Gerard52

Well on Day 8, I went to the movies with my son and wife. We are living different places but still a family and if I am sober we get on fine.

I went on the treadmill before heading out and as a result felt quite relaxed getting something to eat and going to the movie. I have so much regret about the hurt and sadness I have caused by my drinking.

Dejvice

looks like you are on the right track. The hurt that's alcoholics cause to loved one's is really immense and takes a while to really heal all that stuff.

Dejvice

Would also recommend going for run outside. Download an running app and watch your progress then when you feel or have a low point or AV, have a brief look through you running progress and what you achieved. Works wonders.

August252015

Sounds like a good night. Hope there are many more to come as you keep going in your sobriety!

Nonsensical

Congrats on 9 days!

Regrets are difficult. Forgiving yourself is hard. It's a long process, so keep at it!

Midwest1981

day 9 is great. I am glad your able to spend time with your family. that has to feel amazing. The guilt and shame will ease up!

lessgravity

Congrats, nice work.

Use that painful regret you feel as LEVERAGE to not drink, rather than allow your AV to seize it and tell you it's lies "you already messed up, just have a drink...you will just go back to drinking, might as well have one now..."

I was finally able to truly use my family as the proper leverage to get and stay sober, rather than allowing myself to dwell on past mistakes and turn back to the bottle.

Stay strong. Nice work.

Auchieshuggle

Congratulations! I can't offer you advice, given that I am on day seven myself...but I know how difficult it is. One day at a time.

Anna

Gerard, I know that guilt and shame are hard to deal with. But, you are sober and on Day 9 which is great. And, you are out spending time with your wife and son and that's the best thing that you can do right now.

RoverVA

Congrats on 9 days, I am on my 5th today. Never look back as hard as it may be sometimes.

mattri

Well done!!

Dee74

I'm sorry for your guilt and sadness Gerard but 9 days is a great start towards building a new life you love and one you don't need to be ashamed of

D