Dee74

I've been through the fire with my drinking so going back is not really an option for me Dan.

I've built a life I love, and one that's predicated on me not drinking... and I'm very comfortable with that now

If I can do it, any of you guys can too

EternalQ

Dan, All I can say, is everyone I know or hear about who stop drinking, are glad
they have stopped. They are happy people. Dee is just one example.

The people I know who are drinkers, are not happy people. They are bound to alcohol with a chain.

I don't want to be bound to alcohol by chains. I want freedom to grow, and be more than that. It is scary. But I want to feel the challenge of life. And with that comes fear. Thank you for helping me to put that into words. I have been struggling with fear lately.

There is always a reason to drink. If you want to drink you will find a reason to suit that occasion. That same reason, however, can be the reason NOT to drink. Think about it.

Dan Dare

I think that comfort zone you speak of is what we're all searching for. Well, I must only speak for myself.
When that uneasiness goes away, and that false rational whisper no longer stops me in my tracks, when the idea of drinking is no longer an option or a choice.
When I can envision any and all situations without thinking of drinking as being part of it.
I know I'm not there yet. Not sure if I'll ever get there.
But I'm going on 23 and that's all I got right now.
It seems like forever I thought that being buzzed had to be part of the act.
Or it made it more fun, or made it easier to socialize, or made my voice or my chops better.
I'm having serious doubts about that lately. Being buzzed is the act.
It doesn't feel bad being clean. Can't deny it.
I know my insides are wondering what the hell is going on... where's all the work???

EternalQ

Dan, I love that thought of our insides wondering where is all the work? Going to hold onto that thought. Thanks for making me smile.

427

Hey there. Just checkin in. So far so good on day #7. Even went out for some music two nights and all I drank was water. Felt good, and I enjoyed the music even more and remembered the conversations, lol!! It actually was reinforcing because I had met some folks while I was pretty high several weeks back and when they approached me I remembered their faces (except for one or two people!) but didn't remember meeting them. That was a good reminder that I was screwing up!! I did have a thought of having a drink, but I verbalized it to my friend and she said, "Yanno - I can't help ya if you don't help yourself." She was kind of joking, but it was true. And once I verbalized it the "craving" went away. Like I said, I love music, and that's harder to give up than the alcohol.... I plan to continue w/ the meetings - not giving those up. Enjoyed a movie tonight w/ my mom and plan to hit the sack in a minute. Anyway, just wanted to put it out there, and I AM giving myself a pat on the back for being able to keep on track.... And you, too, Dan D! It's hard to ride w/o a bar being involved, but glad you abstained!!

EternalQ

Nice job, 427. It is amazing how much we learn about ourselves by just being sober.

Grace2

Hi all

Just popping in to see how it's going with you all.

I'm on two months now and today I feel really, really well and somehow contented and it's a good feeling to have. I'm loving it.

Dan, you're doing really well, your on countdown now to your first month, just awesome. I don't ever intend turning to alcohol again, been there, done that and it doesn't work! I can't think of anyone who's said that life is all the better for being blotto! I love your thought too about our insides missing all the work. You do make me smile

Lets all stay focused, safe and sober over the week end.

Big hugs

Gxxx

*****************

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be aggreable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking.

EternalQ

Grace: look at you go!

How is everyone under thirty coping with their sober Saturdays?

kam00096

Hey guys. Day 1 again for me today. I've been posting like crazy all over SR but I love the idea of this thread so thought I'd say hello. I hope that's ok? Been a dreadful day. Feeling sick, panicking, bursting into tears and generally feeling sorry for myself but it's almost over and can only get better I figure. Weirdly coincidental in terms of timing, my renewed provisional driving license arrived in the post today. Before this last binge my plan was to start lessons next week. Maybe something to focus on :-)

EternalQ

Hi Kam, so happy to hear from you! But sorry you are struggling... You made it very far before so you can do it again! Please come.post in Feb 2012 thread too!.people.would be so.glad to hear ffom you! So happy to see those lambs again!!

stevie88

I hope everyone is doing well.....Keep it up guys and gals....

Grace2

23.30

Just popped in again before bed.

Thanks E.Q and I intend to keep going!!!

Hi kam, welcome back and well done for coming back, that's half the battle. Stick with us, keep posting and reading and remember, falling down isn't failing, staying down is failing. You'll get there.

Be careful out there!

Night night

Gxx

kam00096

Aww EQ it's lovely to hear from you too! Should have stuck with you guys all along! I read the Feb 2012 thread earlier. It made me very happy that you're still there and still going strong!

EternalQ

Stick with It everyone. Together we will face life one thing at a time, sober. So proud of you all!!

Punisher

13 days and counting here..

I'm glad I'm not drinking.
I'm glad I'm not worrying if I have enough beer and cigs to get through the day.
I'm glad I'm not searching through the basement to find a beer I might have left behind.
I'm glad I'm not wondering if a 18 pack will be enough for the day.
I'm glad I can spend money on things I want, instead of things I think I need.

EternalQ

Punisher It sounds like the days of punishing yourself are behind you!
You deserve every second of a better life that you can make. We all do.
And the great news is .. we can have it!!

Grace2

Sunday 10.45

Morning all

Hi Punisher, that's the right attitude. A fortnight it will be for you then today. Awesome. Keep it up, you'll do it!

Just seeing how you're all doing today. I've copied this poem below from my little book of the poems and phrases that keep going: I know I've posted it before, but some of you may not have seen it.

*******
I drank for freedom and became a slave (to alcohol).

I drank for joy and became miserable.

I drank to be outgoing and became self centred.

I drank to be sociable and became lonely.

I drank for friendship and made enemies.

I drank to soften sorrow and wallowed in self-pity.

I drank for sleep and awakened without rest.

I drank for strength and felt weak.

I drank for relaxation and got the shakes.

I drank for confidence and felt unsure

I drank for courage and became afraid

I drank for assurance and became doubtful

I drank to forget thoughts and had blackouts

I drank for conversation and tied my tongue

I drank to be in heaven and I came to know hell

I drank to forget and became haunted

I drank to ease problems and saw them multiply

I drank to cope with life and invited death.

I drank because I had the "right" to and everything turned out wrong.

EternalQ

Grace, thank you for that poem. It surely hit the mark for me. Spot on and gives one pause.

Good luck with keeping a sober Sunday everyone!! We believe in you!!!

EternalQ

Okay... So how is it going out there under thirty dayers?
How you be?

Dan Dare

I be normal...
25 days.
It's good to have these forums. You all have really helped me keep it going.