Originally Posted by soberista

On the many previous occasions I decided "Never again!" there came a point when the voice in my head started saying "whaddya mean..never again?? What about this occasion, that time, those celebrations, etc etc".
My AV could always come up with a situation when my life was going to be dramatically impacted because I wouldn't be having a drink and within that it would make me feel I was somehow going to be having a crap life because of it and therefore what was the point of living if I could not have a drink (how bonkers does that sound!) . The tickertape would automatically play, for some reason, "Dont drink, dont smoke, what do you do?".

This time I feel different. It's a long story but basically last year my partner and I sold everything and bought a renovation property which we moved into in December after living in a motorhome for 6 months. We did this because I could not take the stress of our previous lives anymore. So in January I opened the wine and drank my way through two bottles. I woke up in the morning and thought WTF have I done this all for if this new stress free life just continues with alcohol being so present. That was the 4th January. Now my tickertape says "Yes you would like to be able to have a glass off wine at X,Y or Z event however you dont have a dial that you can set for 1 drink, you have a switch and if you turn it to on you wont be able to turn it off. One drink will become two and then a bottle and then another bottle and then all the associated feelings. Dont go there because life is better keeping the switch OFF. I have to say it is getting easier. I too feel that faith this time. I dont think about alcohol so much and I have started to fill my life with other things. Yoga, embroidery, reading, the gym. I have a lavender diffuser that sits next to my bed so I go to sleep calmly. I've never slept so well. And the wolf story...well I feed my positive wolf on a daily basis (and I bury my head in its neck and nuzzle down because its safe there).

Hugs Gabe Xx[/QUOTE

You are so right Soberista. When I first stopped drinking all I thought about was how would I get to Friday, then how would I get through the weekend. Once I felt pretty solid in that my AV started with 'what about that wedding?' and 'what about when you see so and so, you'll have to drink then!' Imagine deciding weeks in advance that you will have to see a friend and drink with them. When I question whether I have a drink problem I just think of that. It's so illogical it can only be addiction!!

I am really happy for you that you are embracing your new life and getting rid of alcohol. And you are completely right about the switch too. I have an off and an ON. If it's ON anything can happen. When I think about having a drink I remind myslef that it will be at least two bottles of wine, 15 cigarettes and a day in my bed. It will be on my own, throwing it down my neck and ignoring my phone. It will be skulking around the next day, not being sure if I am in trouble, if I've have hurt myself or broken something and (worse) if my husband can stand to look at me. Any romantic views of drinking involving anything other than the above is B******T.

It also wakes the beast, or in my case feeds the evil wolf and that voice in my head comes alive instantly. After a recovery day its wine, wine, wine.

You sound like you have some great interests and hobbies in place. It's inspirational. Hugs back to you S. Gabe xx

Originally Posted by Tinker B

I know!
Its tricky with the times
In for 24 more though
And love from sunny Queensland
❤❤❤❤

Originally Posted by Carlotta

Just popping in, it has been a while since I have been on this thread.
I have been really busy working on Jack's new website
The Kitty Cat's Corner: Home of the Healthy, Happy Pet Cats
4:27 pm in Seattle and in for another sober 24 hours

Originally Posted by quitter62

Hey Hey Hey! Checking In, Feeling GREAT! My 'weekend' begins tonight as I am rotating through a couple weekend shifts. Off until Saturday Morning!

24 More for Me! Popping open an ICE COLD Root Beer and enjoying the GOOD LIFE!

Originally Posted by Donnie34

24 more hours for me and I hope you all are having a great Tuesday <3

Originally Posted by Purplrks3647

I am going to need another 24 hours please!

Originally Posted by DaneK

I may have a new girlfriend soon. She likes me and I like her, but we still need to get to know each other first. All I want is to love and be loved. Well, that and to be sober. 24 more.

Originally Posted by TheToddman

24 more on a Tuesday ...19:55 central.

Thanks all