Encouraging physical signs
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 666
Encouraging physical signs
I'm searching for every bit of encouragement that I can to sustain me in this new path.
I hope it's not annoying to be so "positive" because I certainly have my struggles and years of regret and shame, depression and cyclical worries.
But I'm finding that it helps keep me on track to remind myself of the emotional and physical benefits I'm already seeing of not drinking, rather than focus on what I might be "missing" -- though that is seeming less and less appealing and more and more ridiculous as time goes on.
So, an accounting:
-- I'm sleeping great, waking up rested and relieved, and falling asleep naturally at a decent hour, not just "passing out".
-- My blood pressure was 119/73 a few minutes ago, after having crept up to worrisome levels only a few months ago when I was daily drinking.
-- I've lost 6 pounds and my stomach is almost flat, after looking like I was 7 months pregnant with bloat just a few months ago.
-- I'm taking the antidepressant that had been prescribed to me but which I had stopped taking so I could drink.
-- I have been laughing out loud.
-- I have an early morning appointment tomorrow, and I don't need to worry if I will have wine seeping from my pores when I go in.
-- My skin looks glowier, my face less puffy, and my eyes white instead of bloodshot.
-- I'm in my 50s, and I'm getting more compliments/looks lately than I've had in years and years.
-- I've saved at least $550 on wine alone. I used to drink about a bottle a day. That's the calories of eating a Big Mac every single night.
I'm only 55 days in, so I know there's more good to come.
I truly see I was poisoning my mind and body.
Hope this encourages someone!
I hope it's not annoying to be so "positive" because I certainly have my struggles and years of regret and shame, depression and cyclical worries.
But I'm finding that it helps keep me on track to remind myself of the emotional and physical benefits I'm already seeing of not drinking, rather than focus on what I might be "missing" -- though that is seeming less and less appealing and more and more ridiculous as time goes on.
So, an accounting:
-- I'm sleeping great, waking up rested and relieved, and falling asleep naturally at a decent hour, not just "passing out".
-- My blood pressure was 119/73 a few minutes ago, after having crept up to worrisome levels only a few months ago when I was daily drinking.
-- I've lost 6 pounds and my stomach is almost flat, after looking like I was 7 months pregnant with bloat just a few months ago.
-- I'm taking the antidepressant that had been prescribed to me but which I had stopped taking so I could drink.
-- I have been laughing out loud.
-- I have an early morning appointment tomorrow, and I don't need to worry if I will have wine seeping from my pores when I go in.
-- My skin looks glowier, my face less puffy, and my eyes white instead of bloodshot.
-- I'm in my 50s, and I'm getting more compliments/looks lately than I've had in years and years.
-- I've saved at least $550 on wine alone. I used to drink about a bottle a day. That's the calories of eating a Big Mac every single night.
I'm only 55 days in, so I know there's more good to come.
I truly see I was poisoning my mind and body.
Hope this encourages someone!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Midwest USA
Posts: 55
Be positive. Brag it up! 55 days is awesome.
My blood pressure was a big red flag that got me thinking I might be drinking too much. I'm down to 122/78 which is normal/ideal.
Alcohol is a nasty poison. It's amazing how well the body reacts when you stop poisoning it.
My blood pressure was a big red flag that got me thinking I might be drinking too much. I'm down to 122/78 which is normal/ideal.
Alcohol is a nasty poison. It's amazing how well the body reacts when you stop poisoning it.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Rupert ID
Posts: 469
Good for you, tealilly! Many of us spend so many days, months, years, in such poor, alcoholic shape, that when we get some sober time under our belts, suddenly people start asking us if we started working out, lost weight, just got back from vacation, etc. It came as kinda of a shock to me that so many told me how good and healthy I looked.
Keep it up and use that positive encouragement!
Keep it up and use that positive encouragement!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Congratulations, that is a very good list of positives. In reality, many of the things you laid out are what "normal" people experience their whole lives. But since we are alcoholics, some of those normal things get out of whack and when they return we have a true appreciation for little things like a good nights sleep.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 666
Originally Posted by thomas11 
Congratulations, that is a very good list of positives. In reality, many of the things you laid out are what "normal" people experience their whole lives. But since we are alcoholics, some of those normal things get out of whack and when they return we have a true appreciation for little things like a good nights sleep.
Crazy what harm we can do to ourselves, as if life isn't hard enough on its own.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 4,553
tealily don't hold back you're doing amazing!!! I personally find all of your post genuine, positive and kind. Not that I'm stalking you of course lol!
It is actually pretty amazing the changes we can see and feel and just imagine what's going on inside. Liver, heart in fact every internal organ is viciously attacked by alcohol abuse.
Your progress is brilliant long may it continue! xxx
It is actually pretty amazing the changes we can see and feel and just imagine what's going on inside. Liver, heart in fact every internal organ is viciously attacked by alcohol abuse.
