Fdm

I stopped drinking around Christmas Day 2013, and even with a couple of beers on Auburn vs FSU game night, I've been sober. In fact, the next day I didn't even want it again.

I have tried to quit before, but I think by realizing the positive effects on my overall mood, confidence, and happiness, made the difference. I have spent time with coworkers lately reminiscing about old fires we worked and rekindling relationships that I neglected due to my busy schedule. I'm slowing down to enjoy things more.

Yeah, I get snarky at home sometimes, but that's getting better. Today is pre-Spring cleaning day, and I hope to get rid of a lot of clutter. I think that will help my mood at home too.

I'm not desperate, or wringing my hands. I'm really just living without alcohol and not agonizing on it. I like the way I sleep and how easy that I wake up. I'm actually sleeping in on weekends now and relaxing too.

I walk on our treadmill after work each day for 30 minutes and I'm also seeing abs again. I'll be looking good when Summer comes!

Good luck to all of you on this journey. I hope you find what works for you. In my case, it was right in front of me all along.

Skye2

Great feeling isn't it - the peace from it all

Change4good

The best way I can describe sobriety is "peace." Life has the right kind of chaos now, the kind I like.

Fdm

Yep. All it took was an epiphany of sorts. It sure made it easier than any other time.

Skye2

I can understand that - feels kinda different? Like someone turned a light on

Just reminded me - I was saying in another thread how I was at the shop when it opened as I'd run out of coffee. Never even crossed my mind to look at the alcohol. Only just now realised Xx

KateL

Great to hear x

Fdm

I love the coffee now. I drink it in moderation, having a double Aeropress each morning, but I love the McCafe White Chocolate Mocha in the afternoons.

Skye2

I had to limit the hot chocolate as it was affecting the scales lol x

Fdm

I just walk everyday and eat minimal grains to offset it. ;-)

Skye2

I'm off to make one, now you've got me thinking about it

Fdm

I'll raise you one.

I may drive 45 minutes to the next town for Starbucks this evening. ;-)

EverySngleNight

The hot chocolate!!! Why??? Damn you guys!! ;-) That does it! I'm making dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt. You have no one but yourselves to blame.

Fdm

Yum.

Kaneda8888

Be careful of that pink cloud

Nikkabean326

I could have written this post

I'm the same way as you. I feel like living a healthy existence is more than just discarding the alcohol. It's changing a lot about the way you live your life. Such as the organization you spoke about and the exercise. That does a lot to a person. Take this addiction that you've had and replace it with something that's beneficial to your health, body and mind.

I've also got my eyes on summer. I recently began the paleo diet and have been working out everyday. I feel great. And yeah, it feels awesome to wake up well-rested

You're doing great!

Mentium

I'm beginning to feel this way myself, Had a day out on the cold wild coast of Cumbria - a bright and sunny if cold day with my daughter and our dogs. I loved it and lived it to the brim! No thoughts of alcohol - either anticipation of it later of recovering from it last night. It was great!

Fdm

Thanks. Great post!

Fdm

I could literally picture this in my mind. Sounds cool!

SunriseSky

Thanks to everyone who posted here. Reading this gave me a great feeling of hope.

Fdm

That made my day!