Back to Work
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 75
Back to Work
Today is my first day back to my worksite since March (longest Spring Break ever!). I am posting to rid myself of thoughts so I don't replay them all day, and set my intention for not drinking. It will be a mixed bag of emotions and I want to ensure that my new habits prevail. We do not know what our new assignments/positions will be, things have been changing everyday, a lot of unknowns but I have made an effort to give up my "what if questions". I am a bit anxious but also excited to see my colleagues in person. After 25 days sober I am feeling strong but I know that something as simple as driving home can trigger an "automatic" stop at the liquor store. My brain is always fried on the first day so I do have a plan. I have spent the last couple weeks trying to create a new before and after work routine. Mornings I check in on SR and just read new posts with my coffee, then, take the pups for a walk, mindful stretch, healthy breakfast and read something about recovery (I will listen to a download while driving to work). After work I plan to listen to a recovery or mindful book on the way home, take the pups for a walk right away, I have planned dinner in advance (so no thinking required), and check in on SR (to report my success of not drinking today, lol). OK. All set. I can and I will handle anything that comes my way. Have a great day everyone.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 349
Congrats on your sober time!
My first year was full of sober firsts. Big ones (first sober b-day), and small ones (first sober staff meeting). I worked hard on staying calm and centered, and just moving through time. Eventually, by behaving that way, I gradually began to be that way. After the first “first” it was just the new normal.
When drinking, I always stopped at the store after work. I had to make sure I had food at home so I could eat right away, then head out for a walk. For me, habitual patterns were danger. So I planned ahead.
Good luck!
-bora
My first year was full of sober firsts. Big ones (first sober b-day), and small ones (first sober staff meeting). I worked hard on staying calm and centered, and just moving through time. Eventually, by behaving that way, I gradually began to be that way. After the first “first” it was just the new normal.
I am a bit anxious but also excited to see my colleagues in person. After 25 days sober I am feeling strong but I know that something as simple as driving home can trigger an "automatic" stop at the liquor store.
Good luck!
-bora
Erica375
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: MA
Posts: 493
Always good to have a plan! "Fail to plan; plan to fail."
I would suggest maybe a snack in the car for the ride home? Definitely some water and maybe a handful of nuts or half a peanut butter sandwich, just so you're not hangry on the way home.
Let us know how it goes!
I would suggest maybe a snack in the car for the ride home? Definitely some water and maybe a handful of nuts or half a peanut butter sandwich, just so you're not hangry on the way home.
Let us know how it goes!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 75
Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions! I wrote them down to add to my toolkit. I am happy to report that I drove all the way home before I realized I hadn't even thought about stopping at the liquor store. I do feel exhausted so early night for me. Same plan tomorrow. Have a good night everyone.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 75
Thanks for checking in. Work was a gong show. Normally I would be writing lines about how awful it was and then fighting my anxiety but I realized I can't change the situation and I can't control it. I can only control myself. So, instead, I followed my plan again today. I feel good, balanced, tired in a good way. I hope my daily plan will turn into a habit (it's still kinda like a recovery check list right now). I also know from past experience that I have to guard against being too confident, which over weeks leads to - "I'm too tired to walk or check in on SR. I deserve a break - Which leads to.....) For me, recovery has to be active. I have to do things each day to stay on the right path. Maybe in time I won't have to be so vigilant, but for now I do. After reading another thread tonight I can also add that I am at the point where I have accepted that I cannot drink again, EVER (or rather as some say I simply don't drink). Hmmm... as I wrote that I had this tiny voice in my head saying "really? you mean that?" haha Well at least today I can tell that stupid voice that Yes, I do mean that so shut up and go away!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Woodburn, OR
Posts: 422
I loved reading this thread! Congrats on being back at the job site and your kickass planning and dedication. Yes, you made a really good point, you have to stay active in your plan/recovery every day and it works. Sometimes if I start thinking too far ahead and start to feel bored with it all I just try to focus just on the day and enjoy being sober and sane. Keep it up and you’re doing great!
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