The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
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I found a positive free great app out there called 365 days of Gratitude 🙏 journal. Here is an example from today:
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The app name: 365 Gratitude: Diary Journal Uofhappy, LLC3
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CarvedTones wrote: »Status check: Day 3 AF free for me.
After nearly 3 months AF (what I thought of as a "reset"), my experiment with my sister to moderate at a concert in mid-December led to others... and I had a head-check recently and realized that I'd drank 4 times in 30 days, and 3 of them were doozies (memory lapses, hangovers, etc).
I'm back to attending AA 2-3 times a week and while I am still not 100% committed to never having another drink again for the rest of my life, I am committed to today, and cautiously committed to the self-exploration that AA encourages. There are a lot of things in my past to take a look at (nothing BRUTAL but certainly a fair amount of pain), a lot of inner dialogue that needs addressing, and if nothing else, I know that I need to address my need to avoid being vulnerable. This fear of vulnerability has led to too many dark days, and really, what's so scary about taking a long, hard look in the mirror and taking stock? Some truths are harder to come to than others, I guess.
I've been AF for 2348 days (6.42 years) on day at a time. I still can't say I'll never drink again...Just today I don't plan on taking another drink.
I've been in AA my entire sobriety and it's been the best thing I ever did for myself to help me not drink but to learn how to live life on life's terms.
HUGS friend
I only have 570 days, but I can say I won't ever drink again. Doubt is not my friend. If I screw this up, I want tough love not compassion. I want to hear what a freaking moron I am. I don't think of myself as a alcoholic who is abstaining; I am someone who doesn't drink. I do not take it day by day; I am in it for the long haul. I made this decision and I control my adherence to it. I am not a good fit for AA. No higher power; it's all on me. I accept full responsibility for my actions that put me on a bad path and I take credit for getting back on track by making a firm decision not to drink because it leads me to making poor decisions.
AA does seem to be a good fit for a lot of people. I am just not one of them.
You have to do what works best for your own recovery and means to stay sober. There's a saying in the rooms that says we don't shoot our wounded so I will always have compassion on the new comer to AA or to the person who relapsed and is coming back to recover.
I'm really glad you've found a way that works for you. Keep going!!!4 -
Update: I found a meeting that I really like. It's sweet. It's at a "spiritual enrichment center" and held discussion style. They turn off all the lights and light candles around the room and hold the meeting like that. The resulting darkness and candle-glow provide both a feeling of not being seen, but also of intimacy (vulnerability). The people are kind, mostly older folks, and gratitude just pours out of them. I think these might be "my people."
I'm still not convinced that AA is for me for the rest of my life, but it is helping me now and I find the self-exploration immensely helpful. Also, seeing that I am 100% NOT unique helps me feel less alone. I don't have a goal other than not drinking today.
I hope you all are healthy, content, and loved.
so awesome to see this!! hooray!!!3 -
This is AWESOME I have been alcohol free since June 6, 2017. I made up my mind on that day, that I would not drink any more alcohol, and I am sticking with it!!!! I'm a happier me! My kids support this, my friends support it, and I have no problem going out with people who are drinking alcohol! I am just the designated driver!! I love it!♥11
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So I am dry and plan to stay dry through Jan but I have to admit I am already thinking about a drink once Jan is over.....I must find a way to keep going....8
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Funny thing, I didn't even know there was such a thing as "dry January" or whatever its called, until I came on here and saw everyone talking about it, lol. I just so happened to decide to quit drinking this month. Exactly 1 week ago! And, it's going great! Even with the brewery being right around the corner from my office, I haven't been tempted to go. I do miss the atmosphere tho, and the regulars that I would converse with there. It's just a nice, inviting, relaxing place to be. **sigh**.
I've decided to take up a new hobby in place of going out and drinking..... I'll be making jewelry. Mostly earnings and necklaces. It'll give me something to do when I have free time and possibly earn some $$ on the side.10 -
This was an interesting read. Not surprisingly, the beverage/restaurant industry/bartenders are not happy with so many people doing Dry January. I personally have never felt better and intend to keep going.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/dry-january-has-new-york-bartenders-mixing-10-mocktails-115481692015 -
Good SOBER Morning to y'all I went for an HOUR long walk this a.m. through a trail close to me that used to be a rail track...it is now a lovely groomed trail ... walking trail & snowmobile trail. We had a significant snowfall overnight and I was the trailblazer this a.m. through some deepish snow...good work out! I had decided one of my goals would be to walk 3 x weekly. AND I wrote it down along with a few other thanks to Julie
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I have a relatively active job, but apparently our bodies get used to regular movements AND I need to do something to get out of my head and get the endorphins circulating...anyway, I have today off and it is much warmer than the past few frigid days, but I would have gone anyway...I need to stop dreaming and start DOING!!9 -
DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU BORE EASILY LOL
AS I was walking this morn, I stopped briefly several times and as I looked back at my crooked path I thought, this is kinda like my journey to get healthier. I am going along just fine and then there is a deviation of some sort whether a distraction or issues that arise that cause me to wobble a bit, whatever it is, it's just like a crooked path. BUT I'm still ON the path!
