Less Alcohol - March 2018- One day at a Time

kittybenn · March 2018

Of poss interest to the group -- Philip Galanes in the NYT has a question and answer about what to tell your friends when they question why you're AF: The Drink That Stands Between Recovery and Relapse

RubyRed427 · March 2018

kittybenn wrote: »

Of poss interest to the group -- Philip Galanes in the NYT has a question and answer about what to tell your friends when they question why you're AF: The Drink That Stands Between Recovery and Relapse

Thanks for sharing! I find myself saying these days, " I don't drink because I cant moderate."
People tend to shut up. LOL

On the converse, when someone quits smoking, people say "good for you." I dont think anyone would every say, "Come on, just one cigarette."

RubyRed427 · March 2018

ali3boys wrote: »

Well, I'm defiantly in this time. I've been in and out for a few months now. Nothing came together for me. I always ended up doing the same thing week after week. Now I'm participating in lent; and one of the things I've chosen to do was not drink. It's been SO AWESOME so far. I'm really surprised how well it's going. I was a little afraid I have to admit if I could actually do it. I'm not sure if it's going to continue so easy; but I have to admit it's a real eye opener for me. I'm really hoping that once lent is over I'm going to have a path on how to handle the future with alcohol wherever it may be. Right now it's easy to tell my friends I'm not drinking, but once lent is over I'm not sure if it's going to be so easy. Hopefully reading all your post, something will come together for me :-)

I'm happy you're doing so awesome! Perfect time to quit during Lent. Xoxo

RubyRed427 · March 2018

zenetanar wrote: »

I moved to Germany in September and the beer and wine are so good... and so cheap... so it's so hard not to overindulge. (Chocolate too, but I've done better with that one since January.) I still want to enjoy a glass of wine at dinner, and the occasional beer, but I need to stop drinking half the bottle between when I get home and when I go to sleep! Or pouring myself a half litre of beer as soon as I walk in the door, and then sipping wine later on.

I love Germany. Beautiful country. And the food is yummy! My favorite is Wienerschnitzel.
Think of an alternative for when you walk in the door. Like put on the tea kettle. Or come in through another door... Just brainstorming:) Anything to change the pattern.

RubyRed427 · March 2018

angelacatheart wrote: »

There's an article on elephant journal today called "You don’t have to be an Alcoholic to admit when Drinking Hurts your Life."

Here is the link:

https://www.elephantjournal.com/2018/02/you-dont-have-to-be-an-alcoholic-to-admit-when-drinking-hurts-your-life/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The Daily Mindful March 1st&utm_content=The Daily Mindful March 1st+Version+A+CID_0b16cec30fc4b4820f5c13fdfd9b6d3e&utm_source=Email Marketing&utm_term=You dont have to be an Alcoholic to admit when Drinking Hurts your Life

I read this article twice. Very good. I liked when she said she realized she sucked at drinking!
The author said drinking with people was her hobby. I was like that, too. I used to visit a neighbor, mostly, because I knew she would offer me a glass of wine. And she and I would then polish off one or two bottles. Bad excuse to visit a friend, I know. But that's where my brain was last summer: How could I get a drink without pouring one myself. Made me feel less responsible for my actions.

I saw her at a Super Bowl party and told her I quit drinking. She said longingly "I wish I could. But my husband loves to drink."

donimfp · March 2018

I love that answer @JulieAL1969, I can’t moderate. It clearly states that these are YOUR boundaries and not a prescription for anyone else. I think owning our own “stuff” is a major strength of this group. Yay us!

Melonpaul · March 2018

a glass of wine while making dinner and then one beer after dinner, better than my usual. Here's to a good weekend.

Sober_Is_Sexy · March 2018

Hey there, I keep seeing this thread pop up and just really debated on whether I should comment or not. I am actually a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for a year and a half. I wanted to say hello and also add that since I’ve gotten sober, the sky is the limit with my health and fitness goals. I’ve never felt and looked better. So I commend all of you! I for one know it’s not easy

Alzzi76 · March 2018

Sober_Is_Sexy wrote: »

Hey there, I keep seeing this thread pop up and just really debated on whether I should comment or not. I am actually a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for a year and a half. I wanted to say hello and also add that since I’ve gotten sober, the sky is the limit with my health and fitness goals. I’ve never felt and looked better. So I commend all of you! I for one know it’s not easy

Hello , I really like your username

it says alot in a few words. Very positive! (= and encouraging.
Now days u feel u have to b drunk to b sexy. But alot falls on your head if u arnt aware and sober and make sensible decisions.

