stargazer016

Yesterday was blazing hot here, just about as hot as it gets during the summer. My AV was in my face unexpectedly off and on all day. I used to enjoy sitting on my deck catching a breeze while reading a book gulping a couple of glasses of cold Chardonnay. I cut the lawn yesterday, and I always rewarded myself with several cold beers afterwards. I haven't felt the "poor me, I can't drink anymore like normal people" thoughts sitting in my frontal lobes for a while, probably since my birthday five months ago.

For me, it is a strong reminder that the AV may go silent and seemingly retreat in our lives from time to time, but it is always there, waiting for the perfect opportunity for us to use again. Please be mindful each and every day folks!

RetiredGuy

I agree Stardust, thanks for the post. I drove from Boston to Atlantic City today and it was quite stressful driving through NYC. The AV is trying to convince me to have a couple of drinks to unwind. I am not listening and am drinking seltzer water.

tootsl1

Well don't on ignoring the AV RG, those 'reward' moments can catch us out. I always used to have a cold Guinness with hubby after a game of golf. The first few games I felt a little hollow at the 19th thinking that there should be something more. Now we don't usually even go into the clubhouse, just head home for tea and a bun! ( not that we play too often these days anyway!)

Barbs

I felt the same way Stargazer and RG. I mowed the lawn yesterday and that glass/bottle of wine was on my mind (along with my favorite Tennessee honey whiskey).

I've been working extra hours at work before going on vacation next week and it has been so stressful. My boss is panicking that he won't be prepared for a trial scheduled while I'm gone. Not to mention that my husband is always stressed out before going on vacation that we sometimes ask ourselves if vacation is worth it

I decided to go to bed and try to get a good nights sleep, but woke up to the same thoughts. Hoping a good workout will help relieve some of the stress.

RetiredGuy

The good news is that every time we ignore the AV, the weaker he/she/it gets. It is also nice to wake up without a hangover because the AV wasn't successful!

JimiC

I had a super stressful day at work today which was always a big trigger. Gratefully, I didn't have any urges...so true about the AV getting weaker over time (I'm 12 weeks in). Stay strong and sober everybody!

tootsl1

Sorry for the auto correct well done turned into well don't! But I guess you got the drift! And RG you are so right, the more times we ignore AV and replace our drinking with a different kind of reward, the weaker it gets.

Barbs, I hope you get a chance to breath before going away, and I'm so glad you haven't given in to the thoughts of drinking. All you need to do is follow the thought through to the conclusion and you know that it would spoil your sobriety, and ruin your vacay.

I know in the bust world we live in it is tough to find time to make five minutes for a little meditation, but it is more than worth it in restoring your inner equilibrium.

stargazer016

Barbs, I loved your line about vacation stress. My DW and I are always super stressed packing and organizing pre vacation, I too wonder if it's worth it at times!

Great idea about meditation Toots! I used to practice many years ago, but just seem to have the time. It is important to stay centered, especially dealing with our crazy addicted brains.

Have a good day all!

Barbs

Yesterday was very stressful. I almost had a drink. I don't thing I have come that close to having a drink since last November. I had the bottle in my hand, but I couldn't think of a good explanation to give my husband as to why I drank. I don't know why that stopped me but I'm glad it did.

I have the day off today so hopefully I can check off some things on my very long to do list.

Thanks for the meditation reminder Toots! I haven't been making time for that lately. Hopefully that will help settle me down.

Hope everyone has a great day!

HelenofTroy

Good morning folks.

It sounds like this time of year with yard work and holidays has kicked up the AV's for many of us!

Barbs I am so happy for you getting through your stressful day yesterday without drinking.

I was really big on the reward drinking after (during) doing yard work or other physical jobs. Even when working with power tools! (shaking my head). In hindsight I can remember having a drink(s) when I knew it wouldn't be refreshing or quench my thirst the way plain water would but still opted for the boozy drink anyway. The first one would taste really good but I would keep on going long after I really wasn't enjoying it anymore. That has to be some kind of sickness!

I have been doing lots of yard work over the last couple of weeks and I've been managing to stick with my water with a squirt of lime juice in it. The funny thing is that I like it and it is starting to feel like a bit of a reward!

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

RetiredGuy

I know what you mean Helen. I now look at pouring a can of raspberry flavored seltzer water into a glass full of ice as similar to making a gin and tonic. The wife and I spent the day yesterday walking on the Atlantic City boardwalk and the evening in a casino for dinner and a show. In the old days, the day would have consisted of:

1. Bloody Mary's for breakfast
2. Beers on the boardwalk
3. Gin and tonic in the room while getting ready for Dinner
4. More drinks at the Casino
5. A nightcap or two when we returned to the room.

Wow, no wonder I am feeling better!

JimiC

Drinking after yard work was always a thing with me. Sit on the patio with a cold one (or six) and admire my "work."

Went to the local bar/restaurant with my wife today for an early dinner. She ordered rum and soda and I got soda with a lime. Bartender stupidly gave me the rum drink and I took a healthy sip. Oops, quickly switched with my wife. We had a good time, it's a pretty quiet place that usually doesn't have loud drunks. TGIF

Purplrks3647

^^^I need to borrow this!^^^

And I'll also need to give the meditation thing another go....

Barbs

I'm happy to say that yesterday was a much better day! Meditated in the morning and allowed myself to slow down a bit. The afternoon was fairly productive. I feel more grounded today

I think between the stress of vacation prep, getting by boss prepared for trial and his ongoing comments "that with all this stress your tea would be better with some vodka" and "you deserve a good stiff drink when you get home" just sent me too close to the edge. I need to be able to recognize these triggers sooner and deal with them better. The meditation was a great help. Thanks again Toots for the reminder.

Dee74

I'm glad to hear that Barbs

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Dee74

Time for a new thread guys

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...part-59-a.html

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