LESS Alcohol ~ MARCH 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,784 Member
Do you want to drink LESS? Completely stop or just cut back?
Cutting back can mean ONE less drink a day, week or month. Or deciding to drink on only weekends or at special occasions.
On the flip side, maybe you could use this nudge to finally get to that completely sober point and be all in-alcohol free.
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://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~
Cutting back can mean ONE less drink a day, week or month. Or deciding to drink on only weekends or at special occasions.
On the flip side, maybe you could use this nudge to finally get to that completely sober point and be all in-alcohol free.
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://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~
0
Replies
-
Happy March one day early! I’m in for March. My LA goal this month is only one drink S-Th and no more than 2 on Fri and Sat. I know I would benefit from having mostly AF days, but not pouring that second glass or even half glass during the week would be a huge win for me.
Hope everyone has a great month!9 -
Thanks MissMay for setting this up again!
7 -
Thank you @MissMay for your continual support and dedication to this LA group!
I’ll be here for the 31 days of March!
My goal is to UP my no wine days during the week to get back to my stats I steadily logged from last March - July 2023.
March goal:
18-20 AF days
10-12 A days
Limits: 2 glasses (wine)5 -
Tomorrow Me and I thank you @MissMay.6
-
Thank you for continuing this thread. So looking forward to a full month of no alcohol. I officially started Feb. 4 and made it through the month. I've been drinking off and on for the past 20 years and am so done with it. I gained so much weight and borderline diabetic and close to having HBP.
I am sleeping so much better now since quitting and have the desire and motivation to get to the gym to get back to crushing it. Will check all my numbers at the end of the month. Weight, blood sugar, and bp.
I'm still working through the sugar cravings, but know that will pass.
Wishing everyone much success for the month of March.
8 -
Goals for March
Mostly Dry (no more than 4 days)
Possible ExceptionsFirst week is a killer
3/4 - Dinner Out
3/5 - Dinner Out (may not go)
3/8 - Fashion Show
TBD
Goal AF = 27+
Current Streak - AF = 5
Longest Streak 2024 - AF = 16
Setting up for success!!!
A = 0
W = 0
AF = 0
A=Non Wine Alcohol
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3/12024 Stats
3/2
3/3
3/4
3/5
3/6
3/7
3/8
3/9
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/13
3/14
3/15
3/16
3/17
3/18
3/19
3/20
3/21
3/22
3/23
3/24
3/25
3/26
3/27
3/28
3/29
3/30
3/31
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~January2023 Stats Detailed
AF = 87%
A = 13%
February
AF = 58%
A = 42%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~January
AF = 53%
A = 47%
February
AF = 29%
A = 71%
March
AF = 0%
A = 100%
April
AF = 14%
A = 86%
May
AF = 23%
A = 77%
June
AF = 27%
A = 73%
July
AF = 0%
A = 100%
August
AF = 0%
A = 100%
September
AF= 0%
A= 100%
October
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
November - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
December - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%5 -
Welcome friends to our March thread for drinking less alcohol.
Over heard an interesting conversation between spring breakers at a touristy place to eat last night.
It was a group of 5 guys and gals. Their main topic of discussion was the alcohol they had that day to drink before getting to the dinner spot.
It appeared to have started or continued from the evening before. Everyone seemed to recall the day up to a particular point around 11:30AM.
Then it was like listening to a puzzle competition, where they were all trying to get their piece to fit into the story line.
I heard a lot of 'OH MAN WASN'T THAT FUN?' Yet no one could recall what took place because they had nothing to add to the story.
They were all burned to crisp from not applying sun block(which they all agreed to stop and purchase on the way back to their rental). I doubt that will take place.
This reminds me I had been in their same situation in my life previous to being on MFP and this topic.
I know now that fun, good times should always be able, to be remembered.
Day one March 2024 I plan to make it an alcohol free day. How about you?
7 -
In for March! After feeling so good about how I ended February, I came very close to slipping and going over last night...but I stopped myself - literally poured out my wine. Granted, not going back for another glass at all is preferable but anything that helps me stick to my goals is a win.
Plan for March is 17 A, 16 NA - last month I was on target 68% so definitely would like to see an increase (although ideally will hit 100%). I am seeing a change on the scale finally, coupling WW with MFP.7 -
Welcome March and hello to all returning and new LA friends:
I usually post an update the next morning and use this thread as my tracking/accountability journal.
