Last night
 

My bus was delayed over an hour so it meant I'd a two and a half hour wait to get home. I was twitching and dancing with the devil of drinking. I actually had to use the "just not today if u feel like it tomorrow I'll let you" analogy. It worked. Maybe just now the avrt "yes no game" is too difficult. Because in the moment of temptation when saying no is hard - saying yes is too easy - if it's one or the other. Maybe I have to manipulate my beast as he does me right now. Anyway I'm really pleased I didn't drink last night :) things still suck but at least I'm not hungover and guilty or anxious

Glad you made it through 13 :)

D

That worked for me my entire first year sober. Was an incredibly powerful tool, as I meant it sincerely whenever I said it.

This staying sober stuff isn't as difficult as some people make it out to be. If we use the tools we're given. That's why early in recovery I wanted my toolbox to be overflowing. Filled it up, and used every single tool that was availed to me. Still do (well, a lot of them anyway), but it's no longer in order to not drink. I don't drink. Now they're my tools for leading a contented life.

Great job! :) Keep doing what you did there and you'll be sober for life.

Well done you! You can outwit your beast ;)

That is an excellent idea. "Just not today. If you want it tomorrow i'll let you, but just NOT today!" (My avatar totally agrees with this concept. hehe. )

That's going in the toolbox. Thank you!

Way to go!!! Fight that AV. Stay strong :You_Rock_

I'm not sure how separating the voice works as we all know it is "I" wanting but it does work with the AVRT. Any thought process that supports drinking is bunk. It has made early detection of "using thoughts" easier for me I think. Any which way we can. Congrats!

I call my Av my pet dinosaur it can be tamed

Congratulations, 13, you did it! You succeeded in giving that idea to drink a pass. You get a pat on the back for this.

Next time, consider this. Step outside yourself and take a look at what you are experiencing when these urges come along. OK, so here's this 13 person, an (ex) alcoholic, with a sudden urge to drink. Where are the urges coming from? She surely doesn't want to drink, it is her addiction that is jonesing. Who decides if she will stay sober? Will she make it?

If you ponder these questions in this way while you are standing on that edge, I am confident that you will pull back. I know you have it within to do it and to be successful. I believe in you, 13. Always, OK?

Great job!! Keep pushing through!! :)

As always Fresh you say the right thing at the right time. My urges come from some part of me that's hell bent on ruining me and my friendships and all my close relationships. Actually that's not what it wants to do. It just doesn't care if that happens. Even as I type this and think about the consequences of drinking it ignites a spark in me that pulls me to imagine that warm feeling but it brazenly fails to validate the ensuing negativity that always - always - always - without a doubt follows. I really want to kick it for real this time. I've had my eyes opened to real happiness over the past 6 months - or at least as close to it as I've ever felt ever. Before my latest stint of drinking I was actually comfortable to be a part of this world. I truly saw beauty in living and a real excitement. I need to work on my coping mechanisms - I need to learn to put things down and not get to the point of stress and anxiety where I crave escape. There's tough times ahead. I'm hopefully going to move out from my brothers soon and I've quite a lot of debt but I just need to focus on working and paying it off at a manageable level. Problem is I'm really bad at working out budgets. I should probably get some help with it. I want to take charge of my life. I want to work towards this life that I deserve to give myself. I'm going to keep checking in daily for now because it helps me to get the day in perspective and I know I repeat myself a lot but it's like a positive affirmation to myself :)

I used your line today in work - I was talking to someone about hitting target and he was saying 'it's been hard today but I'm almost where I've got to be' I answered 'well done' then I smiled and said "onwards" lol I love how simple that word is but it's so meaningful :) I've sort of adopted it hahaha

My first sober birthday in 20 years
 

.......and I have loved it!

Sorry I hijacked the thread, thought I had started another thread! Sorry!:a108:

Hijack away buggirl :) how are u and what do u love lol

We all have some AV from time to time, but we also have a rational voice. I think that learning to recognize each for their true nature is important. That rational voice comes up with some good ideas, and best not leave them go to waste. Putting those ideas into action needs a plan too, no?

I would wager that your bank has a credit assistance office, and since they want their money back some day, they will most certainly give you the help you are looking for. Preparing a budget and sticking to it will be a certainty, since you know you can move through the small challenges now.


You can use each success, even the little ones, to propel you forward. Since you have already accomplished this one thing, now let's move on to the next. Small steps, but always keep moving in that singular direction, whatever direction that might be. Yep, that's the one right there! Onward!

Thanks. Everything at the moment lol! Love sobriety!

Nice work 13! How's this week been going so far?

So far so good - had a day off today but back in tomorrow. I think I'm ready for it.

Slight problem this week tho my works organised a party for us all but I just don't think I can go I can think of nothing that could end worse actually lol