Class of April 2014 Part 31
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,804
"Drop off the twig", that's a great new take on "kicking the bucket" - much less noisy, and far more genteel 
I think every generation has worried about the world and its effect on their offspring. These days we hear about the bad news all over the world, not just in our own little communities. I know communication is a good thing, and I do want to hear about world events ......but I also don't want to drown in stuff that I can have no influence over. I like Stephen Coveys philosophy about focusing on our "sphere of influence", getting to grips with what we can change, doing something about it, then start to expand our influence further and further. If we focus on things that we have no influence over, we'll be overwhelmed and end doing nothing at all (or numb out with our addiction of choice).
I also love the quote by Gandhi "be the change you wish to see in the world"...
There's so much good in the world that we can focus our attention on - it just never makes the news, because it's not considered news worthy. When did we last hear about all of the thousands of successful operations carried out by the NHS? Or the thousands of great teachers who have made such a difference to our children's lives, or indeed the thousands of neighbours who actually get on and help each other?
It's so true, that what we focus on grows and what we resist, persists.
I'd like to see a more balanced news programme on the TV, some good news would be so refreshing once in a while.
None of it is worth drinking over, that's for sure.
Well that was a bit of a soap box post, sorry about that
I think every generation has worried about the world and its effect on their offspring. These days we hear about the bad news all over the world, not just in our own little communities. I know communication is a good thing, and I do want to hear about world events ......but I also don't want to drown in stuff that I can have no influence over. I like Stephen Coveys philosophy about focusing on our "sphere of influence", getting to grips with what we can change, doing something about it, then start to expand our influence further and further. If we focus on things that we have no influence over, we'll be overwhelmed and end doing nothing at all (or numb out with our addiction of choice).
I also love the quote by Gandhi "be the change you wish to see in the world"...
There's so much good in the world that we can focus our attention on - it just never makes the news, because it's not considered news worthy. When did we last hear about all of the thousands of successful operations carried out by the NHS? Or the thousands of great teachers who have made such a difference to our children's lives, or indeed the thousands of neighbours who actually get on and help each other?
It's so true, that what we focus on grows and what we resist, persists.
I'd like to see a more balanced news programme on the TV, some good news would be so refreshing once in a while.
None of it is worth drinking over, that's for sure.
Well that was a bit of a soap box post, sorry about that
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 801
just keeping it real, tops. The point for me was that what I wanted to do, I didn't. Self control and all. With a little help from my friends
as far as the deep thoughts floating around - not much to say that hasn't already been said
2 weeks is awesome Mariah!!
GoIng to get into pjs & enjoy my husbands good cooking ...
Happy to be sober and free
as far as the deep thoughts floating around - not much to say that hasn't already been said
2 weeks is awesome Mariah!!
GoIng to get into pjs & enjoy my husbands good cooking ...
Happy to be sober and free
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lowcountry
Posts: 2,762
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Mariah ,...and Izzy ,
I didn't mean to sound like an asshat ,..or contentious,.... what causes me a little concern is freely using the word "I " in the place of " IT " ( IT being our AV ) ,....which couldn't care less about your life, your families lives, or anything other than getting the one thing IT desires. That's the very, very real and illusory pleasure of getting high using alcohol. Or in my, Mariah, and Obo's case ,....alcohol, and or weed.
To erroneously confuse "IT" with" I" expressing ourselves here is not only what *IT* wants you. to do indefinitely,,, because of the built in confusion .
My only reason for even mentioning anything, is because I really feel writing our thoughts down is inherently a very powerful way to understand where we stand on things,..... and I guess,..in the interest of not feeling a bit complicit when I read thoughts ,...not of your own,...but written by what sounds clearly like your AV.
Dee has a wonderful way to point these things out ,....me ,...not so subtle . Just know one thing,...I really do care that you guys use any and every effective tool to create a winning strategy.
