Soberjoy1

So I'm on day 2. After a nice period of 10 days of no alcohol, I decided to drink some Friday and maybe Saturday. I wish I hadn't. So yesterday, I decided that my few months experimentation with moderation has to end. I have failed at that and abstinence is the path for me.

I know how impulsive I am and how quickly I can change my mind, so I'm working on a new lifestyle plan. I'm going to share it here to help keep me accountable. And perhaps someone can give me some tips.

Stay sober every day. Focus on each day at a time.
Post my commitment on the 24 hour thread each morning.
Post a gratitude in the morning gratitude forum.
Eat breakfast.
Walk 20 minutes at least 5 times a week, preferably everyday. (Walking is my best therapy)
When I feel tempted, post here for help.
Get back into meditation, even if it's just five minutes of quiet.
Say a prayer.
Write in my journal more, even if it's just a few lines. Helps me get my thoughts and emotions out.
If I'm really struggling, find an AA meeting and GO!
Read inspiring and helpful literature. When I'm sober, reading is one of my go-to pleasures.
LIsten to music and move my body. Get the endorphins flowing.
Take my vitamins.
Go to church each week.
Start writing in my gratitude journal again. I used to do 10 things a day. I love having it in a journal, so I can go back and re-read later for a boost.
Have some fun pleasant diversion every day-sudoku, pinterest.
After I get some sober time, I want to find a group that needs help and volunteer.

ETA. I have to avoid a few friends. :-(


Long term, I may join AA. I struggle with some of it, but it's the only support group in my area. I would like to go to a counselor, but I have no insurance and cannot afford it.

That's just a start. I find if I stay busy and out of my head, the cravings don't come. It's when I'm blue and feeling sorry for myself, that alcohol seems like relief.

Thanks for reading. Welcome any tips that others have,

NestWasEmpty

That's just a start. I find if I stay busy and out of my head, the cravings don't come. It's when I'm blue and feeling sorry for myself, that alcohol seems like relief

This helped me the most to stay on track . Thanks for sharing , lots of great tips Good luck on your Sober journey ..

FarToGo

Great list and you sound really motivated.
If walking is good therapy for you, how about joining a walking club? Now that's a sober activity and I bet you'll meet some new friends who you don't need to avoid.
I'll take some from your list too, thanks for the journal suggestion.
Good luck to you.
xx

least

Sounds like a good plan.

Hypernova

Congrats on day 2, sounds like you're on the right path.

CaseyW

This is a good list. Wishing you the best today.

MIRecovery

I go to AA meetingso before I need them not after

Anna

Soberjoy, what I like about your plan is that I see balance, and that's what's so important to me in recovery.

You can do this!

Soberjoy1

Very true, Nestwasempty. Self-pity is my biggest trigger..."what's the use, my life is screwed up, etc. " That's why the gratitude practices help me.

Good idea, FarToGo. I think there is a local meetup for walkers. I definitely need some new friends.

Thanks least, Hypernova and Casey W for the encouragement.

I agree, MIRecovery. I just don't know if AA is for me. But I'm not taking it off the table. But I know that my relapses usually start days before I actually drink, when I stop doing the things listed above.

Soberjoy1

Thanks, Anna! Yes, I have to focus on all facets. My physical well-being makes a huge difference to my ability to fight this. Decent food, sleep, exercise.

I really want to do it. I'm tired of struggling. I think I've finally reached the point where I want to be sober more than I want to drink.

Soberwolf

Awesome job on day 2 & your plan sounds really good

Soberjoy1

Thanks, soberwolf. I have to do it this time. I don't think I have many more chances. It has to be priority one in my life.