courage2

Lots of people dread holiday season.

If you're just getting sober, some rules for successful holidays :

1. Bow out of as much as you possibly can--you're recovering from a long illness;
2. If you must attend, arrive late, stay hydrated, leave early;
3. Forgive yourself if you cry on Christmas;
4. Don't drink & don't use drugs.

If you're not sober yet, quit drinking or using drugs now. All things, including holidays, are worse when you're using.

If you've been sober a while, but still get blue or feel a little nervous about the holidays, try to remember what they're there for. Gratitude. Good will. Birth. Inspiration. Rededication. Joy.

When I meditate on these, I feel ok. Take care!

Dee74

Thanks Courage - good reminders

D

SoberLeigh

Thanks, courage, for these wise words!

Dee74

some good ideas here too, even if I say so myself

https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...ers-2-0-a.html (Thanksgiving and Xmas Survival Guide vers 2.0)

D

Doubledee

Yes. Thanks for these Courage.

August252015

Good post!

I have arrived at my second round of sober holidays and many things feel different than last year- and in a wonderful way. Yet, I had some different and surprising stress with my FOO. Things like the above, and really employing my program tools and self care, are helping me focus on what matters most, my recovery and my own family.

Take care all!

bluedog97

I am just getting sober (again) and it’s tough. I figure if I can make it through the holidays, come January I’ll be in good shape.

Spending Thanksgiving alone, but I’m thankful I have a roof over my head and a T-giving meal to enjoy. I may even check out a meeting.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hawkeye13

Great advice that works--thanks courage

You can do this bluedog--remember to post if you need extra support

MyLittleHorsie

Great ideas!

bluedog97

Thanks Hawkeye

Fly N Buy

Well said my friend, wise ole Owl........

teatreeoil007

Thanks for posting that courage. Very helpful. Yes, need to meditate on good things to be grateful for and be very very thankful for the support of others. Happy Thanksgiving!

courage2

Vent alert.

I don't know which sets my nerves more on edge: to be in the midst of revelry, or to listen to other people's from across the way, to hear their thumping and laughter and see them with their bottles clinking through the hall, to smell their stuffing, and know that not only is my family dead or far dispersed, but we never got along that well anyway, except by drinking together.

Vent over!

Cranky sober people, you aren't alone today

I'm grateful for my 'gots' as Rusty says, but I'll be grateful when the day is over, too.

Dee74

Your SR family is never far away Courage

D

courage2

Thanks Dee. I get along ok -- I still get those teeth-grinding times, and I hope it does no harm to let them out here. At least, you know? Maybe other people going through the same ups and downs, we can manage them together.

I saw a poor little old lady with her chin all sunk into her chest at the coffee shop. She had a stomach full of food from the Neighborhood House, and a gift card for hot chocolate. She was so happy!

notgonnastoptry

It's my second round of holidays, too (june 2016 sober date).

I don't want to drink or anything, but I just feel things are so boring and tedious without booze. Like, I feel like conversation would be more animated, I'd look forward to going more, etc. I just feel now that things are long and dull.

courage2

Hi notgonnastop! Maybe you can ask questions to draw out interest in conversations. People like to talk about themselves, & often have hidden experiences that are really interesting. But if they just resolutely refuse to engage, maybe you should find people who'll do more give and take?

Doubledee

Was thinking something similar recently notgonnastop, however I feel the conversations are just the same when sober. It’s just when under the influence of alcohol my mind was altered and everything seemed better and more interesting when it wasn’t. Maybe that doesn’t apply to your situation though.

notgonnastoptry

Yeah, probably the same (I probably thought they were always boring). Which brings me to the fact that maybe I'm a narcissist at some level.

The people we saw were super interesting and in the moment, I really enjoyed speaking. But, the whole time I was sort of counting dine the time until we could make a polite exit. I was annoyed since I should be enjoying people and not wanting to get back home. In the old days, I liked to stay since I didn't want the drinking to end. It never really did, of course, but I felt less guilty as I did it.