I was wondering what y'all thought about the idea of getting high as primarily a pleasurable activity. ? It was for me . Sure, as a "reward",... and secondarily as a pleasurable "escape" ,.....
Accepting that idea was a big step for me . Once all the down side effects are distant memories,...then what ?
Will sobriety be conditional ? ,.... ultimately just an ongoing exercise in longer( or shorter ) breaks between drinks ?
If that's the goal,...I certainly get it . Self honesty goes a long way .
"Not" doing something seems at first glance like a pretty simple and easy thing. My experience is there was a great deal of sacrifice involved. Not seeking pleasure through drinking was a real thing. A very real sacrifice.
Oh,...yea, after several weeks I could say, " wow,..I feel great ,...no hangovers, no more feeling horrible once the withdrawals eased up."
I'd like to hear your thoughts on * sacrifice * too.
OK ,....enough of me rambling on and on .
Mariah ,...and Izzy ,
I didn't mean to sound like an asshat ,..or contentious,.... what causes me a little concern is freely using the word "I " in the place of " IT " ( IT being our AV ) ,....which couldn't care less about your life, your families lives, or anything other than getting the one thing IT desires. That's the very, very real and illusory pleasure of getting high using alcohol. Or in my, Mariah, and Obo's case ,....alcohol, and or weed.
To erroneously confuse "IT" with" I" expressing ourselves here is not only what *IT* wants you. to do indefinitely,,, because of the built in confusion .
My only reason for even mentioning anything, is because I really feel writing our thoughts down is inherently a very powerful way to understand where we stand on things,..... and I guess,..in the interest of not feeling a bit complicit when I read thoughts ,...not of your own,...but written by what sounds clearly like your AV.
Dee has a wonderful way to point these things out ,....me ,...not so subtle . Just know one thing,...I really do care that you guys use any and every effective tool to create a winning strategy.
I was wondering what y'all thought about the idea of getting high as primarily a pleasurable activity. ? It was for me . Sure, as a "reward",... and secondarily as a pleasurable "escape" ,.....
Accepting that idea was a big step for me . Once all the down side effects are distant memories,...then what ?
Will sobriety be conditional ? ,.... ultimately just an ongoing exercise in longer( or shorter ) breaks between drinks ?
If that's the goal,...I certainly get it . Self honesty goes a long way .
"Not" doing something seems at first glance like a pretty simple and easy thing. My experience is there was a great deal of sacrifice involved. Not seeking pleasure through drinking was a real thing. A very real sacrifice.
Oh,...yea, after several weeks I could say, " wow,..I feel great ,...no hangovers, no more feeling horrible once the withdrawals eased up."
I'd like to hear your thoughts on * sacrifice * too.
OK ,....enough of me rambling on and on .
Hillbilly Girl
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: In my Garden
Posts: 3,953
Wow........this is never something I don’t take lightly, no I’m not on this recovery sight with the thinking, I’ll just be good 4 or 5 months & then I can drink. I’ve been on my knees in my kitchen praying to stop. I’m not where I was 3 years ago when I joined this site, with heart felt desire to stop. But I have had most of the last 5 years sober, and I have grown & learned much from being my sobriety, though it’s been broken. I have more to say but I’m pretty tired so I’ll just say goodnight here
Keep a going Obo & Izzy
Keep a going Obo & Izzy
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,804
For me, I definitely used alcohol as a way of escape, it was a pleasure, and something I looked forward to. It did feel like a big sacrifice when I made the decision to stay sober, because I (mistakenly) assumed I would have to live my life in a state of constant agitation.
Intellectually I knew that this was unlikely, because I could see other sober people having a great life of contentment. It's a psychological and emotional thing, and it takes time for that to dissolve.
I was not able to for see the day that: a) I wouldn't actually get so stressed about things; b) that I would find better ways of dealing with any stress and c) that I could actually prepare an evening meal without a glass of wine in my hand!
