Less Alcohol - JANUARY 2021 - One Day At A Time
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DancingMoosie wrote: »...and having energy all day without extra coffee (most days) or energy drinks is definitely a perk.
I'm proud of you too and your last sentence cracked me up. Thank you.
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NSV weekend for me—AF at 2 events at 2 bars over 2 days, one of which included our neighborhood fun group. (All socially distanced of course!”) I was really apprehensive about the flack I would hear when I ordered a club soda with a splash of cranberry and a lime. Out of habit the bartender asked, “with Tito’s right?”
“Not this time—I’m doing Dry January”was the perfect explanation. Aside from her, the hubs and my Adult daughter others who came to the party after had no idea I wasn’t drinking alcohol.9 -
4 days AF in a row. 12 AF out of 24 so far this month. I really messed things up on Wednesday, so I'm not sure I'll ever be allowed to drink again.11
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CryingBlue wrote: »4 days AF in a row. 12 AF out of 24 so far this month. I really messed things up on Wednesday, so I'm not sure I'll ever be allowed to drink again.
❤❤❤ we allow ourselves, so if that is what you need for now it is ok.6 -
NSV weekend for me—AF at 2 events at 2 bars over 2 days, one of which included our neighborhood fun group. (All socially distanced of course!”) I was really apprehensive about the flack I would hear when I ordered a club soda with a splash of cranberry and a lime. Out of habit the bartender asked, “with Tito’s right?”
“Not this time—I’m doing Dry January”was the perfect explanation. Aside from her, the hubs and my Adult daughter others who came to the party after had no idea I wasn’t drinking alcohol.
Yay for you. I found when cutting back this was an enourmous hurdle to get over. But in the end, it turned out I was more nerved up about the flack then the people around me even cared about.
Congrats.6 -
GLITTER MONDAY
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Ok peeps big day here for me.
Celebrating my 1095th day (3 years) on the LESS ALCOHOL thread. Can I get some glitter or a woot woot for that?
First time I ever posted on here was January 25, 2018
One of the biggest most significant days of my life.
So many wonderful people to thank over all those days, months and years. I also thank myself for taking the initiative to do what I needed to be happier.
❤16 -
@missmay What an accomplishment! Not just that you've been here for 3 years. But the impact you've made and continue to make on all of us.
Thank you. 
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Failed dismissally this month, but aim to end the month on a high and go for it for February.11
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Mom fixed herself a gin & diet tonic ... sounded good so I had a vodka version. 2 drinks. Regretted the second before finishing it and switched to water.9
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@Amanda_Brit_Expat what an eye opening video! I, for one, never considered the possibility of liver disease for anyone who wasn’t a textbook alcoholic. Wow. Who knew it starts so early, and with such alarming test results, with “social” or “moderate” drinkers.
@MissMay , any way to include the video along with the other resources at the top of the thread?
Also stunned at how freaking cheap alcohol is in England!!! I’ve never see those prices here in the US, even at the discount liquor store.
Last night I had two glasses of wine, and slept terribly. Back to my M-Th AF nights, and I’m totally rethinking my “planned” Fri-Sun drinks!8 -
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That video made me think. I want to schedule one of those liver tests for myself. Maybe that will be the wake up call I need
Still disappointed that the pounds aren't melting off. I reduced my daily calorie intake by something close to 1 bottle of wine per day. That is a lot of empty calories. My food intake, even with the baking & sugary snacks, is usually below 1500 (even though I am supposed to be at 1200 to lose) but the scale is barely moving. I'm rather dejected.
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CryingBlue wrote: »4 days AF in a row. 12 AF out of 24 so far this month. I really messed things up on Wednesday, so I'm not sure I'll ever be allowed to drink again.
4 days mean you are over half way to a full week AF! Something good came out of Wednesday. For me it gets easier to drink something AF at the former trigger time. Now I start looking forward to the new "drink". Keep it up!
I think we can all relate to the behavior differences we may experience when on the spirits and remorse the next day. Many interesting things about this quote:- Acknowledgement that alcohol played into the result you had on Wednesday.
- Worry that the result of what happened on Wednesday were so significant that there may be long term consequences with someone close to you.
