walkingwithgod

Jim, We can do this. We both slipped, but are back and going to make it work. I want to stay part of this group, and will not drink.

SoberForMySon

I don't think I can do it. So bummed. But you all inspire!

walkingwithgod

You can do it, go hour by hour. All you have to do is stay sober for this hour, don't look ahead just yet. You want it, and deserve a clear mind and a sober life.

LindyLoo1985

On day 9 today; so happy I got through the weekend; I must say I have not socialised in the slightest so well done to all that have managed to do this. I always thought I was life of the party and people think I am very outgoing. To be honest I am not a shy person but I have realised this past week that I hate socialising in any kind of way (even a Skype call with the parents) without having a drink; I never realised this before and really need to overcome it.

I have found the cravings to be a little more mild than my first week but still have that feeling of emptiness and a little boredom. I must say since yesterday though I have sat and wondered what the point was in drinking myself stupid and it seemed really un-neccesary . I Need to hang on to that thought I hope it lasts and the cravings die down further.

This has been a long time without alcohol for me since I was 17 (now 27) so might treat myself to some chocolate tonight (then some exercise to burn it off!)

Looked through some posts but not had time to read all; hope you are all doing well and don't beat yourself up if not just start again

bumble

SFMS, why not? You mentioned fear - what are you afraid of? Any luck getting in touch with your therapist? Or could you see someone else? You've been fighting for this - fighting hard. Whatever happens, you can be proud of that.

Chard, Jaz, SoberJim, WWG: down, but not out! Nice to see you coming back swinging.

It takes a few tries, I think, before we learn enough to really have a plan in place...An addictions counsellor I spoke with would often repeat "it's all about environment"...We have to set things up, as much as we can, to make success easy.

Or, hey, for all the dog lovers: remember the Training Maxim - "Make the wrong things difficult, and the right things easy."

Well, thought about drinking on Friday - and I had a "chance" to do so, because the bf was out of the house...so I had a nap instead. Woke up and STILL wanted to drink. I guess the "witching hour" wasn't over yet. But I waited it out another hour and a half and then *poof* the urge disappeared, right on schedule, at 9 p.m. Gotta say, fearing the shame of smelling like rum and thinking of you all, was what kept me out of the liquor cabinet. Saturday and Sunday I was too busy with home repairs and family to drink.

So, podium jig! (LifeWithout: I'm still smiling at the image I have of your husband doing the jig behind your brother in law...!!!).

bumble

Hey, a while back on one of my many "quitting drinking" Google safaris I found an article that made some good points about (not) drinking in social situations - your post reminded me of it. Link is below if you wish to peruse.

20 Things You Notice When You're Not Drinking: Health & Fitness: glamour.com

I know, I know, it's Glamour magazine, and, while it's a bit glib, it makes some good points (especially page 2)...I promise.

Marjoram

Some ups and downs again. But, we're all still here moving forward. Remember, keep the past behind, and use what you have learned from any "mistakes" to make today a good day. Take care everyone.

IWillWin

Happy to be dancing at the podium today!!! So busy but wanted check in and let you all know I made it

Back at ya after work...stay strong class!!

benice

Chard, Jaz, SoberJim, WWG, SFMS, DB, Martin, Marjoram, PHRD...
Was there some strange moon or planet thing this weekend? We are from all over the globe, and this is the first time such a great percent of our group stumbled at the same time. Well, let's pick up together and move forward as a unit. We've got your back. One day, one hour, one moment at a time. Saying prayers for our entire group today...

lifewithoutbooz

Hi again,

Reading everyone's posts and the common thread just keeps getting clearer and clearer. We all WANT to stop drinking. That's the most important thing. We will all have different journeys, some taking the main highway there, others the back roads. Some will make a wrong turn but have the sensibility to turn back and re-route. We all have to remember, it's a JOURNEY, folks. A long slow journey, not a race. We'll all get there as long as we want to stop drinking.

Please remember this and if there's a slip-up, let go of the guilt, shame, self-loathing immediately. It won't do anyone any good. Get back up and start moving forward again. To a sober day, my friends.

Marjoram

Benice - that was sweetly put. Thanks. We appreciate your kind words.

benice

well said Lifewithout!

jaz06

I agree...very well said to both Benice & livingw/outbz! Thank you!

I honestly don't think I've ever had this much encouragement, support & understanding in all my life. I am so thankful every single day for all of you! Feeling the love! Ok...so I'm a bit emotional today...story of my life lately.

Marjoram

LWB - we all have been in these situations, so we all know how it feels. But, you are right in letting go of the guilt. If we don't, we allow it to eat us up and we end up in hours and days of self-pity. You wake up, you face the world, you say "I messed up", you learn and move on. When I was divorced, it was nothing I was proud of or happy about. I was disappointed and felt like a failure. But, I had to tell myself I had to learn from any mistakes in that relationship and move on. To make mistakes and no learn from them is a bad thing. To learn from them and move on is a good thing. Thank you for the post.

Jaz - you're fine. Just glad you keep posting. Challenges in life only make us stronger. This is truly a challenge, but we have to face it and do our best to overcome it.

jaz06

Thanks Marjoram! This certainly is a challenge! Although I get frustrated with myself, there's not 1 ounce of me that wants to give up. I know my 'moment' is coming.

BTW, not many colors up here yet, but I'm sure they'll be popping soon. I just LOVE this time of year!

LindyLoo1985

Great advice thanks!!

Groder

I'm doing the podium dance this morning...so happy for the clear head. Congrats to everyone on the podium, and big support & hugs to everyone who got caught by that bad moon (!). Thank you all for being here, for coming back, for sharing your stories. There are so many brilliant observations here--I love the thoughtfulness in these posts. Such awesome people.

Today I'm crazily behind in my work, so I'll jump. Hasta!

MrBlonde

Hi all!!

Day 19 today Faced my greatest test yet (hopefully ever) Went to an annual gathering of friends that is always a heavy, HEAVY drinking event. Made it through very well!!! Very few urges, great feelings of pride. I think it bothered everyone else more that I wasn't drinking, than it did me!!! LOL

Having my wife with me and knowing just how happy she was to see it, meant the world to me. Told my 3 closest friends what had been happening, and that felt great.

Also down 7 Lbs in the 19 day stretch! WOOO HOOO

Hope everyone has a great rest of the day, stay strong!!

soberjim

Wow ...2 more great posts ...Groder ..glad you are doing the podium dance my friend..
Plan to be on the podium next Monday..

Mr. Blonde...You should be proud of yourself..19 days (and 7 lbs). Great work..

Jim

walkingwithgod

Way to go, sober and losing lbs. I hope this is me soon. I get about 5 days and blow it, but the weight is coming off. Good Luck and keep at it.