It seemed such a huge sacrifice to give up my daily treat. Ha, if only I could have fast forwarded time, I'd have given it up willingly and in an instant. But the AV doesn't let us think rationally, it makes us suffer as much as possible until it gets its "sustenance".
I'm so happy that we're all on this journey together, each one of us will be a source of inspiration to others, and make the world a much better place.
Have a great day day all.
Intellectually I knew that this was unlikely, because I could see other sober people having a great life of contentment. It's a psychological and emotional thing, and it takes time for that to dissolve.
I was not able to for see the day that: a) I wouldn't actually get so stressed about things; b) that I would find better ways of dealing with any stress and c) that I could actually prepare an evening meal without a glass of wine in my hand!
It seemed such a huge sacrifice to give up my daily treat. Ha, if only I could have fast forwarded time, I'd have given it up willingly and in an instant. But the AV doesn't let us think rationally, it makes us suffer as much as possible until it gets its "sustenance".
I'm so happy that we're all on this journey together, each one of us will be a source of inspiration to others, and make the world a much better place.
Have a great day day all.
Hillbilly Girl
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: In my Garden
Posts: 3,953
Started back on exercise routine after work yesterday. I work in a 3 story building so went to a quiet back stairwell & did the 3 flights 10 Times then to the weight room at the gym for 30 minutes of weights. Feeling it this am but expect tomorrow I’ll really feel it, I have committed to doing that at least 4 Times a week but probably will do 5. I’m also going to be swimming laps in the gym pool.
Felt so good! One of the staff I became friend with before when I was going was there & welcomes & encouraged me which was great!
Off to the casino this am with our Seniors. Have a great day all!
Felt so good! One of the staff I became friend with before when I was going was there & welcomes & encouraged me which was great!
Off to the casino this am with our Seniors. Have a great day all!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,804
That's great, Mariah, you'll soon be back in to your exercise routine. I admire you for doing your workouts in the evenings - I don't seem to be able fit It in then, I have to do my workouts in the morning before work. 3- 4 days of intervals, and 3 days I use some (very light) weights - its amazing to see some muscle protruding these days.
How's everyone else doing with fitness goals?
I sense that 2018 will see a fitter, stronger, faster Fools team than we had bargained for......bring it on!
How's everyone else doing with fitness goals?
I sense that 2018 will see a fitter, stronger, faster Fools team than we had bargained for......bring it on!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,315
I love the Casino.....
Always sit on 17
Always punt on red
Always back in 3 of a kind.....
You've got to be in it to win it......
This day last week I drank 10 double jack daniels cans, by myself, listening to the radio in front of a fire.
My wife during the week, in jest, called me a jack daniel can loser!
It's 1 week today and bloody heel the AV has been hectic all week.
I agree with Tops that there needs to be a clear distinction between IT and I, the AV is a separate entity, and I quite often feed the wolf by voicing its desires.
It takes time. Here at the start again they're hard to detach, like stereo but different instructions. It's the perspective of the voice, of the addiction that gives the power to heal, the mind an alternative and the new patterns of sobriety time to establish themselves......etc....
Hope all are well!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 801
Originally Posted by freein14 
For me, I definitely used alcohol as a way of escape, it was a pleasure, and something I looked forward to. It did feel like a big sacrifice when I made the decision to stay sober, because I (mistakenly) assumed I would have to live my life in a state of constant agitation.
also relate to what Mariah and Obo said
birds of a feather gotta stick together!
my twins are cooking up dinner for taco nite. A beautiful sight. It's supposed to snow tonite. Pllllleeeaasse mr. weatherman, be right!!
how was day 2 on the new job obo?
that casino experience sounds fun Mariah. and I'm inspired/ a little intimidated by your stair routine
I found a class at the gym that starts 5:15 ... that's the only way I can see squeezing it in but then I'd have to get up 4:40 .... ?!
Hillbilly Girl
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: In my Garden
Posts: 3,953
Opposite for me, I get physically sick when I exercise in the am.....body just does not like it. Evening are good for me to come home & change & get out of here for awhile.
