The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
Options
Replies
-
@iRun_Butterfly Welcome to our group! You will find support here. A lot of us have done Annie Grace's free 30 day AF challenge, Look under the Alcohol Experiment online if you are interested.3
-
@iRun_Butterfly welcome and rambling on is fine as you deal with multiple emotions and thoughts keep tumbling out. You will adjust as you go, I drank continuously for about 40 years and had to decide to stop for Health reasons over 10 years ago. One day I couldn’t imagine not drinking and the next day I was AF. I was scared that I couldn’t have another drink for the rest of my life and scared that I would. I am AF and the benefits in health fitness and lifestyle is remarkable.
Good luck and keep posting here as you go7 -
@SomeMorr,a keto diet is actually recommended by one of the people I follow for AF advice,something about keeping blood sugar steady cuz a lot of heavy drinkers are hypoglycemic,supposed to cut down on cravings but I haven't followed it too closely cuz I love my carbs! Today was a tricky one for me,I work in a hair salon and my old bartender came in for highlights,I haven't seen her in years and just seeing her again put all those bad heavy drinking memories out,thank goodness I wasn't the one doing her hair cuz I was just able to leave,get in my car and peel out of the parking lot and make a beeline home! Ugh to go back to drinking would be devastating for me! Doesn't help that I'm off tomorrow and was thinking hmmmm maybe? But who wants to spend a day off hungover in the Last Vegas heat? NOT ME!7
-
@SomeMorr,a keto diet is actually recommended by one of the people I follow for AF advice,something about keeping blood sugar steady cuz a lot of heavy drinkers are hypoglycemic,supposed to cut down on cravings but I haven't followed it too closely cuz I love my carbs! Today was a tricky one for me,I work in a hair salon and my old bartender came in for highlights,I haven't seen her in years and just seeing her again put all those bad heavy drinking memories out,thank goodness I wasn't the one doing her hair cuz I was just able to leave,get in my car and peel out of the parking lot and make a beeline home! Ugh to go back to drinking would be devastating for me! Doesn't help that I'm off tomorrow and was thinking hmmmm maybe? But who wants to spend a day off hungover in the Last Vegas heat? NOT ME!
Stay strong in your goals. Plan ahead in case your craving pops up tomorrow. Can you plan something on the lines of self-care, maybe a manicure or hike on a trail or go to the beach. I'm with you! I have had a thought recently about missing alcohol but told myself to stop glamorizing it; then, i remembered the times spent throwing up after a wild night... And having a wicked hangover. I'm sending you a hug; you're doing so well! xo7 -
@RubyRed427 .... thank you. I am a newly single(ish) woman with young children who is finding her footing again. I love my new single life but love it even more without the daily alcohol. I too have found calmer times, fewer mood swings, able to calm down quicker... but I have trouble falling asleep. @iRun_Butterfly ... I think you and I have similar situations. I too dread the weekends sometimes. I am a self-proclaimed "beer girl" so I'm having to readjust to a new identity. The first 4 days were THE HARDEST for me, but now occasionally I forget that I've "laying off the sauce" as I say. Like I said before, I'm not sure if not drinking is a permanent state for me, but something I definitely needed to look at and address. Being out of control, at my age, is dangerous and unattractive, plus, I hate it. And as Robert Plant sang... RAMBLE ON!6
-
On the Less Alcohol thread I had shared how I poured all my liquor down the drain after deciding not to give it away...I reasoned on the fact that alcohol is a poison & if I firmly believe that how can I in good conscience give someone poison...all well & good! SO, I watched it & smelled it as it went down the drain. It actually felt liberating! Liquor was never my go to anyway, so it wasn't too difficult getting rid of it although I was pouring a bit of $$ down the drain.
YET, I have been hanging on to a bottle of champagne that a client had given me 2 moves ago & had planned to have a champagne breakfast with my girls that I hang with....THEN I decided I would give it back to my client....
AND it still sat in my fridge. I realized the other day that I was having difficulty giving it back. I tried to figure out what was the hold back, cause it wasn't temptation to drink it. I was hanging onto the idea of having my champagne breakfast...one more soiree at the Bachelorette Pad.
It's like a sentimental attachment to the gatherings I used to have at my place, the wine tastings & wine & nibblies & wine & wine & more wine LOL!!! I think THAT is the hard part. It isn't not putting wine to my lips, it's missing the social aspect that went along with that. SO, It's time to start a different social thing without wine. I'm not sure how though. I suppose without wine LOL
I did give the champagne back to my client when I saw her yesterday, & let her know that I was reneging on the champagne breakfast idea. Anyway, it prompted some conversation around my going AF & she was sincerely interested in watching some Annie Grace videos cause she has her own issues around alcohol. She also wanted to join MFP & I told her about his thread.
How is everyone doing with the social aspect of not drinking? I know weekends are hard at first, but that passes. Just socializing in general when most people drink is a challenge. So, I'm just curious how others are handling it.6 -
I am a self-proclaimed "beer girl"
This prompted the following thoughts on myself:
Since going AF, I can't help noticing a number of my friends who seem to define themselves by their drinking, and are always posting pictures of themselves with a drink.
I also realised something else the other day.
I define myself by not being cliché.
I think that's a big part of what's helped me change to being so healthy and loving creativity again.
4 -
Too Funny!! When I awoke this morn there was a message from a friend who works at the Wine store letting me know that she's been collecting wines for us to sample...For some reason I thought I had told her about going AF, but it would have been in the initial stages of my sobriety & she's used to me stopping & starting. I just think her timing is interesting in view of my recent realization in my above comment.
