Daretodream

Yesterday we went to my sister and brother-in-laws (they live 90 minutes away) to celebrate my daughter's birthday and had a great time. What occurred to me this morning was that yesterday there was a 360° difference in my attitude/mood.

In the last 18 months as my dependence on alcohol escalated, I either found excuses not to go see them. Or, if I did go, I was very cranky and anxious. My family doesn't drink that much, maybe a beer or glass of wine. They are blessed with the ability to stop, unlike me. Because I had to drive home, I wouldn't drink and boy, did that drive me nuts. I was so consumed with missing time with my beloved vodka or wine that I couldn't even live in the moment and enjoy being with family. Not to mention it was exhausting, trying to hide my problem from them.

Yesterday was totally opposite experience. I was relaxed and happy to just enjoy the time together. It is amazing to me what a difference even a short time like 21 days can make. Under the spell of alcohol, I couldn't even see how it was on its way to taking over all of my life and who I am.

PurpleKnight

That's fantastic, you're doing it, keep pushing through!!

Thepatman

That's awesome! I think creating new sober memories will help you be even more solid in your resolve.

People like us, when it's been a long time we tend to think that fun equals getting plastered or hight.

brasa

Daretodream, I totally get it! Yesterday I experienced the same as you... Had a wonderful, fun, relaxing time with family without being cranky and ready to get away from them to spend time with a huge bottle of wine. Let's keep it up!

lunar

That's wonderful!
Congratulations to your victory.
I've missed many potentially memorable family occasions as such.....
or was there and didn't know it.

Nonsensical

Great post. I, too, was surprised at how my life was revolving around alcohol - even when I wasn't drinking. Something I did not discover until I stopped.

A great mile marker on the road to freedom.

marie1973

What a great feeling, happy for you!!

Bruno1979

Excellent post, well done

matt4x4

The thing is with this, by the time you notice a change in yourself, other people have seen it a long time before you have.

MIRecovery

Great job on 21 days

I have found the longer I'm sober the drunker I was. When we have something to compare to we see how much alcohol control our lives.

Dee74

Good for you Dare - I think that mental shift is very important

congratulations on your sober time too

D

least

Congrats on 21 days sober.

Daretodream

Thanks everyone for your kind and motivating words yesterday. I only hope that my unexpected experience helped someone else in their journey.

FreeOwl

wonderful!

you're doing it right.

aborkie

I can relate. I've been sober 39 days. I can do family things now and not even think about drinking. Definitely one of the big benefits of sobriety is reconnecting with family.