Three weeks today!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Western New York
Posts: 375
Three weeks today!
Today is 3 weeks for me - alcohol free! Free is the right word, as since I have stopped drinking, I feel like such a weight has been lifted. I never realized just how much stress and tension alcohol actually added to my life. The worrying all the time - will there be enough? Has anyone noticed I'm the only one still drinking? Can people tell I'm drunk? Is there be alcohol where I'm going? Blackouts, hangovers, arguments... I don't miss any of it.
One thing I'm working on changing is how I see myself. For a long time, I've identified myself as a drinker and a smoker, and that's the persona I've developed over the years with people who know me. Need a drink - ask Alison, she's always up for it! And that's how I saw myself. So now, I have to start seeing myself as a non-drinker and non-smoker. I don't do those things anymore. I'm not at the point yet where I'm worried if other people can change their perceptions of me - that will come later. Right now, I'm just trying to look at myself in a new way. My name is Alison and I'm a sober alcoholic and ex-smoker.
My most helpful tools right now include posting daily on SR, including taking time to do a nightly gratitude every single day, slowing down for some nice deep breaths throughout the day, listening to audiobooks in the car to prevent AV thoughts from taking over (thank you David Sedaris!), avoiding all places associated with drinking, focusing on my relationship with my husband, working out more often, and cuddling with my pooch.
Thanks to everyone here for all the support and sharing.
Looking forward to the next 3 weeks!
One thing I'm working on changing is how I see myself. For a long time, I've identified myself as a drinker and a smoker, and that's the persona I've developed over the years with people who know me. Need a drink - ask Alison, she's always up for it! And that's how I saw myself. So now, I have to start seeing myself as a non-drinker and non-smoker. I don't do those things anymore. I'm not at the point yet where I'm worried if other people can change their perceptions of me - that will come later. Right now, I'm just trying to look at myself in a new way. My name is Alison and I'm a sober alcoholic and ex-smoker.
My most helpful tools right now include posting daily on SR, including taking time to do a nightly gratitude every single day, slowing down for some nice deep breaths throughout the day, listening to audiobooks in the car to prevent AV thoughts from taking over (thank you David Sedaris!), avoiding all places associated with drinking, focusing on my relationship with my husband, working out more often, and cuddling with my pooch.
Thanks to everyone here for all the support and sharing.
Looking forward to the next 3 weeks!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 339
Congrats. It is a whole lifestyle change. The whole "what am I going to do without alcohol" question can be tough. It seems like you have filled up your life with good things and I am happy for you. Keep up the good work.
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