Less Alcohol- May 2018- One Day at a Time
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@sophieanna17 We're happy to hear from you! Sounds like you've done very well these last few months. Let us know how your 30 days is going. Keep some visual reminder like a sticker chart or download the Dry January app to keep track. Best wishes- you can do it!1
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Thank you! Love the idea of the app, will definitely get it!
This is the best group. Thank you!4 -
Today is 30 days AF for me. I feel so proud of myself.21
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@jecky74, you SHOULD be proud of yourself! Way to go. I’ve been in a pattern since starting this journey in January of going AF for 11-15 days and then deciding I’ll have “just one” and then having to spend another 10 or so days gearing up to go AF again. Odd thing is that about day 10 I am feeling so good! It seems like self-sabotage.
But I’m thankful that I’ve kept at it enough to finally discern this pattern. I’m looking at these “relapses” as a learning experience rather than shaming myself. I believe that in itself will eventually lead to success.
I’ve posted before that I plan to spend my “unemployed” months of June and July before my new job starts in August as a time of self-care and AF living. I feel I have to do this in order to survive in a new job with a new schedule and commute after 19 years of working from home. In the meantime (11 more days) I’m not particularly motivated to be strictly AF. I may be kidding myself but I feel that having that June 1 start date will be helpful like the January 1 start date was when this thread began. AF days are wonderful days, but I don’t know that I’ll even try for one until the 1st. Hopefully the thread will continue in June!!!9 -
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For anyone keeping up yesterday was my scheduled allowance day. The day I allow myself to drink. I saved up calories all week so diet-wise I was in good shape. A few days before I hit the liquor store to restock. I also learned that one of my other triggers would be in play. It cooled slightly and the wind was blowing so it seemed like a perfect evening outside with a drink.
There was a part of me saying that it is okay to drink because I can. "Of course I can" I thought "I am a grown man. I can drink anytime I want." That was the best argument I had to offer? I could not find a more compelling reason so... I didn't drink last night. I may not have broken the pattern but I have put a dent in it.
Moderation has been helpful this year and it is a big improvement over last year but drinking every other Sunday was still a little too powerful for me. I haven't felt in control as much as I hoped. After analyzing the events of the weekend of the 6th I think I am in a better place now. I have no idea what that means going forward but I made a good first step yesterday so I am hopeful.11 -
Thank you everyone. I definitely see a difference in my life and in myself in general. I do not plan to start drinking again, maybe not as strictly, but I do not want to be a daily drinker, not ever.8
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For anyone keeping up yesterday was my scheduled allowance day. The day I allow myself to drink. I saved up calories all week so diet-wise I was in good shape. A few days before I hit the liquor store to restock. I also learned that one of my other triggers would be in play. It cooled slightly and the wind was blowing so it seemed like a perfect evening outside with a drink.
There was a part of me saying that it is okay to drink because I can. "Of course I can" I thought "I am a grown man. I can drink anytime I want." That was the best argument I had to offer? I could not find a more compelling reason so... I didn't drink last night. I may not have broken the pattern but I have put a dent in it.
Moderation has been helpful this year and it is a big improvement over last year but drinking every other Sunday was still a little too powerful for me. I haven't felt in control as much as I hoped. After analyzing the events of the weekend of the 6th I think I am in a better place now. I have no idea what that means going forward but I made a good first step yesterday so I am hopeful.
I can have a drink any time I like. I have beers in the fridge actually. But I can't think of a good reason why... I used to drink nightly but these days I miss it less and less every day and wonder what the attraction was (ok, ok, it was obviously the buzz but the buzz isn't that great and I could never stay at the optimal buzz level anyway hehe)7 -
I'm throwing my hat in the ring to go AF for 30 days.
I will go long periods of time without alcohol, but as soon as I start back up again, then I am drinking almost every night. It becomes a habit for me again quickly. And then I binge eat snacks in bed and ruin my deficit for the day. I know I am a better mom, employee, person when I am AF, so I am going to abstain for the next 30 days and see how I feel.7 -
I'm throwing my hat in the ring to go AF for 30 days.
