
Continued best wishes to you.
Continued best wishes to you.
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