Newbie to the Sight Seeking Advice!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: CA
Posts: 2
Newbie to the Sight Seeking Advice!
Hi everyone!
I'm a newcomer (12 days sober after many 2 weeks stints and pretty stupid relapses) and brand new to this forum. I'm still in that 'pink cloud' of optimism and inner peace, though it's my first time in that cloud so this recovery feels profoundly different than previous attempts.
I'm wary of backsliding, and keep worrying about the inevitable fear, anxiety, depression and difficult conversations that await me. But I'm trying to stay positive. Any tips to staying positive at this delicate stage? Especially to keep me from being too hard on myself for all my past errs, which would only trigger that spiral of pain and shame all over again. Any advice would be much appreciated!
On a separate (and lighter) note, does anyone have suggestions for mindless activities to do during meetings to keep my hands busy? I see some people knitting or crocheting, but I don't do either. I'd like to have something like that to keep my hands occupied so I stay more focused and present on the conversation. Counterintuitive, I know, but I'm a hopeless multitasker.
Thank you and have a lovely day!
I'm a newcomer (12 days sober after many 2 weeks stints and pretty stupid relapses) and brand new to this forum. I'm still in that 'pink cloud' of optimism and inner peace, though it's my first time in that cloud so this recovery feels profoundly different than previous attempts.
I'm wary of backsliding, and keep worrying about the inevitable fear, anxiety, depression and difficult conversations that await me. But I'm trying to stay positive. Any tips to staying positive at this delicate stage? Especially to keep me from being too hard on myself for all my past errs, which would only trigger that spiral of pain and shame all over again. Any advice would be much appreciated!
On a separate (and lighter) note, does anyone have suggestions for mindless activities to do during meetings to keep my hands busy? I see some people knitting or crocheting, but I don't do either. I'd like to have something like that to keep my hands occupied so I stay more focused and present on the conversation. Counterintuitive, I know, but I'm a hopeless multitasker.
Thank you and have a lovely day!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,442
Hi and welcome samus 
what really helped me stay sober was getting involved in this community, daily - not only asking for support myself but giving it to others too.
You'll find support good ideas - and a little hope here too
Glad you're here!
D
what really helped me stay sober was getting involved in this community, daily - not only asking for support myself but giving it to others too.
You'll find support good ideas - and a little hope here too
Glad you're here!
D
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 102
I think that most people understand that it helps because no one has ever given me crap for coloring at a meeting. If they ask, just say that it helps calm your mind so you can focus on what is being said at the meeting.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: NC
Posts: 452
I found an old pack of cards and play solitare. Much as I'm used to the Windows version, playing the "analog" version is sort of Zen and meditative. Most of the time I'm on autopilot and playing with half my brain while the other half works through things.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
I’m on here a lot and I read everyone’s stories and advice. I find it so helpful. I also listen to audio books about people’s battles with alcohol. My recovery is dominating my life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel better and stronger. I still get low patches for sure, especially on Fridays, but the morning after I always feel so good and remember that it’s worth it. I exercise when I can, I listen to calmingmusic and draw (even if it’s just doodling), I write in a journal, I cook every night, and I’ve started writing letters to my mum and dad. Good luck. I’m 14 days sober today and feel good and happy :-)
Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 652
Welcome, Samus.
My pattern is a lot like yours and you used the word inevitable which struck a chord with me. I often wonder why I am doing the sober thing (again) because my head says that 'inevitably' I am going to end up drinking again anyway. Recently, I have come to the conclusion that this is my alcohol voice trying to trick me. If it tells me that it is inevitable then what is the point, I might as well crack on and have a drink. So I have a new tactic now of telling that voice in my head to 'get lost' although I am not so ladylike about it. I then try to visualise a world where I am sober a long time that those thoughts are but a distant memory. Great to hear that you are feeling positive and that it feels different for you this time. If it feels different then it IS different.
Look forward to making the journey with you.
My pattern is a lot like yours and you used the word inevitable which struck a chord with me. I often wonder why I am doing the sober thing (again) because my head says that 'inevitably' I am going to end up drinking again anyway. Recently, I have come to the conclusion that this is my alcohol voice trying to trick me. If it tells me that it is inevitable then what is the point, I might as well crack on and have a drink. So I have a new tactic now of telling that voice in my head to 'get lost' although I am not so ladylike about it. I then try to visualise a world where I am sober a long time that those thoughts are but a distant memory. Great to hear that you are feeling positive and that it feels different for you this time. If it feels different then it IS different.
Look forward to making the journey with you.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