And as I looked ahead on the trail, I focused on some landmarks that kept me going to my goal which was a bridge over a river... there are groups of trees along the path, a stretch of evergreens, then a stretch of other trees, then a flat area that is swampy with bullrushes, then a stretch of cedars etc etc...there are also stop signs for snowmobilers at crosstrails...SO when the walking got tough, I would just focus on a landmark and when I reached it would stop for a minute, catch my breath and push forward!! AND even though it was a difficult walk I kept thinking how beautiful the snow falling was and how good this is for me and how great I'll feel after I've done this really good thing for myself....
I know this is a long blurb but the whole way I was thinking of how thankful I am that I have pushed through the rough parts of my new sober life...it is totally worth any struggles to feel free of the hook that alcohol became for me. I absolutely believe that it is one day at a time for me...but it's been 236 one days strung together, 169 bottles of wine not drank, $1,351 saved (WELL, not spent on booze anyway) Money I've had to do some things to take care of myself!!
I gave WAY to much power to booze and I am doing the same thing with food...I CAN do this, I AM doing this and I will continue to do this because I am worth it!!! I deserve to be healthy! I belief that our Creator gave us our life as a gift and I really want to show my appreciation for my gift. And stop abusing myself....if I can kick alcohol I can kick my food issues "one day at a time." 8 -
Joining again. I did two months sober in May and June of last year. Was doing well until the holidays. I broke up with the guy I was seeing and drank too much the week before I broke up with him and the week after. Felt like crap. Got on the scale and sure enough weight had gone up. So I am going sober again until my ski vacation in March. It will be eight weeks. I am on day 6. So far sleep as not improved and feeling a bit anxious. I know from last time these things get better. Giving it up is easier than last time. I guess I know I can do it. I feel like I can moderate until things go bad.
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I'm wishing the best for you all and success on your journeys, wherever they may lead you! I'm going to scurry on out of here now. Thanks for the support. 7
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@joha5603 I hope you mean you will scurry on for now ....
@lorrainequiche59 thanks for the shout out ❤ I loved your piece and it gave me inspiration to walk in nature more often . Hugs !3 -
trishfit2014 wrote: »Joining again. I did two months sober in May and June of last year. Was doing well until the holidays. I broke up with the guy I was seeing and drank too much the week before I broke up with him and the week after. Felt like crap. Got on the scale and sure enough weight had gone up. So I am going sober again until my ski vacation in March. It will be eight weeks. I am on day 6. So far sleep as not improved and feeling a bit anxious. I know from last time these things get better. Giving it up is easier than last time. I guess I know I can do it. I feel like I can moderate until things go bad.
I know this sounds weird but I was thinking about you. Last January , I took a screen shot of some posts on the thread so I could remember some links. Last evening I was looking at the screen shot of the thread And I saw your profile pic and wondered how you were. And today you posted ! Best wishes - we are here for you .5 -
Today I was driving and saw a billboard that said "I am endless possibilities " in large writing. That is the truth we are endless possibilities. ❤11
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CarvedTones wrote: »Status check: Day 3 AF free for me.
After nearly 3 months AF (what I thought of as a "reset"), my experiment with my sister to moderate at a concert in mid-December led to others... and I had a head-check recently and realized that I'd drank 4 times in 30 days, and 3 of them were doozies (memory lapses, hangovers, etc).
I'm back to attending AA 2-3 times a week and while I am still not 100% committed to never having another drink again for the rest of my life, I am committed to today, and cautiously committed to the self-exploration that AA encourages. There are a lot of things in my past to take a look at (nothing BRUTAL but certainly a fair amount of pain), a lot of inner dialogue that needs addressing, and if nothing else, I know that I need to address my need to avoid being vulnerable. This fear of vulnerability has led to too many dark days, and really, what's so scary about taking a long, hard look in the mirror and taking stock? Some truths are harder to come to than others, I guess.
I've been AF for 2348 days (6.42 years) on day at a time. I still can't say I'll never drink again...Just today I don't plan on taking another drink.
I've been in AA my entire sobriety and it's been the best thing I ever did for myself to help me not drink but to learn how to live life on life's terms.
HUGS friend
I only have 570 days, but I can say I won't ever drink again. Doubt is not my friend. If I screw this up, I want tough love not compassion. I want to hear what a freaking moron I am. I don't think of myself as a alcoholic who is abstaining; I am someone who doesn't drink. I do not take it day by day; I am in it for the long haul. I made this decision and I control my adherence to it. I am not a good fit for AA. No higher power; it's all on me. I accept full responsibility for my actions that put me on a bad path and I take credit for getting back on track by making a firm decision not to drink because it leads me to making poor decisions.
AA does seem to be a good fit for a lot of people. I am just not one of them.
You have to do what works best for your own recovery and means to stay sober. There's a saying in the rooms that says we don't shoot our wounded so I will always have compassion on the new comer to AA or to the person who relapsed and is coming back to recover.
I'm really glad you've found a way that works for you. Keep going!!!
