LESS Alcohol ~ JULY 2023 ~ One Day at A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,737 Member
Do you want to drink LESS?
Then join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
■ LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST ■
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over.
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
by Holly Whitaker
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
~Established 2017~
Then join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) as we continue to support and learn from each other.
■ LESS ALCOHOL RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST ■
USING THIS THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over.
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
by Holly Whitaker
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
~Established 2017~
1
Replies
-
Happy July! I had a very good "less alcohol" June! This thread continues to be really helpful.6
-
WELCOME to the July 2023 thread.
I first tasted alcohol when I was 19. My Brother (16 months older)introduced me. He was a very popular guy in school and life, many friends. I wanted to be like him because I was an introvert then.
I tried to keep up with him(he was a seasoned drinker with at least 6 years experience).
Fast forward...I spent a majority of my life up until 6 years ago dealing with all the items listed below. Since finding this group my life has changed immensely. I still have drinks, but I am so much more in control and set goals either daily,weekly or monthly .
I wish I would have had this group when I was younger so I would not have WASTED my precious life as a slave to alcohol.
I wish my Brother along with my first husband would have known this group, it may have saved their lives and I would still have them around.
Thank you all for coming and participating with us. ❣
8 -
@MissMay I am so sorry, I didn't realize that you lost both your Brother and your 1st Husband
Thank you for posting this list. I can relate to about 75% of these. Work in progress.
By the end of today, I will be 50/50 with my June count. I can't remember the last time I achieved that, and am planning to do so again in July. Maybe even with a better ratio!
You are such an inspiration. I'm not sure what your profession is, but I think you would make a great Therapist! You have such a way with your words and telling us about your experiences.
Also a big thank you to all that are on this journey, and also sharing their thoughts, experience and wisdom!6 -
Thank you @MissMay for your continued support and inspiration! I cannot see you as an introvert. The woman who dances without drinking. Thank you for the reminder of where drinking can lead ... I'm sorry to hear of your past husband's challenges as well as your brother's.
This month I need to get back on track!
Goal: Limit 2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days this month.5 -
Hello everyone! I’ve missed you! I lurked June’s thread off and on and I’m so proud of how conscious everyone is of their LA but also their well-being in general. I love all the pics! I love seeing new faces too!
As always thank you @MissMay for keeping us going💕
I had a really rough June with some nasty side effects from a medication to prevent cancer recurrence and I was just a miserable human and I didn’t want to inflict that on all of you. I am finding I am being very unkind to myself for not being stronger, healthier, more able to handle life’s curveballs. So this month I am going to practice self love and care. And of course continue LA.
I found this below note on my phone, looks like I joined in June ‘22. I’ve come so far! I could not have done it without the support here!
June-22 out of 31 AF
July-17 out of 31 AF
August- 21 out of 30 AF
Sept- 29 out of 30 AF
October-30 out of 31 AF
November- 30 out of 30 AF
December- 30 out of 31 AF
January-31 out of 31 AF
February- 27 out of 28 AF
March-31 out of 31 AF
April- 29 out of 30 AF
May- 31 out of 31 AF
June- 30 out of 30 AF
I know the last time I had more than one drink in a sitting was October, the day I got diagnosed. Ugh I drank all the vodka 👎🏼 Otherwise all those other days were 1/2 to 1 drink only from November to now. I *think* but I’m not sure, I need to be 100% AF. I don’t think I do well with moderation. I can always change my mind right?
I’m so thankful for all of you. Let’s make this an awesome July!11 -
Hello LA friends ~
A bit about my background……Both of my parents drank while we were young children, and for that reason, couldn’t set very good examples. I wonder what it would have been like to grow up in a home without it. All of my siblings and I drank our first alcoholic beverage before the age of 16 because we saw it all around us. I truly thank God that I didn’t drink much during the years I had young children. However, I became a daily drinker when my 1st marriage to a non drinker fell apart at the age of 40 no less.
I can see how alcohol has has affected my whole family in 3 generations and today, I want to be the better example that I never had for my adult kids and grandkids. Equally important is my overall health and wellbeing.