Your progress is brilliant long may it continue! xxx
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 285
LOVE this!!!! I can relate with most of your positive things and I am so grateful for those things too. It's the beauty of sobriety that keeps me sober more than the fear of drinking consequences. Thanks!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: PA
Posts: 588
Great Jon on 55!
I am starting to feel the physical/energy benefits and the mood/spirit benefits. I am excited about the complexion and glow, the brighter eyes, and hopefully a little weight loss!
You're an inspiration.
I am starting to feel the physical/energy benefits and the mood/spirit benefits. I am excited about the complexion and glow, the brighter eyes, and hopefully a little weight loss!
You're an inspiration.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 65
Originally Posted by tealily
I'm searching for every bit of encouragement that I can to sustain me in this new path.
I hope it's not annoying to be so "positive" because I certainly have my struggles and years of regret and shame, depression and cyclical worries.
But I'm finding that it helps keep me on track to remind myself of the emotional and physical benefits I'm already seeing of not drinking, rather than focus on what I might be "missing" -- though that is seeming less and less appealing and more and more ridiculous as time goes on.
So, an accounting:
-- I'm sleeping great, waking up rested and relieved, and falling asleep naturally at a decent hour, not just "passing out".
-- My blood pressure was 119/73 a few minutes ago, after having crept up to worrisome levels only a few months ago when I was daily drinking.
-- I've lost 6 pounds and my stomach is almost flat, after looking like I was 7 months pregnant with bloat just a few months ago.
-- I'm taking the antidepressant that had been prescribed to me but which I had stopped taking so I could drink.
-- I have been laughing out loud.
-- I have an early morning appointment tomorrow, and I don't need to worry if I will have wine seeping from my pores when I go in.
-- My skin looks glowier, my face less puffy, and my eyes white instead of bloodshot.
-- I'm in my 50s, and I'm getting more compliments/looks lately than I've had in years and years.
-- I've saved at least $550 on wine alone. I used to drink about a bottle a day. That's the calories of eating a Big Mac every single night.
I'm only 55 days in, so I know there's more good to come.
I truly see I was poisoning my mind and body.
Hope this encourages someone!
I hope it's not annoying to be so "positive" because I certainly have my struggles and years of regret and shame, depression and cyclical worries.
But I'm finding that it helps keep me on track to remind myself of the emotional and physical benefits I'm already seeing of not drinking, rather than focus on what I might be "missing" -- though that is seeming less and less appealing and more and more ridiculous as time goes on.
So, an accounting:
-- I'm sleeping great, waking up rested and relieved, and falling asleep naturally at a decent hour, not just "passing out".
-- My blood pressure was 119/73 a few minutes ago, after having crept up to worrisome levels only a few months ago when I was daily drinking.
-- I've lost 6 pounds and my stomach is almost flat, after looking like I was 7 months pregnant with bloat just a few months ago.
-- I'm taking the antidepressant that had been prescribed to me but which I had stopped taking so I could drink.
-- I have been laughing out loud.
-- I have an early morning appointment tomorrow, and I don't need to worry if I will have wine seeping from my pores when I go in.
-- My skin looks glowier, my face less puffy, and my eyes white instead of bloodshot.
-- I'm in my 50s, and I'm getting more compliments/looks lately than I've had in years and years.
-- I've saved at least $550 on wine alone. I used to drink about a bottle a day. That's the calories of eating a Big Mac every single night.
I'm only 55 days in, so I know there's more good to come.
I truly see I was poisoning my mind and body.
Hope this encourages someone!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Originally Posted by tealily
You are so right, thomas11. They are all pretty basic, normal things, but they feel like such a blessing in comparison! Amazing how miserable we can make ourselves. I've been rediscovering such simple pleasures. And finding the "old me" again.
Crazy what harm we can do to ourselves, as if life isn't hard enough on its own.
Crazy what harm we can do to ourselves, as if life isn't hard enough on its own.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,776
People used to say to me, oh, you must be doing well, you look great. 
My well being is reflected in my face.
My favorite physical sign of sobriety is waking up feeling good. That never gets old.
My well being is reflected in my face. My favorite physical sign of sobriety is waking up feeling good. That never gets old.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 666
I'm down two more pounds today! 8 total.
I'm surprised because I'm subbing some chocolate for alcohol but I guess I'm also not gorging on junk food late at night while drinking or eating greasy, carb laden food when sick the next day.
Interesting how our bodies respond to decent nutrition. 😀
I'm surprised because I'm subbing some chocolate for alcohol but I guess I'm also not gorging on junk food late at night while drinking or eating greasy, carb laden food when sick the next day.
Interesting how our bodies respond to decent nutrition. 😀
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