I am very pleaded you came in to this thread you are an inspiration to us. thank u for your post.

looneycatblue · March 2018

Day 1, winning

SunnyDays930 · March 2018

Well the wind is howling outside so I will probably lose power, internet, etc. I sure will miss ya'll if I can't check in for a few days. I hope everyone does well sticking to their goals.

ulcaster555 · March 2018

Temptation was strong last night, She was slender, sexy and sleek, thought about it for a couple of seconds and put the bottle of Porto and glass away

MissMay · March 2018

ulcaster555 wrote: »

Temptation was strong last night, She was slender, sexy and sleek

Thanks @ulcaster, that was a great laugh for me to log into and see first thing. In both scenarios it is best to back away! LOL.
@Norminv you may have some competition in the humor department.

@JulieAL1969 your everyday life experiences with alcohol should be preserved. Maybe we will be reading the next self help book on alcohol written by you.

Damp evening last night with one blueberry twisted tea. TOO SWEET. BLAH!

Have a great day all.

ehseeker · March 2018

Love this thread and the insight shared by all. It has helped me moderate my drinking and given me a new way to look at it. Instead of thinking "it's been 3 days since I had a drink" I'm focused on the opposite end of the stick, as Abraham would say and think "I'm 3 days af." It feels more like gaining something as opposed to losing. For those that can't moderate and are refraining, it is such a good thing you are doing for yourself and your loved ones. Being married to a 'functioning alcoholic' for almost 20 years I've experienced the harm it does to the alcoholic and to their loved ones. My ex, and other heavy drinkers, miss out on so much of the good in life and, eventually lose their health. I'm so moved by those of you who recognize there is a problem and are working for a better way to go on. My new run, 1 day af.

runtodayamyrun · March 2018

Well after staying the course because I didn't loose any weight last week, even though I was AF, I'm happy to report that I'm down a pound this week! Thanks guys for recommended more water, I pounded the water bottle hard this week instead of the bottle, LOL. Happy Friday!

RubyRed427 · March 2018

Sober_Is_Sexy wrote: »

Hey there, I keep seeing this thread pop up and just really debated on whether I should comment or not. I am actually a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for a year and a half. I wanted to say hello and also add that since I’ve gotten sober, the sky is the limit with my health and fitness goals. I’ve never felt and looked better. So I commend all of you! I for one know it’s not easy

Thanks for commenting. So happy to hear from you! I am sure you feel amazing and you look beautiful, too. It's not easy, but your comments shows me that it is possible! xo

lporter229 · March 2018

Sober_Is_Sexy wrote: »

Hey there, I keep seeing this thread pop up and just really debated on whether I should comment or not. I am actually a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for a year and a half. I wanted to say hello and also add that since I’ve gotten sober, the sky is the limit with my health and fitness goals. I’ve never felt and looked better. So I commend all of you! I for one know it’s not easy

Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate the comments from those who have been alcohol free for a while. I love to hear of the positive impact it has made on everyone's life.

Yesterday was day one and it was easy because I had a lot to do after work. It helps that I have been moderating for a while because now I don't think about not having alcohol. Today is Friday and I am looking forward to a sober evening. I have come to really enjoy waking up early on Saturday with energy and a whole day in front of me. As others have mentioned, looking at it from a positive angle rather than a sacrifice has made a world of difference for me.

Will_Run_for_Food · March 2018

lporter229 wrote: »

Yesterday was day one and it was easy because I had a lot to do after work. It helps that I have been moderating for a while because now I don't think about not having alcohol. Today is Friday and I am looking forward to a sober evening. I have come to really enjoy waking up early on Saturday with energy and a whole day in front of me. As others have mentioned, looking at it from a positive angle rather than a sacrifice has made a world of difference for me.

Totally agree. The feeling of waking up refreshed and ready for the day - especially on a weekend when the days is all yours - really can't be beat. It may be hard to shift our thinking of being AF from negative to positive, but we have to keep reminding ourselves that it really is about freedom.

Now, having said all that, I still find that witching hour tough (for me it's about 5 to 7 p.m.). One thing that works for me is having a distraction or having something to do/somewhere to go that doesn't involve drinking. Tonight, we're off to the movies. The only thing I will be indulging in is popcorn!

kpk54 · March 2018

Alcohol gave me wings then took away my sky.

(4+ years AF).

Carolyn12457 · March 2018

I'd love to participate in this group. For right now my goal is to moderate. I'm hoping that will work. This past year has been a tough one (suffering from a bit of depression after a death in the family) and I found myself drinking way too much. And when I drink, good eating habits go out the window.

I managed to gain a lot of weight in one year and it's taken a toll on my body. My husband is helping me with both. I'm actually having him lock the liquor cabinets so I'm not tempted to just have a drink during the day. When we drink it's together and I'm counting the alcohol calories just as I do with food.

So far so good. But last night I found myself pouring a little extra wine. Unfortunately I'm all about the buzz more than the savoring. We'll see how it goes. I want to be able to drink with him. We love doing wine tastings on our trips, quite often to Oregon and we love really good beer. I'm hoping I can get it under control.

Down 6 pounds since Feb 1 and know less alcohol is a big factor.

Less Alcohol - March 2018- One day at a Time

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