For July, I’m going to revisit what I did in April and May and commit to have wine no more than 2x week, no weekdays, and 12 oz. total/day.
GOAL: 21-22 AF7 -
@MissMay your story touched my heart and your transparency helps heal us all. A huge congrats on your 24 AF days in July, that is incredible and so inspiring!!
@looneycatblue we are all a work in progress, isn’t that great! Congrats on reaching your 50:50 goal too.
@joans1976 SO good to see you back for July! I know we have all missed you and your posts. I do hope you and your doctor can help with the right meds and that your post-treatment healing journey continues on a smoother path.
Here’s to making July the best we can.8 -
I am Dawn, I live in South Eastern British Columbia.
I joined this thread in November of 2018, a daily drinker at the time
My primary goal with drinking less is weight loss.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days for the month,
I had 18AF days in May.
I do this diary style:
Saturday July 01 - Drinks. Eschewed all of the Canada Day celebrations to stay quiet in my garden, battling the bindweed that chokes plants. I have been working 2 jobs and start my 3rd this week I think. I am social for a living. It was so great to actually have a Saturday off to look after my garden and myself without going out in public. I had a nice gin frozen cocktail during an afternoon break from the sun, and 2 more drinks later on when I had packed it in for the day. Planned AF Sunday and Monday, but don't yet know how the rest of the week is going to be just yet. My second job ends in August, so I will only have 3 jobs for a month or two.
Rolling total: 0AF days out of 1 day.7 -
I have been following along, not posting much but still inspired by everyone's journey. I am working on setting a new routine now that my son has graduated high school and I don't have "school mornings" any more. I also bought a bike today and will work that in for activity on days I don't run. It has been a while since I have been able to run because of various injuries and illness. I have re-started the Run You A** Off program (yes, this is real, there is a book). It is basically a couch to 5k program with weekly increases in running intervals until you are running for 30 min.
I am really hoping that getting into a new routine will help me drop some of the weight I have gained over the past two years when I have had limited ability to exercise.
I had a LA victory a couple of days ago. I saw a 12 pack of my favorite beer for a really good price so naturally I put it in my cart. By the time I was ready to check out, I had changed my mind and put it back. Later I bought a 6 pack of a different beer with lower alcohol content, so LA on two counts.
No specific goal for July, just going to see how alcohol will fit in with new exercise routines.
0 AF/1 for July
Thank you Miss May for keeping this thread going! Even though I don't post often, this group has really helped.8 -
Having CBD-Ashwaganda tea tonight- very nice and relaxing!7
-
Spent yesterday reviewing my goals and getting ready for some holiday gatherings this weekend. Made a cream cheese fruit tart with all organic ingredients (yes, cane sugar) and vegan chocolate chip cookies with coconut sugar for a party today. You can tell I had the dessert assignment
.
July goal: 21-22 AF days
AF - 1
A - 0
7 -
Happy first Monday of July.
Kinda odd to start a new month with a weekend thrown in our face that soon, huh? So if you can get threw that right off the bat, your week is on a good roll.
Great to see everyone from the past month(s) creeping in and our new participants. We know life gets busy during the Summer. But don't forget we are here 24/7, pop in when you can to say "Hey!" Do try to at least read often, you don't want to miss a post that could really change your L.A. journey.
My weekend went incredibly good. It could have taken a bad turn with a few new places we tried out....but I kept my L.A. thoughts in mind and I hate hate hate to start a new month racking up A days. So I am ZERO A sliding into Monday.
Here is my purchase though for future drinks. Omg, the color alone of the box makes me want to take a bit out of it. LOOK at the alcohol content. Still considered one drink serving at 2.5% a can. I am sure is going to be delightful.
JOIN ME? I will need to pick up more if you do.
July accountability:
2AF
0 A
9 -
I am Dawn, I live in South Eastern British Columbia.
I joined this thread in November of 2018, a daily drinker at the time
My primary goal with drinking less is weight loss.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days for the month,
I had 18AF days in May.
