Less Alcohol- April 2018- One Day at a Time

Thank you @Orphia for telling us your story! I would like to celebrate like that with alcohol, but I am not sure it really is possible for me. I have been down too many wrong paths with it and personally at this point don't want to find out I can't moderate again. If I am ever not under so much stress, maybe I will see. Probably not, however, it is not necessary for my life. I like the positive mindset that you have about it. I wish you the best with everything in your journey. How did you lose that weight, btw, like that? Your story is impressive. Is your story on that on another thread? I got 35 lbs off and maintained for about a year. I want to do it again. Thanks for sharing.

I don't like being called an alcoholic, but if that is what keeps me dry then I can deal with it, lol (mostly). I am getting back into running and am training to do my first 5k for Domestic Violence in May in honor of my 2 late sons--yes you read it right--2--1984 and 2015. I am up to run/walking it at this point and that is probably what I will be doing for it. I sustained a back injury in 2011, so this training is a miracle in itself. I have done a half-marathon before and walking 5ks prior to the injury. I am excited about it. This would NOT be happening if I was drinking the way I was.

Thank you @JulieAL1969 for being you and also for being honest. It seems like you are trying to find out what is best for you. You have made some remarkable accomplishments with your goals. It is inspiring to see you working it out for yourself as it is with all of us here. Thank you for sharing it with all of us! This thread has helped me in so many ways. Thank you for your work in encouraging us!

Hi all, I’ve been checking in and reading along and cheering/commiserating/crying with you all from afar.

@donimfp I’m so sorry to hear about the job loss. I agree with others that while you’re in the thick of it you may not see it as a new opportunity but almost everyone I’ve known that has been through it has come out and said it was the best thing that could have happened.

@salleewins I am so sorry for your loss of your son, it’s clear the pain is still so raw for you and I can’t imagine losing a child but I just wanted to say how proud we all are of you and your resolve during that difficult time is amazing.

To the vets of these threads (Julie, Kitty, Erik, Alzzi, Jen and others) who started this effort in January and who are still plugging away but sometimes struggling to stay on goal whether that be alcohol free or alcohol diminished - some days are easier than others but what matters is we all keep showing up, staying accountable to ourselves, and allowing others to support us even when we feel like we’ve let ourselves or each other down.

To the new members, especially one of my favorite and long time, MFP inspirations @Orphia, welcome. It’s so good to have new faces here and it helps remind some of us why we are doing this to hear your stories, your struggles - this is such a great subcommunity of MFP, you’ll love it.

@SanDiegofitmom I’m glad you are having fun in Mexico!

Had a similar back to back situation myself - Mexico and then a work trip. All that is finally over and I’m ready to get back on track. In the spirit of accountability - I’ve had multiple drinks every single day since March 25th. All inclusive plus Easter plus a sales meeting plus a friends 50th Bday at a bar last night. I’m ok with it - I’ve had a lot of good times and I still do feel successful in that I haven’t drank so much to pass out, no hangovers, no real regrets. I remember all the conversations with colleagues and friends and wasn't worried about what I might have said or done. Last night on the way home from the bar my husband and I talked the whole way home and watched a show and ate some popcorn when we got back - normally I would have been passed out in the car and staggered straight to bed trying to convince him I hadn't drank as much as I did...

I’m looking forward to getting back in my routine though, of logging my food, purposeful exercise, and abstaining from alcohol during the week. Maybe even some weekends too since I have quite a few damp days under my belt already for the first week of April. I have one more big social event next Saturday - another 50th Bday with a heavy, drinking crew (my in laws!) but beyond that I can’t think of any big social situations or challenges for the rest of the month.

Alright enough rambling. Time to get coffee and bundle up - it’s a chilly 33 degrees for the first day of spring soccer for my kiddos!

Hi friends! I’m at hotel breakfast in Ft. Worth where the temp. is 37 w/ windchill of 27. What???? It was 87 when I got here yesterday.

Thanks all for the job-loss encouragement. I do believe it will be a positive thing. I started the company in 1998 and sold it in 2006. Have stayed on as editor since then. Sadly my position is not financially sustainable for them any longer. I’m welcome to continue on a contract basis but probably won’t.

I made a science of packing in a carry-on only for my recent 13-day Italy adventure. Now I’m having fantasies of being a professional organizer. Stuff like doing the mise en place for a chef is what floats my boat.

Yesterday on my drive I checked email and had one from The Sober School. Kate said “Sobriety delivers what alcohol promises.” Simple thought but for me it was kind of profound. Relaxation, fun, lessened anxiety. Those things I seek from alcohol are actually delivered by sobriety. I’m sure Kate’s course is worthwhile but after learning the price I decided this must not be for me at this time.

Wishing everyone a great weekend and success with whatever your goals are.