I will go long periods of time without alcohol, but as soon as I start back up again, then I am drinking almost every night. It becomes a habit for me again quickly. And then I binge eat snacks in bed and ruin my deficit for the day. I know I am a better mom, employee, person when I am AF, so I am going to abstain for the next 30 days and see how I feel.
I am doing it too! Last night was Night One. It really wasn't that bad. I had some green tea, but only because I was a little tired and there was a tv show I wanted to see. I slept SO WELL last night!! Feeling great today. When I feel the urge tonight, I'll hopefully remember my success last night and how I feel right now. Welcome to The Ring!
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Saturday was the annual family campout. I think my group is growing up or growing old. lol. No drunkenness, which is a good thing. I was proud that I only had 2 beers and I can honestly say that I didn't have a taste for a third.
Looking forward to this week! Happy Monday Ya'all!!6 -
I need this group right now. I am spiraling back to my pre-January ways
Last week I had a bad weekend and I was determined to get on track, and Monday I did. Then I lost it again. I ate very unhealthy Tuesday through Sunday. Tue and Wed I had just two drinks each night, but that is two more than someone who is planning on only Saturday drinking should have. Thur, Fri and Sun I got completely trashed each night. Ironically Saturday is the only day I didnt drink ...
In the first four months this year I have handled not drinking at work events very well. But this weekend there were two events and I got really out of control.
I have become very uncharacteristic of the new me I’ve become so proud of. And honestly I feel like I’ve behaved even worse than I used to in my old ways ...
Here is to hoping all of your inspirational stories can get me back on the right path12 -
I need this group right now. I am spiraling back to my pre-January ways
Last week I had a bad weekend and I was determined to get on track, and Monday I did. Then I lost it again. I ate very unhealthy Tuesday through Sunday. Tue and Wed I had just two drinks each night, but that is two more than someone who is planning on only Saturday drinking should have. Thur, Fri and Sun I got completely trashed each night. Ironically Saturday is the only day I didnt drink ...
In the first four months this year I have handled not drinking at work events very well. But this weekend there were two events and I got really out of control.
I have become very uncharacteristic of the new me I’ve become so proud of. And honestly I feel like I’ve behaved even worse than I used to in my old ways ...
Here is to hoping all of your inspirational stories can get me back on the right path
Eric, I think we have all been where you are. I often wonder why I sabotage myself. Its as if I have to break a rule, even if its mine!3 -
I need this group right now. I am spiraling back to my pre-January ways
Last week I had a bad weekend and I was determined to get on track, and Monday I did. Then I lost it again. I ate very unhealthy Tuesday through Sunday. Tue and Wed I had just two drinks each night, but that is two more than someone who is planning on only Saturday drinking should have. Thur, Fri and Sun I got completely trashed each night. Ironically Saturday is the only day I didnt drink ...
In the first four months this year I have handled not drinking at work events very well. But this weekend there were two events and I got really out of control.
I have become very uncharacteristic of the new me I’ve become so proud of. And honestly I feel like I’ve behaved even worse than I used to in my old ways ...
Here is to hoping all of your inspirational stories can get me back on the right path
Erik- I've been there before. It's like a run away train; after I start, I don't stop.
What's the longest you've abstained? Maybe you can challenge yourself to beat that record. Little steps at a time.
I think just like our diet, we need to put in the consistent hard work to abstain for a period of time, so our brain readjusts.
Why don't you write down the reasons you want to abstain. What were your triggers? Keep a journal each day, so you can remember why you want to be AF most of the time.
I don't know if my advice is helpful, but these things worked for me. I want to send you a big hug. Because many of us have been there, and may be there again.
TODAY Is a new day. It really is! Day 1 AF xoxo
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@tamera_g - second Julie's suggestion of Le Croix - so many great flavors. I've also done plain club soda with a little grapefruit or other kind of juice. Something about bubbles seems more drinklike. You can also put that in a wine glass, which for some bizarre reason helps me. Low calorie cocoa might also work for you?1
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@Sophieanna17 - welcome! I think you'll find this group absolutely nonjudgmental and supportive. The first couple of weeks can be tough, so just put one foot in front of the other. Hugs!