I do this diary style:
Sunday July 02 - Drinks. A chilled flute of Champagne on my second to last break from the sun in the garden, one drink later on (normally would be 2 when this happens). I spent the entire weekend weeding/working on my garden. It was soooo great to have 2 full days off, that might be the last for quite awhile, time will tell. I feel so good about all that I accomplished. In some spots it was like surgery disentangling the bindweed from around plants - can't pull out the whole weed or the plant comes with it. Indubitably it will come back, but I will do my best to pull it before it wraps around tightly. Everything is well watered. I will find the time to cut the grass early mornings this coming week. Short work day, but time and a half since it is the stat holiday.
Rolling total: 0AF days out of 2 days.4 -
The family bbq yesterday afternoon at my son’s was really fun and relaxing - no A was served and it felt really nice to be fully present and spend time with those I love. Took my cold sparkling waters as it 97 degrees and we played games in the backyard. Did have ‘planned’ rose’ wine last night once we arrived home.
My goal is AF during the week and here it is Monday already!
Now past the weekend, AF until Thursday or Friday.
Happy 4th of July everyone!
July goal: 21-22 AF days
AF - 1
A - 16 -
@dawnbgethealthy you are making me jealous with all that garden talk. How did the wild nasty vine pulling go? That can be a real workout pulling that narley stuff.
@Michieb125 you are having just about the same heat as us(you might be slightly higher) did you say your in Florida?
My work day is officially over until Wed at 7:45AM. Here is my treat for myself. Iced coffee in a iced mule mug with almond milk and a few splashes of coffee bitters
AND AN ICE CREAM GARNISH!
Headed to my lovey back porch to sit, sip and rock in my rocker.
7 -
AF today; 2AF/3 for July
I'm off work tomorrow for US Independence day. In the past I would have used this as an excuse? reason? to drink. Tonight I am abstaining and plan to go for a run (week 2 day 2 of RYAO) before it gets too hot tomorrow. Not sure but probably will not drink tomorrow either, it's supposed to be hot and most of us don't have real AC here in the PNW, plus I have to work the next day.7 -
Hi all i have been reading and appreciating everyone’s experiences, but not having much to add to the conversation. I really appreciated everyone’s kind thoughts and words when my father died. I can’t believe it has already been 6 weeks. About 2 weeks after my father passed I had to put my aunt, whose care I’ve been responsible for for some time now, on hospice as well. She has end stage Parkinsons Diseae and has developed an infection from which she is not expected to recover. She is in a nursing home and the care there is good, but she has started eating less and less and with poor nutrition the body can’t fight infections,
Either my mother or i visit daily. My aunt has been completely clear in an advance directive about what her wishes are, and also had a moment of clarity when it came time to discuss hospice with the hospice providers in which she was able to again make it clear that it is what she wants, but she can otherwise struggle with bouts of hallucinations and depression and anxiety that are crippling and hard to medicate because they come from a malfunction in how the brain processes/accesses dopamine (the same chemical that is released from drinking, eating, sex, gambling and other addictions, but which is also a necessary part of how our brains function to keep our bodies moving).
In any event, as her POA and health care proxy, I am finding this all very stressful and anxiety inducing myself despite my reliance on my go- tos of pilates, birdwatching, kitty therapy and inspired by you all this summer’s expanded attempts at gardening (installed/installing several new perennial pollinator gardens and cutting gardens as well as 5 raised vegetable beds and a stone patio).
As a result tonight I had anxiety dreams about the anxiety from drinking. I haven’t had any desire or inclination to drink nor do I actually remember drinking the beverages in my dreams but i had really disturbing dreams about how anxious drinking used to make me. All I can imagine is that this is the new stress dream on steroids for me! And I can’t say I like it. I’d like to go back to taking exams I haven’t studied for in the nude please ….
13 -
Hi everyone! I didn't participate too much in June and I wanted to pop in and say Happy 4th of July! My alcohol consumption has dropped a lot. I can now only have 1 drink and be done with it which was unheard of for years. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday today!10
-
@MissMay
All of the knarly bindweed is out...for now. It is very invasive. I will do my best to stay on top of it. It was great to have 2 full days off of work to get it under control. I will make time each day to pull it as it rears up. It is all I can do. The network is apparently 8 feet deep, and if excavated will go down 8 feet deeper. I don't use herbicides or pesticides, so it is what it is.
