noneever

A small shift in my thinking today. My usual thoughts are that this is too hard and I'm going to end up drinking sooner or later.
But there are so many of you here on SR who are sober. It's inspiring and gives me hope that I CAN be sober too.

Linz805

Yes you can. Hold on to that hope. Some days I feel hopeful sometimes I don't. I figure that's just part of the process. Those days when I feel joy and hopeful I really take those days in to get thru the not so good days! You CAN do it. Your choosing to put alcohol down and gaining a new better life. Stay strong.

Dame

Yes indeedy, you most certainly CAN. These boards are populated by the most courageous people I've ever met. Likely my greatest trials are yet to come, but, after being here for awhile, I'm believing that just about anything is possible if we just remind ourselves we deserve to be whole again, happy, and healthy.

MythOfSisyphus

You absolutely CAN do it, noneever. I drank hard for 25 years, got panic attacks at the mere thought of not having enough booze on hand even just for one night. But my entire life changed, booze now has no part in it at all. Creeping up on four years sober now.

Failing not only not inevitable, it doesn't even have to be an option.

Soberwolf

Good job

instant

those small steps do add up if you keep going. I don't think anyone 'believes' they can do it initially- there was not any evidence to show otherwise. Then theres the first few days sober, then the first whole weekend, then the first week, then the first month, the first change of season....on it goes a whole row of 'first times'

I cried when I made six months- it really felt like a miracle- it was

the hardest thing about addiction is that the hard yards come first. Staying sober after a year is way easier than those early times.

"Not" drinking- now comes a natural default

Keep at it- its worth it

gatorman

Sure you can. I'm like you inspired by so many good and sober people on SR. Good luck!!!

JasonS

It's nearly 4 in the morning here. Anxiety won't let me sleep, but I'm staying strong and NOT giving in. You're not alone by any means.

PurpleKnight

Fantastic!!

keeppushing

Yes you can. Little shifts build up to big differences.

Ariesagain

The thing is that the first few days, weeks and months are the hardest, so if you relapse then you have to go through the hardest part over and over again.

At 7.5 months, I can say that drinking rarely enters my mind except as a passing thought and triggeredby the oddest things (yesterday it was a beer can by the side of the road...and I don't even like beer). But the point is that the thought passes in a way that would have been unimaginable the first few weeks.

You can do this.

Hawkeye13

You can do it--we are just like you and we can all help each other

REsoberALITY

This feeling you're having becomes bigger and bigger and more comfortable the longer you stay this course. Congratulations my friend.... You are truly on your way and seeing and feeling the amazing benefits of healing. It gets so much better!!

Delilah1

You absolutely can do this!! The thoughts of drinking definitely lessen as time goes on. Like Aries, I am at the 7.5 month mark, and when the thought of drinking pops into my head I am able to play the tape through and dismiss the thought.

Enjoy your sober Sunday!!!

MrPL

Hell Yeah!

madgirl

You can do it. One day at a time. And you will start to amaze yourself, and feel a gratitude for simple life pleasures that you didnt know you could feel.