Tough love is still love; calling it shooting the wounded seems a little extreme. Feeling like there is some consequence is a good thing for me. But deciding I am a non drinker is a big one for me. I feel better about myself than when I believed I was an addict in remission.
Thanks! I hope what works for you keeps working also.5 -
@trishfit2014 Happy day 6I'm wishing the best for you all and success on your journeys, wherever they may lead you! I'm going to scurry on out of here now. Thanks for the support.
I'm lost for words. I want to say something to encourage you. Hoping you're ok! If you decide to "scurry" back here at any point, you know we will be very happy to see you again!! Hoping good things for you. 6 -
RubyRed427 wrote: »trishfit2014 wrote: »Joining again. I did two months sober in May and June of last year. Was doing well until the holidays. I broke up with the guy I was seeing and drank too much the week before I broke up with him and the week after. Felt like crap. Got on the scale and sure enough weight had gone up. So I am going sober again until my ski vacation in March. It will be eight weeks. I am on day 6. So far sleep as not improved and feeling a bit anxious. I know from last time these things get better. Giving it up is easier than last time. I guess I know I can do it. I feel like I can moderate until things go bad.
I know this sounds weird but I was thinking about you. Last January , I took a screen shot of some posts on the thread so I could remember some links. Last evening I was looking at the screen shot of the thread And I saw your profile pic and wondered how you were. And today you posted ! Best wishes - we are here for you .
Aww thanks for thinking of me Rubyred. I did read the thread some and cheered all of you on from here.3 -
Is anyone having trouble with this site. My home page will not load. BUT I got on here somehow....we'll see what happens when I hit post....3
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Work stress is bringing me down but I am staying strong
cuz two wrongs make a right but two rights dont make wrong
sometimes I wonder if I should get a bong
or go stare at a stripper in a skimpy thong
but maybe all I need tonight is some Chinese from Mr Wong11 -
So I am dry and plan to stay dry through Jan but I have to admit I am already thinking about a drink once Jan is over.....I must find a way to keep going....
GREAT JOB! You know I think the same way. Today is one year and I feel on shaky ground some. I think these dates of accomplishment seem to call to us to drink. I don't know if it is the same there... It won't be a celebration tomorrow, if I drink today. So for a few days, I am off my diet plan. It is ok. I have made it!! I am so much happier for it!!9 -
Work stress is bringing me down but I am staying strong
cuz two wrongs make a right but two rights dont make wrong
sometimes I wonder if I should get a bong
or go stare at a stripper in a skimpy thong
but maybe all I need tonight is some Chinese from Mr Wong
Sounds like the best choice. Keep strong. Maybe start working on your healthy food and good activity choices for after work ahead of time. Have your plan. Work stress is a definite trigger. I ended up changing jobs. I was eating way too much candy after that last job. Time to change clients again, lol. I was out buying interview clothes yesterday. I dread the process, but for me, it must be done. I can't afford to drink again.9 -
I'm fascinated by how good I feel in the morning after not drinking. No pounding heartbeat of anxiety at what I might have done and don't remember, no stomach pain, no cottonmouth, no sweat soaked pillows, no trembling hands, no shame...Just the joy of a fresh cup of coffee. Yet alas, 4 pm hits and then my thoughts turn to alcohol and the temporary false happiness it brings. My best to all today, keep posting!9
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salleewins wrote: »So I am dry and plan to stay dry through Jan but I have to admit I am already thinking about a drink once Jan is over.....I must find a way to keep going....
GREAT JOB! You know I think the same way. Today is one year and I feel on shaky ground some. I think these dates of accomplishment seem to call to us to drink. I don't know if it is the same there... It won't be a celebration tomorrow, if I drink today. So for a few days, I am off my diet plan. It is ok. I have made it!! I am so much happier for it!!
Congrats on 1 year, @salleewins !! That is a huge accomplishment!4 -
lorrainequiche59 wrote: »Is anyone having trouble with this site. My home page will not load. BUT I got on here somehow....we'll see what happens when I hit post....
I had problems yesterday, all my fitbit steps showed but it erased all of my exercise calories, weird,Johah,i hope you're not leaving for good? Salleewins,yep seems like milestones are a trigger for some reason,hope everyone has a fab AF day 3 -
bigmanatee wrote: »I'm fascinated by how good I feel in the morning after not drinking. No pounding heartbeat of anxiety at what I might have done and don't remember, no stomach pain, no cottonmouth, no sweat soaked pillows, no trembling hands, no shame...Just the joy of a fresh cup of coffee. Yet alas, 4 pm hits and then my thoughts turn to alcohol and the temporary false happiness it brings. My best to all today, keep posting!
I have experienced the same winning feeling in the morning while doing dry January for myself! The afternoon was the hardest as I always opened up wine “cocktail hour” before, while cooking and at dinner, then.. For me once, it has been easier and easier. The positives outweigh the negatives of me wanting to drink wine. I drink hot tea now instead and frankly not thinking about drinking in the afternoons (not all the time 😉). If I would have said this last Jan or even the beginning of last month Dec, I would have laughed.6 -
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Btw, I have saved 11,000 calories not drinking this month - thank you Dry January app!11
You're doing really well!! 
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