It makes normal weeds feel like such a treat lol.4 -
I am Dawn, I live in South Eastern British Columbia.
I joined this thread in November of 2018, a daily drinker at the time
My primary goal with drinking less is weight loss.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days for the month,
I had 18AF days in May.
I do this diary style:
Monday July 03 - AF - Tuesday night drinks are up in the air, very busy day with work, appointments, and bank meeting to hopefully sign off on consolidation. Easy to be AF Monday night when I knew that I had so much going on for Tuesday.
Rolling total: 1AF days out of 3 days.3 -
@Sinisterbarbie1 your post is heartfelt and your aunt has given you the highest place of trust in her life and death as her POA. A truly stressful situation for you. Especially following your fathers passing. Continue to take care of yourself sounds so trite, but what I really mean is to remember to eat, sleep, and try to keep your own routine.
Yesterday, I figured out something incredible. Since I started my LA journey in February, I have actually reduced my overall wine consumption by thousands of calories (used daily, weekly, and monthly reduction totals). It was shocking when I did the calculation! It’s like my body is now saying thank you, hallelujah, you have found a way to love yourself better with this new habit change. The missing puzzle piece. Many of you know I had high anxiety when drinking daily and I was caught up in that vicious cycle. Bottom line….I can clearly see how bad having daily wine was for me on a physical and mental level. I surely could not have done this without your wonderful support, thank you.
Hard to believe it’s the 4th of July already - my goal is to increase my mid week AF days so’s it’s iced tea and maybe a Stella NA 00 with my burger today.
July goal: 21-22 AF days
AF - 2
A - 1
7 -
A picture is worth a thousand words ?? Yep. Eldest Daughter sent me a screenshot from her ex's 4th of July festivities. Holiday stars & stripes clothing, cool sunglasses, looking happy as a clam...a very fat, bloated, drunk clam. Kudos to him for providing an example of what NOT to do for my grandson. Still, as ED says, it's sad and scarey. Seriously considering having that photo printed to pin on my fridge...no, better on my wine rack..."turn around, don't drown"...And, no, he drinks to excess daily without considering that he may have a "problem". ☹️💔
Love and compassion to those who are struggling with personal and family issues.
After a relatively AF June, I'm [idiotically} going to try for moderation [again!!] for July. Somebody please check me halfway thru and pull the bottle out of my hand. Has anyone tried hypnotism ?? A couple friends of mine did that decades ago. It worked for a few months, then each of the guys were back to drinking/smoking as usual...
I commented to Middle Daughter just before the holiday weekend started that it seemed that 90% of the idiots must have moved out of the 'hood this past year. Usually the fireworks start mid-June...build up to a frenzy a few days before the 4th...are continuous, day and night from the 1st to thru the 6th...and keep on for the next month, or until there ain't no more in the box. This year?? One cannon-like BOOM!! late June...a flurry of explosions on Saturday that stopped before 10 PM...and nothing til tonight [4th]. There are 2 different neighbors who put on a nice [yeah, illegal] show each year that folks drift by to watch. That's going on now. One a block west of my house, the other across the street to the east. Pretty.
Warnings of a "Fireworks Task Force" might have been effective...fines, jail...yadda yadda.
Catpuccino MIGHT come out from under the recliner by breakfast time. Tonight I sleep alone...🎆🎇🧨🎉
July 1-3 AF with Coors Edge
July 4 🍷🍷 to go with SIL #2's annual burger grilling of his son's venison . Deer is "low fat" , so the calories can be swapped with wine...right ?? Here begins the slippery slope.
6 -
Hi all! Happy belated Independence and Canada Days!
Also, big hugs to @Sinisterbarbie1 and @joans1976. Hugs and more hugs!
I did pretty well this holiday weekend except for Friday, when I had three drinks! Ugh that’s a lot for me. I made up for it by only having one drink the last two days.