- Fear that you may never be allowed to drink again
My thoughts and hopes for you as you continue your AF streak. - Those who love you will forgive and help you in your quest for less.
- Fear. Everyone is different in their relationship with alcohol. For me, I needed to determine the root of my fear of "not being allowed to drink again". Ultimately mine was the fear I was actually physically addicted. But to get to that admission, I first told myself I deserved a drink after {insert excuse}; I liked the taste and looked forward to unwinding every evening (all evening); I need a drink to get me out of my "shy" zone cause it helps my social anxiety...
I notice so many things that make me truly happy when I am not drinking now. I hope you look for those blessings as you continue your AF streak, or drink less in a way that works for you. Keep the faith in yourself, you are not alone.
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@Amanda_Brit_Expat That video. Wow. And to think I started so young to "be cool" and fit in. I need to let that video sink in today and then serve as further motivation. Thanks for sharing.
@MissMay Congratulations. I don't know where a lot of us would be right now had you not started your thread 3 years ago. If I knew how to send you glitter, woots AND sunshine I would!
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AF another evening to add to the count
Right on track to hit my goal for this month!
15 AF / 25 days
Goal- 20 AF/31 days.7 -
I don't know how to send glitter @MissMay but my intention to do so is there : - )
Thanks for keeping it positive : - )6 -
HerNameIsMischief wrote: »Above, dawn asked "What would you like to hear or not hear?" and I responded. I wasn't targeting anyone's previous responses; I was saying that I don't like slogans nor unearned praise, so I'm not apologizing for anything.
Yes, no slogans.
At the end of the day it is all up to you anyway. Finding some support (like this thread) is a start. When you are ready to make a change you will.
Alcohol distorts thoughts. Clarity can not come from there.6 -
@globalhiker
Congrats on joining WW. That is a very healthy way to go forward I believe, they don't eliminate food groups with that method.7 -
@dawnbgethealthy yeouch!!!!! Girl, you need some Yak Traks or something! Be careful out there on those icy trails!
I love hearing that name from you and from @mainelylisa
I haven't heard them called that before : - )
I have heard crampons, cleats, ice grips...but Yak Traks...what a cool moniker!!!
I bought some yesterday, but I think that I am going to stay off of the trails for now, very treacherous.
There was a piece on the radio this morning talking about how many more broken bones there are this season. A skiff of snow has made it very difficult to see that you are in fact walking on icy trails/sidewalks.
I skated yesterday on a lake, but again, couldn't see the bumps because of the snow skiffs. I did fall a couple of times, but nothing that hurt. I wore my cleats to get to the place to put on my skates and they worked great!
My body is sore, I am not going to push it. I am going to get my workouts indoors this week and count myself lucky that nothing is broken : - )
Being on the trails is important to me in so many ways, but I am embracing the reality of the danger of it right now.
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I am Dawn, I live in SE BC
I will post with my usual diary style to keep track of my AF days.
Keeping to my usual goal of 16-20 AF days per month, which is manageable for me and doesn't put too much pressure on me.
Wednesday Jan 20 - AF - Managed to get out for a little hike and a little skate after work today. After getting in from the out of doors I really really wanted a Peppermint Schnapps in Cocoa, but I had drinks only yesterday, so talked myself out of it. Hit my 16 today : - )
Thursday Jan 21 - Drinks. Micro sips sort of. Had a fantastic hike, somewhere I hadn't been in years (can't go there spring, summer, or fall because there is a momma bear with cubs each year, and it is her home plus she might kill you). I had half ounces of a few mixtures including espresso baileys with other things mixed in. I measure always since joining this thread. I fell twice on the trail yesterday on ice, I'm okay, but pretty sore.
Friday Jan 22 - AF - I didn't hike much today (30 minutes only), pretty sore from the 3 falls that I have had since last Sunday. Epsom's bath with essential oil added, a glass of champagne would have been nice. Some other time for bubbly in the tub, not today.
Saturday Jan 23 - Drinks - Fell yet again today, this time my friend was on the icy trail with me and witnessed it. It didn't really feel like a hard fall, but I fell mostly on the palm/heel of my hand and it is very sore. Probably not an excuse to drink, but on my second and may or may not have a 3rd while I have a tiny ice pack under a pressure bandage on the area. As much as I have hurt myself in the last 6 days (4 falls now) I truly believe that I am doing less damage to my body than I would have if I was sitting on the couch or at a desk every day all day. All good. Planning AF for the next 2 days.
