First post at 21 days..
EnjoyingTheJourney
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,847
First post at 21 days..
Hi SR --- I joined last August with the full intent to begin my sobriety journey. Well, that didn't happen and so finally after many more months and several black out periods I finally decided to act. So my lurking days are over and I hope to post often as there is definitely strength in numbers.
Reading the many posts and hearing so many positive and not so positive stories helps me every day and I'm grateful to say this is Day 21!
The thread that really resounded in me was the "What normal drinkers do" Wow! For the first time in my life I realized so many others were on the same crazy ride and it made me both sad about my past and proud of what has happened this month.
I've been down this Sober path before, exactly 3 years ago this month and made it to 30 days. Then I celebrated with a drink -- Duh!!
So I really need to work on my 30 day plan and beyond!
The difference between then and now? The 2 most important women in my life (my sister and mother) are gone. And I thought drinking away the pain would help. Nope---just created a crazier life. So now this is My Time to honor them and live a life they would both be proud of and I know if they were here they would be my biggest supporters-
What I know so far is that SR seems to be a pretty amazing group with many wise, smart and compassionate members. I'll need you and hope I can return the favor when I'm down the road a bit on my Sober journey.
Today I read some heartbreaking posts about the first few days and weeks and wish all the best to those struggling! So far this is what's working for me -- The first 2 weeks I planned time off and avoided all triggers. Healthy food, plenty of rest, good books and lots of time spent here, exercise and yoga have all helped. This past week I could no longer avoid my triggers and faced 3 BIG ones! It was a big relief that I wasn't even tempted to drink. In fact, when I smelled wine on someone's breath it wasn't pleasant at all.
Thanks for listening---Wishing everyone a healthy Sober evening or morning, wherever you are in this big world!
Reading the many posts and hearing so many positive and not so positive stories helps me every day and I'm grateful to say this is Day 21!
The thread that really resounded in me was the "What normal drinkers do" Wow! For the first time in my life I realized so many others were on the same crazy ride and it made me both sad about my past and proud of what has happened this month.
I've been down this Sober path before, exactly 3 years ago this month and made it to 30 days. Then I celebrated with a drink -- Duh!!
So I really need to work on my 30 day plan and beyond!
The difference between then and now? The 2 most important women in my life (my sister and mother) are gone. And I thought drinking away the pain would help. Nope---just created a crazier life. So now this is My Time to honor them and live a life they would both be proud of and I know if they were here they would be my biggest supporters-
What I know so far is that SR seems to be a pretty amazing group with many wise, smart and compassionate members. I'll need you and hope I can return the favor when I'm down the road a bit on my Sober journey.
Today I read some heartbreaking posts about the first few days and weeks and wish all the best to those struggling! So far this is what's working for me -- The first 2 weeks I planned time off and avoided all triggers. Healthy food, plenty of rest, good books and lots of time spent here, exercise and yoga have all helped. This past week I could no longer avoid my triggers and faced 3 BIG ones! It was a big relief that I wasn't even tempted to drink. In fact, when I smelled wine on someone's breath it wasn't pleasant at all.
Thanks for listening---Wishing everyone a healthy Sober evening or morning, wherever you are in this big world!
just keep swimming
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 504
Dude, you and I are on almost exactly the same path. I'm 21 days today also having tried and failed about 2 years ago, same as you.
Well done for breaking your silence... Stick with it and SR. Let's smash this.
Well done for breaking your silence... Stick with it and SR. Let's smash this.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: US
Posts: 544
Bandicoot
First of all, congrats to 21 days! And second -welcome.
It sounds like you've put some thought into your sobriety, and that will serve you well on your journey. Stick with it. We're here for support. And I'm sure you will be helping others soon, too!
First of all, congrats to 21 days! And second -welcome.
It sounds like you've put some thought into your sobriety, and that will serve you well on your journey. Stick with it. We're here for support. And I'm sure you will be helping others soon, too!
EnjoyingTheJourney
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,847
Good question SVA! I feel pretty good about my initial plan of healthy food, rest, exercise and avoiding my triggers whenever possible. The mental part of sobriety will be challenging, yes but something I read here today really struck me and sorry I don't know who posted it-- still learning names.
It read " I think as long as you stay self-aware and keep working at being sober you'll be fine
I used to feel like relapses were something that sprang out at you but I think now it's not that arbitrary....we have a lot of power - if you don't want to relapse you won't"
It read " I think as long as you stay self-aware and keep working at being sober you'll be fine
I used to feel like relapses were something that sprang out at you but I think now it's not that arbitrary....we have a lot of power - if you don't want to relapse you won't"
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 15
Great job so far coming from a seasoned vet of 34 days. I come here every day or so and the stories of success and failure both help me in huge ways. Like you my health and reading have been helpful. I have not tried to remove myself from all situations where I would normally drink because I still want to be around friends and maintain a social life. First few times were hard but like swimming in cold water, you don't notice so much after the first few minutes.
EnjoyingTheJourney
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,847
Congratulations Nowwhat on 34 days! You are very brave to swim in cold water aka take part in social events- I did that 3 times this week and you're right, it gets easier but it's time now for another break. Have to build my mental muscles!
I did that 3 times this week and you're right, it gets easier but it's time now for another break. Have to build my mental muscles!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,443
Originally Posted by bandicoot2 
" I think as long as you stay self-aware and keep working at being sober you'll be fine
I used to feel like relapses were something that sprang out at you but I think now it's not that arbitrary....we have a lot of power - if you don't want to relapse you won't"
I used to feel like relapses were something that sprang out at you but I think now it's not that arbitrary....we have a lot of power - if you don't want to relapse you won't"
LOLwelcome bandicoot - congrats on 21 days!
D
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 65
Congrats !
I'm at 20 days today.
I dodged a bullet this week... The boss asked to get a beer after work on Wed, Lucky the weather was bad so I bailed because of potential road issues and traffic etc.
I'm at 20 days today.
I dodged a bullet this week... The boss asked to get a beer after work on Wed, Lucky the weather was bad so I bailed because of potential road issues and traffic etc.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 288
Welcome! I'm close to where you are (26 days) and I also made an attempt at sobriety last August. I'm glad we're both back and giving it another go. I like to think of past attempts at sobriety as learning experiences. Time to move forward, equipped with a little more awareness!
Congrats on 21 days!
Congrats on 21 days!
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