Hevyn

Insightful, helpful, valuable - as per usual. Thank you so much.

Avra

This sums it up exactly for me! Thanks for the post.

Zenna

Hi FreeOwl,

Glad it's not that tough for you. Not sure why you think this applies to everyone else?

FreeOwl

because fundamentally, objectively, it's simply not.

re-read the original post.

(I didn't say it was easy, by the way...)

Delilah1

Great post Free Owl. I definitely used some of those excuses for a long time. I agree that although it isn't easy, the solution is simple, I do not drink.

Zenna

I just read the original post before I replied. What is your definition of tough?

Zenna

.

Zenna

US: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough

Definition of tough
1 : difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with a tough question tough luck
2 : capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor tough soldiers
3 : unruly, rowdyish a tough gang
4 a : strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle
b : not easily chewed tough meat
5 : characterized by severity or uncompromising determination tough laws tough discipline
6 : very hard to influence : stubborn a tough negotiator
7 : stubbornly fought a tough contest
8 : marked by absence of softness or sentimentality a tough critic
9 : glutinous, sticky
— toughly adverb
— toughness noun
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century




UK: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/tough

(of a substance or object) strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling.

‘tough rucksacks for climbers’
More example sentencesSynonyms
1.1 (of food, especially meat) difficult to cut or chew.
‘the hastily prepared steak was tough’
More example sentencesSynonyms
2Able to endure hardship or pain.

‘she was as tough as old boots’
More example sentencesSynonyms
2.1 Having the confidence and determination to cope in difficult situations.
‘he liked editors who were tough enough to make the grade’
More example sentences
2.2 Difficult and requiring determination or effort.
‘we have six tough matches in a row’
More example sentencesSynonyms
2.3 Used to express sympathy with someone in a difficult situation.
‘Poor kid. It's tough on her’
More example sentences
3Demonstrating a strict and uncompromising approach.

‘police have been getting tough with drivers’
‘tough new laws on tobacco advertising’
More example sentencesSynonyms
3.1often as exclamation Used to express a lack of sympathy with someone.
‘I feel the way I feel, and if you don't like it, tough’
More example sentences
4Strong and prone to violence.

‘tough young teenagers’
More example sentencesSynonyms
4.1 (of an area) notorious for violence and crime.
‘a tough part of the town’
More example sentencesSynonyms
NOUN
informal
A rough and violent man.

‘a gang of toughs’
More example sentencesSynonyms
VERB
tough it out
informal
Endure a period of hardship or difficulty.

MindfulMan

Figuring out the "why" may help you remain sober. But that comes later.

First comes the commitment to the NOW. Then your plan, and sticking to it, which should throwing every tool at your disposal towards getting and remaining sober.

Time is not past, present and future, just a series of endless nows.

Wow, that was deep.

FreeOwl

This sort of thing is exactly how to make it tougher than it is.....

August252015

My new life is the simplest, longest time coming thing I've ever experienced. Once I was done drinking, it began, and not a second before - no matter who, what, when, where, why.....

Any time my alcoholic mind attempts to complicate things (most anything!), it's time to remember that all I had to do to simplify was be done drinking. Everything else has followed that decision.

J50

Kevin O'Hara from Alcohol Mastery on YouTube ends all his videos by saying, "keep the alcohol out of your mouth." Yes, it is that simple.

The hard part is dealing with the symptoms that come later as the body adjusts to not having the alcohol in it.

If you have a plan (can include working with your doctor, AA, or other therapy), and are willing to go through the initial pain, long term sobriety is possible as many here have shown.

To start, however, you have to stop.

Zenna

This sort of thing is exactly how to dodge the question "What is your definition of tough.?" Since you felt enlightened enough to tell us it isn't tough, you don't feel any responsibility to say what you mean?

What is your definition of tough, FreeOwl? Does it relate to anyone else's? Since you decided to make a statement about it. Simple questions. No answers?

Fly N Buy

Getting down to causes and conditions was foundational for me and is for many others. However, we have to stay sober long enough and allow our brains to clear so an honest self evaluation can be done. At almost 4 years more is revealed in an ongoing basis.

I am not promoting wallowing in the past, but I face it and don't sweep it under the rug. I address it, as I have harmed many. Sobriety is like driving 70 mph and slamming on the brakes! All the stuff in the back seat comes flying forward. It takes time to sort through.

Regardless, not drinking is the precursor to a fulfilling sober journey.

Snowydelrico

Contrary to popular belief owls are not wise, they have a very small brain.
Freeowl you appear to be an exception