time2shineagain

Hi guys,

It's day 2 (again) for me, and I do feel like I've got a better plan to succeed this time.

I've spent a lot of time 'playing the tape forward' and it's a very powerful tool for me. There's been too many hangovers, embarrassing moments, guilty and self-loathing day 1's and suicide ideation due to booze to pick up another drink.

My health (mental and physical) and my kids deserve better.

So here goes...

I've got a job interview this Thursday. I know I won't drink before Thursday, too much rides on this opportunity and I want a clear head and to feel the best I possibly can. After Thursday morning will be the testing point. Any reason to drink will do, right? Celebration or commiseration... For that I need a solid plan. Friday evening there's a beginner's AA meeting in my area which I want to attend, so just need to pull all my strength to get from Thursday morning to Friday evening.

Dee74

Theres some good ideas here:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...very-plan.html

Basically you have take the notion of drinking right off the table.

I don't doubt that the run up to Thursday is stressful but there are other healthy ways to deal with winding down

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...44-stress.html

D

SimplyFree

Stay strong, I'm glad you're working out a plan.

tomsteve

any other AA meetings before that/ a beginners meeting doesnt have to be your fisrt meeting- you can go to any of them.

time2shineagain

Thank you all.
tomsteve: there's a local meeting Wednesday evening too. I've never been to a meeting before, would I be expected to talk or is it OK to just listen?

Dee74

As far as I know there's absolutely no requirement to talk.

If I'm wrong someone will correct me

D

tomsteve

theres no rule saying you have to talk at any meeting, so no, you wont be expected to talk. quite allright to just listen.

time2shineagain

Thanks everyone. I'm quite introverted and having to open up in front of a group of strangers is daunting to me! It's probably the reason I've avoided going to AA. I think even just going and being around people dealing with similar issues to me will be beneficial.

Anna

It sounds like you have a good plan. It's good to come up with several ideas for things to do when you are stressed/sad/happy. Good luck with the job interview.

time2shineagain

Thanks Anna

tomsteve

im a wee bit of an introvert myeself. going to my 1st meeting took every bit of courage i had. getting through the doors was very hard. something cool,though, is every meetings, i went to i felt i was home.
as i worked the steps and kept going back, it got easier.