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Just found this thread today. I'm in for May and June! 8
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@erikNj, good to see you. I’ll bet there are extremely few here who can’t identify with you. I know I can. For myself the roller coaster of successfully going AF followed by a period of drinking more than I want to is disheartening until I realize that 6 months ago there were no “up” periods at all.
I once had a professor tell a very discouraged me that the C I received “validated” all my A’s. I think of this journey the same way. If it were all easy smooth sailing we wouldn’t be the heroes we are.
We can do this!!8 -
I need this group right now. I am spiraling back to my pre-January ways
Last week I had a bad weekend and I was determined to get on track, and Monday I did. Then I lost it again. I ate very unhealthy Tuesday through Sunday. Tue and Wed I had just two drinks each night, but that is two more than someone who is planning on only Saturday drinking should have. Thur, Fri and Sun I got completely trashed each night. Ironically Saturday is the only day I didnt drink ...
In the first four months this year I have handled not drinking at work events very well. But this weekend there were two events and I got really out of control.
I have become very uncharacteristic of the new me I’ve become so proud of. And honestly I feel like I’ve behaved even worse than I used to in my old ways ...
Here is to hoping all of your inspirational stories can get me back on the right path
Considering it has only been 2 weeks since I went off the rails and I have one victory under my belt I am not so sure how much you should listen to me. We are all just trying to figure this thing out as we go I think. I have thought quite a bit about it in the last 2 weeks though. I realize now that just like you I have proven I have the ability to moderate myself and that doesn't go away because I slipped and fell. I have more of a choice than the drinking part of me wanted to admit. Since realizing this the urge to drink has been mitigated (for now at least).6 -
I’m 2 months sober today! Feeling happy and proud. Hasn’t been easy, but worth it!14
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Working out and listening to AF videos -
This one is from a young woman - probably in her 20s.
https://youtu.be/VB5WyBeFc8U 4 -
Day 1 - Re-Boot!!! I am getting back into the AF lifestyle... want to feel good again, waking up without guilt... boy do I have a lot of reading to do, I have been away from this group for a bit, tons of posts to read. Hope you are all doing well.
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I watched a good youtube today and the guy said being AF is a solo journey. I think he may be right. Yes, we do have this thread as inspiration, but when we are home and behind close doors, it's just you and your thoughts.
Yes, we can go to therapy or AA or another support group, but when it comes down to it, I either put alcohol in my mouth or don't. It's not as simple as I am making it to be, I know.
One of the things that helped me abstain for a few months was declining several party invitations. I think you have to go underground for a little while. Fill your time up with non-alcohol things. Change your routines. Become more introspective.
Having said that, now that I decided to moderate once in awhile, that once in awhile is starting to become a little too often for my liking. Something I have to think about. Xo6 -
I agree that it is a solo journey. The fight is internal. Wouldn't it be great though if we could collectively pool our strength to help when someone is feeling vulnerable? I know I could have used a boost at times.
I really appreciate this thread and the people in it. It is nice to have a place to talk things out and support one another even if we still have to ultimately face ourselves alone in battle.7 -
Oh man! I hope this thread continues into June.
My husband and I are big craft beer drinkers and drink way too frequently. I believe this is the* major reason for my weight gain.
I have long wanted to abstain for longer periods to see how I feel. To have new habits and ways of relaxing and enjoying myself, but I've repeatedly fallen into these bad patterns over and over. This group seems perfect - just what I need.7 -
Oh man! I hope this thread continues into June.
My husband and I are big craft beer drinkers and drink way too frequently. I believe this is the* major reason for my weight gain.
I have long wanted to abstain for longer periods to see how I feel. To have new habits and ways of relaxing and enjoying myself, but I've repeatedly fallen into these bad patterns over and over. This group seems perfect - just what I need.
Welcome. I think it is safe to say this thread will be reborn again in June.
There are many shades of moderation and temporary to permanent abstinence in this group. Whatever "less" means to you initially we will support.4
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