We FINALLY were able to sail yesterday! The weather has NOT been cooperating at all. I was proud of myself for not having a High Noon on the boat (although I had about 4 sips of my husband’s). However, I had a glass of wine with dinner that I didn’t need.
My weight has really been up and it’s alarming. My new, larger clothes are getting a bit snug. I need to rein this in pronto. So, I want to see if I can go AF just for tonight.
I’m going to have a super busy day at work, and that’s usually my trigger for making a beeline right to a glass of wine. I have to break that cycle if I have any hope of losing this weight. So one day at a time for me. Ugh this sucks.
I realize that there have only been two, maybe three at the most, times where I truly NEEDED a drink- because I was badly shaken up by something. The rest of the times I’ve had alcohol, it was a habit or a need to “celebrate”- what? A random Tuesday? Sitting by a pool? Getting through a busy day at work? I’m all for celebrating the little things in life, but I need to find something other than alcohol (or food for that matter) to celebrate with.
Edit: I just re-read the “helpful hints” at the top of this thread, and they are indeed so helpful! Great info.6 -
OH hello @forestdweller1 you have been missed.
I resonate so well with the way you word and write. Let's just say I am mostly spraying coffee through my lips and trying not to choke laughing as you describe some pretty comical moments.
We can not help those who will not help themselves (your g
Grandson's Father). He is self destructive. Your Grandson sounds like a wise young man as you have told us. I am sure he sees the rights and wrongs of his Father.
Good to hear you and Catpuccino are well.6 -
Yesterdays accountability:
*Bud Zeros
*Iced Teas
*WATER
*And this lovely frozen coconut MOCK drink
AF-4
A- 0
8 -
2A and 2AF so far this month - hope everyone had a great holiday 🇺🇸5
-
I am Dawn, I live in South Eastern British Columbia.
I joined this thread in November of 2018, a daily drinker at the time
My primary goal with drinking less is weight loss.
My usual goal is 16-20 AF days for the month,
I had 18AF days in May.
I do this diary style:
Monday July 03 - AF - Tuesday night drinks are up in the air, very busy day with work, appointments, and bank meeting to hopefully sign off on consolidation. Easy to be AF Monday night when I knew that I had so much going on for Tuesday.
Tuesday July 04 - 2 drinks. I have been given Wednesday off (and possibly Thursday) so that I can cover some holidays and work 9 or 10 straight days. Hence my drinks "trigger" for last night. I must say that I felt very relaxed knowing that I did not have to go to work. Thinking about a lake for today.
Rolling total: 1AF days out of 4 days.7 -
@forestdweller1 I sure did get the visual with your description of your ED’s ex - definitively not a pretty sight.
@Womona its so easy to b-line to the wine after a long day at work as I did that for close to 20 years. I had to start with incorporating ways to lower my stress to prepare for starting LA days. I found and still do guided meditations on YouTube on my off days which helps my nervous system recover. Or, plan for a mocktail in a wine glass in place of wine while I cook dinner. Not easy, but maybe experiment with what might work for you.
5 -
Had an easy and relaxing 4th of July - attended a parade in downtown with my DD and our grandkids (kiddies walked in it with decorated bikes and carts) with all the fun red, white, and blue 4th of July paraphernalia. Later, DH and I made burgers and a couple small sides for just us.
Had a Stella NA 00 and made a margarita mocktail which was delicious and refreshing. Poured a tall glass of club soda over ice and added about 4 oz. Trader Joe’s seasonal Margarita mix (quart size). Add/mix to taste preference. It’s a flavor close to the lime fever-tree which I can’t find all the time and is a fraction of the cost. Great for a summer NA refreshment.
Someone asked if I lived in Florida, was it @MissMay? I do have palm trees on my property and get to lakes and beaches as much as possible but I’m in No. California.
July goal: 21-22 AF days
AF - 3
A - 15 -
AF tonight! Woo hoo! Yay me! Way over calories today but I’m taking the win!!!
@Michieb125 i never thought to do a guided meditation! I’ll give that a try. I am also a huge fan of club soda with a splash of cranberry- in a wine glass, naturally!! Haha!4
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