March goal:
18-20 AF days
10-12 A days
Limits: 2 glasses (wine)
To answer @MissMay, I do plan to make it an alcohol free day and look forward to it!
I’m heading to a garden center to pick up some planting materials for my garden. It’s a bit early to plant outside here in CA but I’m going to try seed starters in my greenhouse this year.
Make it a great day!5 -
6 -
Happy March all! Starting on a Friday with AF is a win for me because Friday is my favorite wine night.
1 AF6 -
Thank you Miss May,
Your grace and poise keep us all together with this thread you start for us each month!
I have to say because of you, and the help of all the dedicated posters here I am in such a better place than I was 2 years/3 years ago..??
My relationship with A is so much healthier now. I no longer stress in the evenings when I choose to be AF. Today I had a glass of wine before dinner and left it at that. I was done for the day and I did not freak out about when can I drink again.
So to all of you posters who have been around awhile and all you newbie's Keep up your amazing journey
xx
7 -
Happy March! Finished February with a 14-day AF streak my longest in several years. Sleep is still poor but I am seeing slight improvement. Wonderful not having to tackle a stressful job with a hangover. Guessing I have saved about $60-70 dollars. My recycle bin not loaded with empties is nice as well. Wishing you all health and fun beating your goals.7
-
I won my tennis match yesterday, which I’m happy about. My partner suggested going out for a drink afterwards to celebrate and catch up, so with our late lunch, that’s one drink down. At a party last night, I had two glasses of wine, so that means one over my goal. However, I declined an after party drink and just went to bed, so that was a win. Tonight we celebrate my husband’s birthday, so my plan is to micro-sip my one glass of wine to even out going over plan yesterday!
Happy Saturday to all!6 -
Already the positivity and fresh outlook here with only being open for ONE DAY.....warm my heart.
This is why the 5 little words ONE DAY AT A TIME are so important.
Yes, planning and goal setting play into it also. But, if you can tackle that ONE DAY(actually not even an entire 24 hour day since we do all have to sleep 😉).
Learn to be easy on yourself if you mess up. Don't set unachievable goals or expectations.
Accountability:
1 AF
6 -
Michieb125 wrote: »Welcome March and hello to all returning and new LA friends:
I usually post an update the next morning and use this thread as my tracking/accountability journal.
March goal:
18-20 AF days
10-12 A days
Limits: 2 glasses (wine)
To answer @MissMay, I do plan to make it an alcohol free day and look forward to it!
I’m heading to a garden center to pick up some planting materials for my garden. It’s a bit early to plant outside here in CA but I’m going to try seed starters in my greenhouse this year.
Make it a great day!
Here in NW Florida it has been a much colder Winter than normal. Wednesday it got to 72° which was heaven. I raked my garden areas and yard of leaves and that discussing red braf mulch is finally gone that the previous owner had put down.
So I am in your thinking zone of making my way to the garden center for some beautiful black mulch and flowers to plant.
Granted my "yard" is a postage stamp size townhouse area, yet it gives me zen to make it lovely.
Another thing we should all try to incorporate in our daily lives. Do one thing each day that brings you joy. No matter what it might be.6 -
Starting my Simon & Garfunkel herb garden in the South facing window [parsley-sage-rosemary&thyme]. Joy in pots.
The actual color of that "red" mulch is "cat barf". 🤢
March - 2 AF beer days 🍺🍺6 -
forestdweller1 wrote: »Starting my Simon & Garfunkel herb garden in the South facing window [parsley-sage-rosemary&thyme]. Joy in pots.
