venuscat

LOVE the sketching!! ❤️

Gabe1980

Rough couple of days. Combination of cravings and PMS - anxiety just shot through the roof...

Feeling quite sorry for myself yesterday, a few tears and lots of cups of tea.

Pulled it together today. I am determined to enjoy this week. Had a massage (which really helped the stress) and having a quiet night. Catching up with lots of people over the week, but none of them drinkers and I think being busy will help.

I'll book in another treatment later in the week, I have a chocolate fudge ice cream sundae lined up and we are going to do some kayaking....hopefully the anxiety will die down and I'll stop panicking some time soon xx
Thanks everyone for continuing to read and post x

venuscat

Chocolate fudge Sundaes and kayaking.....how divine. ❤️

Gabe1980

I'm on the fence - it could be a banana split!!

​​​​​Yes, I'm working on my gratitude for all the wonderful things I am able to do here ❤️

venuscat

I say have both.....you have a few more days yes?

Anna

Gabe, I'd vote for the chocolate sundae, but I like Venus's suggestion to have both over the next few days.

It sounds like you're doing well handling the cravings.

Gabe1980

Okay....as I trust both your judgements, I am having both! And then a long, long walk, so I don't turn into an ice cream filled beach ball!

Thank you both ❤️

Mizz

I vote having both. I am trying desperately hard to quit eating dessert at night. Please have a bite for me!
I'm in a grieving stage right now

dpac414

Wow Gabe, I just read this whole thread and I am blown away with how you are handling this - it's amazing, truly.

This is recovery. You are doing it!! Ups and downs and cravings and emotions and happiness and sadness and all of that stuff is just part of the whole process. You are navigating it like a champion and I am so so proud of you. You're doing it. Keep communicating and checking in here and using the support you have and you are going to keep pushing forward. I really can't express how happy I am for you.

Gabe1980

I had hot chocolate fudge cake with Orkney ice cream in honour of you Mizz ❤️

Gabe1980

Thank you so much for this, I really appreciate it. Especially today when we are planning my husband's 40th for Monday and I know I need to stand firm in my decision to be and stay sober.

It's been hard going at times and my emotions have been all over the map. I am aware though that I am reaping the benefits every single day. Just in being active, being present and being able to feel rested.

I took some amazing photos of the incredible scenery and walk off my cake with an 8 mile walk. It was better than any first drink could have been.

I'm keeping my eye firmly on what that last drink would feel like and what would be lost in-between. Xx

Hevyn

You sound wonderful, Gabe. Makes me happy.

Gabe1980

Oh, thank you Hevyn. Still feeling nervous but I'm doing it! ❤️

Mizz

Gabe,
You are truly an inspiration. I am very happy for you and all that you are accomplishing right now.
Keep on going and know you are changing your life. YOU are changing your life, Gabe! What an awesome thing.

tornrealization

Gabe your are doing absolutely an amazing job. As for the 40th…I skipped my own joint party with friends. I’ve ending up skipping all 40th drunk bashes the last couple of years. I’m sure you don’t want to skip hubby so have your exit plan. Go to bed early type plan.

Also, be prepared for some unexpected cravings after having to muscle through this whole vacation. The AV will be like, hey good job! You deserve a drink! So prepare for that. That’s how one of my relapses went….got through a heavy weekend of fun skipping all the drinks…then let’s just have one. Dammit!

You’re doing great. Once you get through it, next vacation will be even better. I go away late next week and worrying about drinking and not drinking is taking up a lot less head space these days. I have done sober vacations. So much more to do or see, or relax. Food tastes better! Mornings are the best! It’s great!

Gabe1980

Thanks so much everyone. It's been an emotionally bumpy few days but I'm working my way through it.

Torn - I've fell down that hole too! Survived (fill in the blank) then drank straight after. Ill have my eye on that.

So, big day today. Husband's 40th. We are going on a boat trip, lunch then the pub for a couple of hours. Bit anxious but I'll be okay.

The plan is:
Eat a really big lunch and drink loads of booze free drinks.
I've already said that when we get home I'm going for a big walk and a nap.
Keep snacks and cookies handy for the evening.
Head off the bed early (every will be drunk by early evening anyway.)

Wish my luck!! I just want it to be a good day but I'll settle for survival! Xx

Mizz - this may involve more cake in honour of you! X

keeppushing

You are truly an inspiration. You'll do this! All the best!

KP

Gabe1980

Gabe1980

Still here, fighting the good fight! It's been a really good day but it was a lot to go out for a meal and the pub etc. I've been just taking one thing at a time.

Bowed out for a bit of down time when we got home. Slept for a bit and then had some cake. Will hang out for a couple of hours tonight then head to bed.

BBQ and fire....it's not bad!

Xx

Fusion

I'm so pleased to read your new thread, Gabe. Such positivity and determination, that's a double-winning combination!