Sunday Jan 24 - AF, and again for Monday planning AF
Rolling total 18AF days out of 24 days5 -
Another FREAKING night that I put 2 beers up in the cabinet.
Only a four beers night after watching that liver video. If I watch it again it could be a three beers night.
Man that was a eye opener to take in.
Anyone else have nightmares from it?13 -
hello to all
@missmay wow, just wow and you deserve much more than glitter.....maybe some fairy dust too?
Well I am back to AF this week, and I am not sorry for the choices I made over the weekend. BTW yes that video was really something! Made me pause and really think about the abuse I have done to this body of mine.
But small changes! everyone has to move at their own pace and own decisions.
I am still 13 out of 24 days AF and I am going to aim for AF the rest of the month....fingers crossed8 -
@MissMay, @Tesha231, @Womona, @Trish1c, @CMB44512, @lmlmrn
I'm glad you found the video motivating, and yes it is very scary. Sorry if it gave you nightmares!
For me watching that video (and some other similar ones) was my 'AHA moment'. It made me realize that when I am trying to cut down on alcohol I am doing it FOR myself, not TO myself. It really helped me to stop feeling like I was depriving myself of something nice, and instead, I realize that cutting down and being healthier IS the nice thing I am giving to myself!
I have a very close family member who checked herself into a residential rehab facility in October for 6 weeks for alcohol dependency. She has told me so much that I didn't know before, and so many sad stories that we the public are mostly not aware of. The roommate she had in there has died, it was too late for her, she was only 44.
My family member is doing well, she chose to go live in a 'Sober House' temporarily when she got out of rehab instead of moving back home with us. She gets continued support there, and she is 90 days AF today! She can't cut down the way we are, she was physically addicted and had to detox. Her plan is to never drink again, and I want to cut mine so low that it won't bother me to have an alcohol free home when she visits and stays with us.12 -
@dawnbgethealthy I'm so sorry to hear about you hurting yourself, but oh wow you sound like you are having a great time and living your best life!
Amazing to hear about hiking now to avoid the mama bear, I would still be terrified, you are a brave lady
Life is fleeting I love to read about people grabbing it with both hands.5 -
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CryingBlue wrote: »4 days AF in a row. 12 AF out of 24 so far this month. I really messed things up on Wednesday, so I'm not sure I'll ever be allowed to drink again.
4 days mean you are over half way to a full week AF! Something good came out of Wednesday. For me it gets easier to drink something AF at the former trigger time. Now I start looking forward to the new "drink". Keep it up!
I think we can all relate to the behavior differences we may experience when on the spirits and remorse the next day. Many interesting things about this quote:- Acknowledgement that alcohol played into the result you had on Wednesday.
- Worry that the result of what happened on Wednesday were so significant that there may be long term consequences with someone close to you.
- Fear that you may never be allowed to drink again
My thoughts and hopes for you as you continue your AF streak. - Those who love you will forgive and help you in your quest for less.
- Fear. Everyone is different in their relationship with alcohol. For me, I needed to determine the root of my fear of "not being allowed to drink again". Ultimately mine was the fear I was actually physically addicted. But to get to that admission, I first told myself I deserved a drink after {insert excuse}; I liked the taste and looked forward to unwinding every evening (all evening); I need a drink to get me out of my "shy" zone cause it helps my social anxiety...
I notice so many things that make me truly happy when I am not drinking now. I hope you look for those blessings as you continue your AF streak, or drink less in a way that works for you. Keep the faith in yourself, you are not alone.
Thanks so much for all of that. It really resonates with me. I'm getting help. I think I'm going to need a very long break from alcohol (years maybe) before I can consider letting it back into my life. I know I have regulated it before, but currently I can't. Having support helps, I have been a closet drinker in a world of non-drinkers, so there is a lot of guilt tied up with it for me.9 -
@MissMay
Congratulations on 3 years! Pretty awesome. I didn't realize I was part of it when it was so new in 2018. Thanks for keeping this going for all of us.6 -
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