EternalQ

I once used insomnia as an excuse to drink. Today instead I will get up and get a glass of water and go back to bed and pray thanks to God for all the gifts of my sobriety.

EternalQ

I once used: hanging with people who drank as a reason to drink.

Today instead: I went for a hike in the park with a friend (who has not stopped his daily drinking) after we ate brunch and went to an antique store.

We had a chance to talk and connect and have some fun. Afterwards he still got to get to the bar by late afternoon, whereas I got to take a nap, do three loads of laundry, buy some gifts, and write my holiday cards!

Virg

Thank you for this. It is very inspiring.

EternalQ

I once used to use anything as an excuse to drink.
Today, instead, I will face everything.

Sisterella

I once used the fact that it was {insert day of the week here} to drink. Now I'm just happy to be sober on {insert day of the week here}.

EternalQ

I once used anger and disappointment in others as reasons to drink.
Now I feel those feelings and either let them go or use them to advise me.

EternalQ

I once used physical pain as a reason to drink.
instead this week I went to the Dr and got a referral to physical therapy.

EternalQ

I once used loneliness as an excuse to drink... today instead I reached out to others.

EternalQ

I once used fear of disease as a reason to drink.
Today instead I got bloodwork and tests and with my Doctor compared my results over time. Some news good, some news raised more questions.
All bearable without alcohol.

EternalQ

I once used self pity as an excuse to drink.
Today, instead I will take any signs of self pity, and use them to remind me I need some nurturing, and take that time to nurture myself.

EternalQ

I once used shame as an excuse to drink.
Today instead I will face cleaning up another mess from my drinking years.
And shame is not invited to that party.

Vastreaction

I once used feeling good as an excuse to drink. Sounds strange, but once all the nasty feeling were gone, I would start to forget the pain of withdrawal, the shame, the guilt... it all faded, and I would feel like "Hey, I can have a drink or two and be fine."

Today instead, I will try to keep the horrid, vicious memories of what alcohol has done to me close at hand. I will draw on them when I feel the urge to drink. I will hit up an AA meeting tomorrow.

fantail

Me too, insomnia. Instead I will just fall asleep whenever I fall asleep, and it will be fine. Instead I will accept that there are things I can't control, and some days I'll be tired, and the world will not end.

Grymt

I once used: anything as excuse to drink. Today instead I will: state that the only reason I drank was because I could not not drink. Which, btw, is why I don't drink. (today) (one day at a time)

visch1

I have so much more time for myself since I stopped thinking about all that's involved with drinking and the after affects.

heartofthesea

I once used having an anxiety disorder as an excuse to drink. Today instead I will (finally) sort out my insurance to get back into therapy.

Im very new to this forum, very overdue to being here and this thread (and a few others) are bringing me to tears. Today I wont use how moved I am by not feeling alone anymore and my sadness at allowing my alcohol abuse to to get this bad... as an excuse to drink. Instead Ill understand that emotions are OK and really I am just happy Im making the necessary steps towards coping in ways that dont hurt myself and others... and that there is a whole community of people who have been there, done that, and more.

Thank you all so so much! Sorry this is so sappy

EternalQ

I once used fear and shame as excuses for drinking. Today instead I am standing down fears one by one which leaves no room for shame.

EternalQ

I once used everyday stress and responsibility as an excuse to drink.
Today instead I will remember how lucky I am that I can do these things and I won't just go through the motions.

EternalQ

I once used insomnia as an excuse to drink.
Tonight, instead,I just decided to treat these hours I'm awake as extra time God sneaked in for me.

EternalQ

I once used helplessness as an excuse to drink.
Today instead I identified the parts of a situation that I can do something about,
and when I did those,
I handed the rest to the Universe to do its part
and I let go.