21 Days Under My Belt
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 65
21 Days Under My Belt
I have been sober for three weeks now. I can't tell you what a difference this has made in my life. First off, my relationships are so much better. I think this is because my relationship is better with myself. I have taken stabs at sobriety before, but always under the pretense of controlling it long enough (or abstaining long enough) to start back up and just have a couple of drinks at a time (be a normal drinker). This time I just feel different. I have accepted and internalized the fact that I am not a normal drinker. I am ok with that. That acceptance has really simplified things in terms of staying sober. Instead of trying not to drink with the thought of trying to control my drinking when I start again, I just focus on not drinking. It is much easier this way. When I have a craving, the dialog is short and sweet. I think "nope, I will not put that drink up to my lips because I know where it will lead me," not "well, I don't know if I can control it today, I may put down this craving and give in tomorrow, maybe I'll be ready then" (leaving a glimmer of drinking hope open.
As I said in previous posts, I was pretty physically active while drinking (yes madness at its finest). I am running a marathon in early October and a 31 mile Ultra in November. This has consumed a lot of my nervous energy. It also helps me to eat right, which has been a big factor in my drinking. I notice when I am hungry all bets are off.
I don't post here everyday, but I log on multiple times a day and read the stories of hope and stumbles. Thanks to everyone. We can all do this. Believe me, if I can, anyone can. Just three weeks ago I was living a complete lie and flushing my life down the toilet. Folks at the grocery store must be wondering where that nice baker is that used to come in and buy all that vanilla extract.
As I said in previous posts, I was pretty physically active while drinking (yes madness at its finest). I am running a marathon in early October and a 31 mile Ultra in November. This has consumed a lot of my nervous energy. It also helps me to eat right, which has been a big factor in my drinking. I notice when I am hungry all bets are off.
I don't post here everyday, but I log on multiple times a day and read the stories of hope and stumbles. Thanks to everyone. We can all do this. Believe me, if I can, anyone can. Just three weeks ago I was living a complete lie and flushing my life down the toilet. Folks at the grocery store must be wondering where that nice baker is that used to come in and buy all that vanilla extract.
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New England
Posts: 1,067
Hurray for you! This is great, thanks for sharing!
I too have had stints (my longest was nearly 8 months!) at sobriety before but this time I am realizing I just cannot drink ever, period, and that I need to change a lot of my actions and ways of thinking, more than just drinking. I want to run a half marathon for my birthday in December. I had just mentioned this to my boyfriend this morning and then I saw your post which cemented my decision. Thank you for inspiring me!
I too have had stints (my longest was nearly 8 months!) at sobriety before but this time I am realizing I just cannot drink ever, period, and that I need to change a lot of my actions and ways of thinking, more than just drinking. I want to run a half marathon for my birthday in December. I had just mentioned this to my boyfriend this morning and then I saw your post which cemented my decision. Thank you for inspiring me!
I still have not quit. I went back to read your other threads and I see myself (as I am sure many others do) in your words. I do not want to put any uneccesary pressure on you but I have to tell you seeing that you have made it three weeks gives me so much hope.
I have no right to say that I am proud of you when I have not been able to do it myself but ---"I am so proud of you!"
I have no right to say that I am proud of you when I have not been able to do it myself but ---"I am so proud of you!"
I have to admit that when I first read the vanilla extract post I had to take in that there are so many ways we can exploit this whole thing. I remember the post distinctly.
I am happy for you that you have come this far. It sounds like you, Being a marathon runner, should know best how to go the distance.
I certainly see you doing that with abstinence.
Congrats!
I am happy for you that you have come this far. It sounds like you, Being a marathon runner, should know best how to go the distance.
I certainly see you doing that with abstinence.
Congrats!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 65
I still have not quit. I went back to read your other threads and I see myself (as I am sure many others do) in your words. I do not want to put any uneccesary pressure on you but I have to tell you seeing that you have made it three weeks gives me so much hope.
I have no right to say that I am proud of you when I have not been able to do it myself but ---"I am so proud of you!"
I have no right to say that I am proud of you when I have not been able to do it myself but ---"I am so proud of you!"
Keep chugging along and I will do the same. You have the intention. You have put out the thought to quit drinking. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to get traction, but when it does, hold on, because you are on for a great ride. Take care!
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