You’ve inspired me Free & what worked before was keeping it simple but consistent.
Izzy, I used to work in a 2 story office when the boys were little & it was a great way to keep in shape because I could do it in less than 10 minutes between my work day & picking them up. The extra flight here is definitely a challenge. I did not do them tonight but will again tomorrow night.
Good trip today....I don’t play the machines but play bingo.......we play for about 3 hrs & I didn’t win today & list what it cost me to play but as I’m getting paid to go & it is only once a month, I Won 150 last month. It’s a drive over the mountains though, I don’t drive, but still a long day. Night All
You’ve inspired me Free & what worked before was keeping it simple but consistent.
Izzy, I used to work in a 2 story office when the boys were little & it was a great way to keep in shape because I could do it in less than 10 minutes between my work day & picking them up. The extra flight here is definitely a challenge. I did not do them tonight but will again tomorrow night.
Good trip today....I don’t play the machines but play bingo.......we play for about 3 hrs & I didn’t win today & list what it cost me to play but as I’m getting paid to go & it is only once a month, I Won 150 last month. It’s a drive over the mountains though, I don’t drive, but still a long day. Night All
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 2,804
Just finished my workout, and now waiting for my porridge to cook.
Only 2 weeks after this week before a two week break then I start my new job.
It's starting to feel a bit final now, trying to get everything tied up before I leave is proving to be a challenge. I have the weeks and days counted down on the calendar.
I love a new, fresh start...It makes me feel energised again. I don't know why I've stayed in this job for so long - fear of change probably?
It's so important to remind ourselves that whatever our situation, we always have some choices to help improve it. Addiction keeps us stuck in the same groove year after year, not able to think clearly , unable to plan a compelling future - at least that's my personal experience.
Hope everyone is either sleeping soundly or having a great day.
Only 2 weeks after this week before a two week break then I start my new job.
It's starting to feel a bit final now, trying to get everything tied up before I leave is proving to be a challenge. I have the weeks and days counted down on the calendar.
I love a new, fresh start...It makes me feel energised again. I don't know why I've stayed in this job for so long - fear of change probably?
It's so important to remind ourselves that whatever our situation, we always have some choices to help improve it. Addiction keeps us stuck in the same groove year after year, not able to think clearly , unable to plan a compelling future - at least that's my personal experience.
Hope everyone is either sleeping soundly or having a great day.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 361
Hi everyone! I’m creeping up on my 3 year sober date in a few weeks now and I was inspired to come back and check on things. Pleasantly surprised to find you all here at the top of the threads! Thinking of you all and wishing you well
Hillbilly Girl
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: In my Garden
Posts: 3,953
Nice to see you here rockstar & congratulations on 3 years sobriety!
2 weeks will come & go Free & nice you will have 2 weeks off before starting your new job........you’ll be rested & focused! Hope you are having a great day!
I did the stairs after work again yesterday & then to the weight room. I counted the stairs & in total I do 400 stairs in about 7 minutes. I probably do another 100 through out the day. There is not a muscle in my body not sore this am but sure feels good & was nice to be welcomed back by another gym member yesterday, a man probably in his 70s that lifts heavy weights there.....inspiring! Working on the inside too....meditation, self acceptance. Feeling happy & hopeful again.
Have a great day Fools!
2 weeks will come & go Free & nice you will have 2 weeks off before starting your new job........you’ll be rested & focused! Hope you are having a great day!
I did the stairs after work again yesterday & then to the weight room. I counted the stairs & in total I do 400 stairs in about 7 minutes. I probably do another 100 through out the day. There is not a muscle in my body not sore this am but sure feels good & was nice to be welcomed back by another gym member yesterday, a man probably in his 70s that lifts heavy weights there.....inspiring! Working on the inside too....meditation, self acceptance. Feeling happy & hopeful again.
Have a great day Fools!
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