The actual color of that "red" mulch is "cat barf". 🤢
March - 2 AF beer days 🍺🍺
Love your reference to S&G!!! Yes my husband when he saw the red mulch during us viewing homes for sale, told our realtor right then, OH SHE HATES RED MULCH, THIS COULD BE A DEAL BREAKER 🤑😉5 -
Goals for March
Mostly Dry (no more than 4 days)
Possible ExceptionsFirst week is a killer
3/4 - Dinner Out
3/5 - Dinner Out (may not go)
3/8 - Fashion Show
TBD
Goal AF = 27+
Current Streak - AF = 6
Longest Streak 2024 - AF = 16
Husband bought this new flavor of Crown, Blackberry, that he wants to try. I will probably try it. As long as it's not wine....:)
A = 0
W = 0
AF = 1
A=Non Wine Alcohol
Month Recap by Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3/1 ✅️2024 Stats
3/2
3/3
3/4
3/5
3/6
3/7
3/8
3/9
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/13
3/14
3/15
3/16
3/17
3/18
3/19
3/20
3/21
3/22
3/23
3/24
3/25
3/26
3/27
3/28
3/29
3/30
3/31
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~January2023 Stats Detailed
AF = 87%
A = 13%
February
AF = 58%
A = 42%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~January
AF = 53%
A = 47%
February
AF = 29%
A = 71%
March
AF = 0%
A = 100%
April
AF = 14%
A = 86%
May
AF = 23%
A = 77%
June
AF = 27%
A = 73%
July
AF = 0%
A = 100%
August
AF = 0%
A = 100%
September
AF= 0%
A= 100%
October
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
November - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%
December - Assumed
AF= 0%
Wine=100%
A= 100%4 -
3/35
-
Greetings!
As of this week, I am "not on a school night" - drinking Friday and Saturday only unless there's an event (ie a dinner out with friends). Mid-week drinking causes me poor sleep, poor decisions and laziness.6 -
2 AF4
-
Hey Hwy Ho Ho my LA friend
Yesterday did an escape room and we were 1 clue away from escaping. We were decoding the last lock combination when time ran out...darn. they gave us 3 clues while in the room when we really got stuck. Thank you SIL lol
Afterwards we went out to eat and I had 1/2 a beer instead of 2. Win
@MissMay I know what you mean about a zen spot. Lately painting rocks again is my happy zen. Keeps my hands and mind concentrating on something in the evenings...a distraction of sorts. Of course they are of a Mandala themed with a little sparkle. Both are in green tones
5 -
To any/all of the LA friends on here. I know I have not been posting on a regular basis but I have a request please
On March 16 is my mothers 90th birthday. She lives alone and is widowed. Me and my siblings will be traveling across country to visit but we were brain storming on how to make it super special.
We are asking anyone who would like to send her a b/d card wishing her happy b/d. If you would like to add your wishes please pm me and I will give you her address.
Thank you so much.4 -
Thank you, MissMay for continuing this thread. I am in for March. Goal is 1 "A" day this month, if any. I ended February at 144 lbs, total weight loss, 14 lbs. since Thanksgiving. Progress came from keeping drinking to 1-2x a month max. I feel awesome and I didn't expect this at all. Joints don't ache anymore, I sleep deep and soundly and wake up refreshed. My mood and blood sugar are on an even keel. This all is motivating me to continue forward with my self-improvement goals.
I also feel like I gained respect for myself, something I didn't have before.
Guys, I have been on this thread for several years and looking back, my only regret has been to not have done this sooner.10 -
Super rainy day yesterday. The hills are becoming dark green like in Ireland - Northern Cal hills and trees are simply gorgeous during early spring. Will post a pic soon.
Yesterday, I unpacked and washed clothes from vacation, started a good book, walked for an hour between downpours. I also reflected on how I can do better with boundaries with (my beloved) family. I reveled in the down day as I need one now and then to allow for reflection.
Had a 0.0 NA beer and stayed AF last night! I’m down to 2 x a week for wine sips and am honestly grateful for this thread which has helped greatly. Daily wine became counterproductive for my personal goals. I’m also down 10 lbs. since my LA journey began a little over a year ago.
I was thinking we all need to appreciate our individual small and and large LA accomplishments and celebrate! I hope you do something special just for yourself today.
March goal - wine / Sunday and Thursday
18-20 AF days
10-12 A days
Limits: 2 glasses (wine)
Actual:
1 - AF
1 - A
7 -
@globalhiker - I can truly ‘hear’ your joy ring through in your comments. I agree this LA lifestyle might mean less alcohol, but look how much MORE we get from it! #respect #motivation #painfree #sleep #positvemood - all the things you mention. Way to go.3
-
3-AF6
-
3 - AF4
-
Middle Daughter gifted me a huge honeydew melon [which I don't usually like, but this one was very ripe] so I consumed half at one sitting after dinner . Every. Two . Hours. All . Night. Long. I. Got . Up .To . Pee. Yeah, melons are a large percentage water so that was not unexpected , and the weight drop was kinda nice. But since Catpucinno sleeps on top of me at night...he was extremely disgruntled at being displaced so often. "Puurrp, more treats ??"
March - 2 AF 00 🍺🍺/ 1 AF Honeydew experience.
6
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