Hoping this is my FINAL Day One.
 

Tempe here... again. 2014 has been my most successful year since my mid-twenties of sober days. I'm mid-fifties and have had 75 sober days as of today in 2014. My total sober days for 2013 was 47. If I can keep sober through the end of the year, could end up with 126 sober days for 2014. That would be a miracle and I believe in miracles, so will pray it happens.

I know 75 and 47 are not great numbers, but compared to my 30's, and especially my 40's, they are huge as I was lucky during those years to have 10-20 per year.

I have really admired some of the check-in threads individual posters have started and kept up on and I think this thread is going to be mine.

I certainly appreciate all the information, support, understanding, fellowship and strength reading at this wonderful site provides. Wishing all of you the very best.

Hi Tempe,

75 and 47 'are' great numbers. Every sober day is a good day and I'm glad you are here and ready to dig in and stay sober.

Do you have a plan? Are you taking action to help you through this? I know that 2014 can be a great year for you and 2015 can be a 365-sober-day year for you. :)

For the last decade of my drinking, which spanned over 30 years. I didn't have a single sober day! NONE.

Yet when I got sober, I stayed sober.

So no more accepting short stints of sobriety. No more day ones!

Keep coming back!!!

I could never have kept up with my sober daze.......Being the perfectionist, I would drink if I thought I was off even slightly in my count!!

So, today is day 155 - in row! Decided it's easier to keep track of this way. Btw, we are the same age..... :)

FlyN

Good luck

Welcome back, Tempe.

Stay close to SR; you CAN accomplish that goal of 126 sober days in 2014 and move on to a 365 day sober 2015.

Never give up! :)

Welcome back Tempe :)

D

Thank you all for the encouraging words. It means a lot. I know it's kind of weird I've kept track of my sober days, but guess it's been me trying to grasp a bit of control in an out of control situation. Also, I like statistics.

It's Day 2 and a very early one at that, so am surprised I slept as much as I did. Through the years, I've told myself I need to drink to be able to sleep which is bunk. I realize now I needed to drink to be spared the insomnia that accompanies detoxing. I also drank to chase away the ghosts from the past and the attending feelings of shame and remorse they invoked.

A plan. Yes, to come here a lot and to listen to AA speakers on audio podcasts each night before bed. That is to start with, and then to add addiction reading materials (no attention span currently) and whatever it takes. God help me. Thanks for listening.

Completing sober day 3 and filled with relief and gratitude. And exhausted. Went two solid months with not one lousy day not drinking after spending about half the summer sober. I was back to a handle of vodka every 4 to 5 days in no time. If I never see or smell Crystal Light lemonaid again, it will be too soon!

Thank you all for reading and posting in my thread, I so appreciate it.

Nice work Tempe. We're so glad you're back. :) You never have to return to that miserable place.

And day 4 begins and I'm feeling washed out but grateful. Happy Thursday to everyone.

Happy thursday Tempe well done on day 4

Ideally there should only be one "day one" but even if it's 32 it can be the last. That's hope. Congrats!

Congrats on day 4 Tempe :)

D

Day 5 is drawing to a close. Spent most of the day in the kitchen cooking. Made homemade chicken soup for my ex-husband who is sick and delivered it late in the day. It felt good to be of service to another. Heck, when I was drinking, I wouldn't have had the desire nor time to do something for someone else. Actually, I've done a lot of grocery shopping and cooking all week which I usually dread and put off. I've had little appetite, though, so most has gone into the freezer.

I had a weak spell tonight with some cravings, but realized I was probably hungry and had some peanutbutter and applesauce and they went away. I also reminded myself of how awful alcohol makes me feel and a wave of terror washed over me. Thanking God and so grateful.

Wishing you all peace and soothing, restful sleep this cold, Friday night.

Have a good sober weekend Tempe :)

D

This is great, Tempe! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

Day 6 and I'm incredibly depressed. Had an especially irksome phone call with my elderly mother this a.m. She is so negative, nasty, mean-spirited and petty and trashes everyone in her life. I wish I could cut her out of my life, but it's just something I'm unable to do. My sister feels the same way, so it's not just me. She'll soon be 84, so surely this won't last forever. I know that sounds mean and cruel, but this is how she's been all her life. This conversation set off cravings, but so far have not succumbed. May God give me strength to continue my sobriety. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Tempe, I think we have the same mother ;)

Don't let it ruin your day, my friend.

Well done on staying strong for day 6, you're doing great :You_Rock_