Encouraging physical signs
 

I'm searching for every bit of encouragement that I can to sustain me in this new path.

I hope it's not annoying to be so "positive" because I certainly have my struggles and years of regret and shame, depression and cyclical worries.

But I'm finding that it helps keep me on track to remind myself of the emotional and physical benefits I'm already seeing of not drinking, rather than focus on what I might be "missing" -- though that is seeming less and less appealing and more and more ridiculous as time goes on.

So, an accounting:

-- I'm sleeping great, waking up rested and relieved, and falling asleep naturally at a decent hour, not just "passing out".

-- My blood pressure was 119/73 a few minutes ago, after having crept up to worrisome levels only a few months ago when I was daily drinking.

-- I've lost 6 pounds and my stomach is almost flat, after looking like I was 7 months pregnant with bloat just a few months ago.

-- I'm taking the antidepressant that had been prescribed to me but which I had stopped taking so I could drink.

-- I have been laughing out loud.

-- I have an early morning appointment tomorrow, and I don't need to worry if I will have wine seeping from my pores when I go in.

-- My skin looks glowier, my face less puffy, and my eyes white instead of bloodshot.

-- I'm in my 50s, and I'm getting more compliments/looks lately than I've had in years and years.

-- I've saved at least $550 on wine alone. I used to drink about a bottle a day. That's the calories of eating a Big Mac every single night.

I'm only 55 days in, so I know there's more good to come.

I truly see I was poisoning my mind and body.

Hope this encourages someone!

Be positive. Brag it up! 55 days is awesome.

My blood pressure was a big red flag that got me thinking I might be drinking too much. I'm down to 122/78 which is normal/ideal.

Alcohol is a nasty poison. It's amazing how well the body reacts when you stop poisoning it.

Good for you, tealilly! Many of us spend so many days, months, years, in such poor, alcoholic shape, that when we get some sober time under our belts, suddenly people start asking us if we started working out, lost weight, just got back from vacation, etc. It came as kinda of a shock to me that so many told me how good and healthy I looked.

Keep it up and use that positive encouragement!

Congratulations, that is a very good list of positives. In reality, many of the things you laid out are what "normal" people experience their whole lives. But since we are alcoholics, some of those normal things get out of whack and when they return we have a true appreciation for little things like a good nights sleep.

That's AWESOME news ! And never annoying for being positive! It gets better and better :-)

You are so right, thomas11. They are all pretty basic, normal things, but they feel like such a blessing in comparison! Amazing how miserable we can make ourselves. I've been rediscovering such simple pleasures. And finding the "old me" again.

Crazy what harm we can do to ourselves, as if life isn't hard enough on its own.

:thanks

tealily don't hold back you're doing amazing!!! I personally find all of your post genuine, positive and kind. Not that I'm stalking you of course lol!
It is actually pretty amazing the changes we can see and feel and just imagine what's going on inside. Liver, heart in fact every internal organ is viciously attacked by alcohol abuse.
Your progress is brilliant long may it continue! xxx

LOVE this!!!! I can relate with most of your positive things and I am so grateful for those things too. It's the beauty of sobriety that keeps me sober more than the fear of drinking consequences. Thanks!

Great stuff tealily!! Makes you feel young and new all over again in many ways!

I love the positive success stories. You're doing great.

Really good stuff, tealily!!!!!!!

Be proud! :)

Keep on.

Sobriety gets better and better.

Great Jon on 55!

I am starting to feel the physical/energy benefits and the mood/spirit benefits. I am excited about the complexion and glow, the brighter eyes, and hopefully a little weight loss!

You're an inspiration.

Reading this helped me so much.....thank you!!!

Great job, way to go!

Well done tealily! Thats a good aim for us newbies - who's skin is crap and weight is piling on - it really is encouraging to see light at the middle of the tunnel

Most definitely, it also reinforces the saying around here that being an alcoholic is a lot of damn work. And if you think about it, its kind of true. Its much easier just living a normal life.

People used to say to me, oh, you must be doing well, you look great. :) My well being is reflected in my face. :)

My favorite physical sign of sobriety is waking up feeling good. That never gets old. :)

That's great to hear, tealily!

I'm down two more pounds today! 8 total.

I'm surprised because I'm subbing some chocolate for alcohol but I guess I'm also not gorging on junk food late at night while drinking or eating greasy, carb laden food when sick the next day.

Interesting how our bodies respond to decent nutrition. 😀

so encouraging- thanks for posting!