A week in the real world!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: England
Posts: 81
A week in the real world!
I'm coming up to a full week without alcohol despite having a very testing few days! My mum was investigated for cancer (all clear!) my boyfriend toyed with the idea of breaking up with me (decided to stick me out!) and I did a few gruelling night shifts in the hospital I work at.
The first couple (maybe 4?) days I felt as though I could take a drink from just about anyone, anywhere. However, on day 5, yesterday and today I have started to feel a beautiful sense of calm and self-control which continues to grow with each passing moment. The weekend is approaching and I am not concerned. I have about three assignments to do for University and I am strangely at ease about them (though I won't be unless I make a start!).
I've been reading other people's posts and not posting much myself. I suppose I joined this forum community through desperation, and didn't have any great expectations for it, but it really has been a great source of strength. The encouragement, positivity and experience radiating throughout the site has made my journey much easier.
I still have much to work on. Most of my friends are drinking buddies and I'm yet to see them. Lucky for me my best friend is pregnant, yesterday I helped her decorate her house for Christmas. It wasn't the wild kind of fun I'm accustomed to, but it was still a fun day - I left when I got bored, walked 40 minutes home and slept like a baby! I know triggers will appear and challenge my sobriety, but I'll just make very sure not to have that first drink.
I've tried to quit before and have felt a sense of deprivation. I don't feel like that at all this time. I don't feel left out of the social side of drinking, instead I feel involved with the everyday life that normal, non-alcoholic drinkers (or ex-alcoholic non-drinkers) experience. I don't have that feeling where I want to have a month or six months under my belt; I'm just enjoying each day at a time. Thanks so much for reading and for posting, I can't stress enough how much this site has helped me.
The first couple (maybe 4?) days I felt as though I could take a drink from just about anyone, anywhere. However, on day 5, yesterday and today I have started to feel a beautiful sense of calm and self-control which continues to grow with each passing moment. The weekend is approaching and I am not concerned. I have about three assignments to do for University and I am strangely at ease about them (though I won't be unless I make a start!).
I've been reading other people's posts and not posting much myself. I suppose I joined this forum community through desperation, and didn't have any great expectations for it, but it really has been a great source of strength. The encouragement, positivity and experience radiating throughout the site has made my journey much easier.
I still have much to work on. Most of my friends are drinking buddies and I'm yet to see them. Lucky for me my best friend is pregnant, yesterday I helped her decorate her house for Christmas. It wasn't the wild kind of fun I'm accustomed to, but it was still a fun day - I left when I got bored, walked 40 minutes home and slept like a baby! I know triggers will appear and challenge my sobriety, but I'll just make very sure not to have that first drink.
I've tried to quit before and have felt a sense of deprivation. I don't feel like that at all this time. I don't feel left out of the social side of drinking, instead I feel involved with the everyday life that normal, non-alcoholic drinkers (or ex-alcoholic non-drinkers) experience. I don't have that feeling where I want to have a month or six months under my belt; I'm just enjoying each day at a time. Thanks so much for reading and for posting, I can't stress enough how much this site has helped me.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Gatineau, QC, CA
Posts: 5,100
Great post! I also am slowlly realizing I'm not missing out on drunk parties.
Sobriety is so much more appealing then previous times I quit.
Good for you keep up the great self improvements!
Sobriety is so much more appealing then previous times I quit.
Good for you keep up the great self improvements!
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
It's so nice when the depression/anxiety start to life, isn't it? I found myself appreciating the little things around me so much more. Like you said, it's not all excitement and raucous laughter, just a good feeling of contentment.
Sounds like you're doing really, really well already - good job!!!
Sounds like you're doing really, really well already - good job!!!
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