Meraviglioso

Hi everyone! I've been away for a while but have been thinking of you all daily. I've been doing really well, just so busy I don't even know what to do. The stress has been a big trigger for me, but each time I think of a drink to calm myself I say to myself "drinking will only make this much worse" My days are packed down to the minutes and there just isn't time to drink.
That isn't to say I have been perfect. I did have a recent slip up, I had several glasses of wine one night at dinner. But while I felt and feel guilt over that and regretted doing so, I am tired of the self-loathing and constantly beating myself up. I got right back at it the next day and each day I do my very best. I am doing the very best that I can and for that I am happy.

One thing I want to say, if anyone new who is considering quitting is reading this, is that being sober feels so good. I am just so happy. I have suffered int he past from mild depression. Recently I have suffered mild depression as well but it is clear that it is 100% related to alcohol. If I drink, I feel depressed for several days. If I don't drink I am not depressed.
To be clear, this alcohol related depression is much different from severe depression that others suffer and certainly others may need more help to over come their depression. But for some, simply quitting drinking is the answer. It has been for me and if you are feeling bad, give quitting a try and see how you feel.

I miss the connections I find here, but I really haven't had time to be at home and on the computer much. I have been able to make a few of the online AA meetings which I have really enjoyed. The in person meetings were not an option logistically with the travel distances and the kids, but this online way has been a good addition for me. I like the people there, they are friendly and welcoming and I also like how I am able to multi-task while listening to the meeting! I usually organize my desk or clean the kitchen

Take care all!

trachemys

Hey, Mera! You sound fantastic! Keep it up.

Dee74

Glad you're doing ok mera

D

anattaboy

Thanks for checking in Mera. So very glad you found YOUR way.

BernieE

You sound so energetic and happy! Congratulations!

HeartsAfire

Me too.

Hugs & love, friend.

Soberwolf

Good to hear from you Mera

Meraviglioso

Thanks all, I was being sincere and honest when I said that I thought of you daily. You have helped me through so much. I hope things will start lightening up for me in the coming weeks and I can find more time to visit, it is always helpful for me to come here.
I am feeling really good. I'm one of the lucky ones in that the fix is pretty simple- just take away alcohol. Now, that in and of itself has been a struggle, but what I mean is I am fortunate that my depression doesn't run deeper. I know that others are not as lucky as I am and my sympathy and care is directly strongly in your direction if that is you. It is miserable to feel so, well, miserable.

LBrain

glad to hear from you and that you are well Mera.

Ellay

I was just thinking of you

JT0626

Thanks for this post! I totally get the alcohol induced depression thing. I had it for the longest time & it really brought me down in 2013. I was already experiencing some situational depression (marriage problems, financial problems, bankruptcy), add alcohol & my depression was 10x worse. I got past my problems but I couldn't shake the depression, it was still nagging at me. Since I quit drinking all together, my funk has lifted dramatically.

Thanks again for reminding us how depressing alcohol can be! :-)

heartcore

I am also glad to hear that you are so well. There is a tone of contentment in your posting that was never there before. I can tell that something really deep has shifted; you sound happy inside your life.

Congratulations for all the amazing changes you've made. I noticed your absence here, but I have also been participating more fully in my life-life, and so only check in here and there. I was very much hoping that you were also happily engaged in your daily reality.

I appreciate your comments about depression. I have different challenges, but have many friends in recovery for whom actively drinking and depression are linked. I hope that folks struggling with the decision to quit drinking entirely hear that; many folks drink because they feel overwhelmed by their lives, without realizing that some of those feelings are directly related to drinking.

When you take the drink away, you change on a cellular and energetic level, and it impacts far more about your being, your emotions, and your interactions with others than you could ever imagine!!

biminiblue

Good to hear from you, Mera.

I'm glad things are going so well.

Gilmer

Me, too! You sound truly content.

Thepatman

I find the same results as you. I feel a lot less depressed sober.

Glad you are here

VikingGF

So good to hear from you, Meraviglioso! Glad to know you are doing well.