@Orphia can you expand on your comment about your definition of yourself not being cliche. I think that's an interesting expression but I'm not certain of exactly what you mean. I think I need to look up the word cliche LOL5 -
@Orphia Never mind, I looked up the word cliche!! But you can still expand on it.
I want to express my sympathies to you on the death of your "Tomorrow You" friend The last time I was on the Less Alcohol thread I had seen your comment about her death, but I was too busy getting my stick out of the hornet's nest & got a little bit self asbsorbed.
It sounds like you are taking care of yourself through this, yet, I know how difficult losing a good friend can be. My BFF died after a year long battle with ovarian cancer a few months ago. So, my heart goes out to you4 -
I read this on the Alcohol Experiment Website this morning. The words are not mine but I love the message:
I have been AF for 140 days give or take a few. One of the most eye opening and freeing realizations has been that, the "I need a drink" feeling that would hit me every. single. day, at different times and in various circumstances, was really just life or my body trying to communicate something to me like: You need more water, You need to eat a big healthy green salad, Kid # 4 needs a hug, Kid # 2 needs you to have a conversation with her, You need to take a nap, You need to exercise, You need to address that 'to do' list, You and hubby need a night out, you need to stop thinking about yourself and do something kind for someone else. You need to call your mother!
I certainly did not need a shot of poison! That 'I need a drink' feeling is a lie that I had allowed to overshadow every other real need in my life. It was an excuse to not deal with life. Now when 'that' feeling hits, I take a moment and analyze exactly what is going on around me and within me and figure out what I really need. It is definitely NOT "I need a drink!"
12 -
Good morning friends! This weekend we are going out to a nice restaurant with another couple. This is my friend who first took me to AA a month ago. I was also reflecting how the waiter will probably get disappointed, because the four of us won't be drinkng but I guess that's how it goes. (My husband may have some wine.)
I also remember back three years ago going to this restaurant, and I drank three lemon drop martinis that were huge. Guess what ? I had to throw up on the side of the road on the way home. My husband was driving, and I was so embarrassed. Bad memory- but I'll replace it with a good memory tomorrow.15 -
@RubyRed427 Don't worry about the server. When I was a server only about half the people drank. I honestly did not care or notice. Plus nowadays people are more conscious about alcohol (driving drunk etc). Aren't you happy you will replace that bad memory with a much better one?! Have fun!5
-
I'm going on a beach vacation with the family (my husband, daughter, son-in-law, 2 grand daughters) tomorrow and I am SO looking forward to doing this sober!!! My daughter and SIL can go out partying with the knowledge and trust that Granny will take good care of their sweet babies. Looking forward to watching the sunrise and feeling great the entire time.12
-
Thanks everyone for the welcome!
@joha5603, I've always been a big time beer girl. Once I discovered craft beer, it was all down hill from there. I successfully gained 40 pounds in the past 2.5 years as a result...lol. I will admit, weight loss and feeling better in general is my impetus for exploring an AF lifestyle. I've had my "problem drinking" phases throughout my adulthood, I currently don't feel that I'm in one of those phases, but for some reason I just really feel the need to experience life in complete control. I'm kind of the same mind set, not sure if this is forever, but it's sure worth a try.6 -
Dang! aren't we a bunch of early birds?
@Orphia ... I've noticed that too! On social media, so many drinks in hand, so many pictures of JUST DRINKS. Weird.
@lorrainequiche59 ... Sadly, I've not seen my social circle as much as I used to, but much of that is by choice (too busy and not interested in the drunken silliness). We are, however, all still friends and supportive of one another, but our socializing has shifted and I think for the better. I don't think it's necessarily the drinking but more of an age thing for us: we are all busy mamas these days, professionals, and juggling a lot. HOWEVER, I have also enhanced my sober social skills by joining 2 hiking clubs and a running buddy and focusing on socializing that is health-focused. I'm lucky enough to live in a gorgeous part of CA, (altho' the smoke has put a damper on August), but still... finding outdoor activities is easy here. So, that's how I'm handling it.5 -
Happy Friday all!3
-
I read this on the Alcohol Experiment Website this morning. The words are not mine but I love the message:
I have been AF for 140 days give or take a few. One of the most eye opening and freeing realizations has been that, the "I need a drink" feeling that would hit me every. single. day, at different times and in various circumstances, was really just life or my body trying to communicate something to me like: You need more water, You need to eat a big healthy green salad, Kid # 4 needs a hug, Kid # 2 needs you to have a conversation with her, You need to take a nap, You need to exercise, You need to address that 'to do' list, You and hubby need a night out, you need to stop thinking about yourself and do something kind for someone else. You need to call your mother!
I certainly did not need a shot of poison! That 'I need a drink' feeling is a lie that I had allowed to overshadow every other real need in my life. It was an excuse to not deal with life. Now when 'that' feeling hits, I take a moment and analyze exactly what is going on around me and within me and figure out what I really need. It is definitely NOT "I need a drink!"
Hi! Great to read this! I so can relate. Last day of work was yesterday for 3 weeks. For the newcomers, btw, welcome, glad you are here. I am almost 7 months without a drink!! Anyways after work, which has been horrid most of the time, for about 10 months now, I thought I would like a drink. The clients that I have now have driven me fricken out of my mind, Dad died in May, his would have been birthday this week etc. So I reasoned it out again. No drink. Do I really want to sleep my vacation away and have nothing to show for it?? Do I want to gain weight as with drinking the diet pretty much goes out the window as with exercise. Do I want to give up how happy and overall calmer that I have been? Do I want to look sickly again. Even throwing up in the morning, rooting around where I left the last bottle? Fo I want to spend time getting rid of all the evidence etc etc. I wasn't always like that either. As the problems kept coming, so the drinking increased. Then I drank for every reason there was. I told myself that I am beyond exhaustion, I will look for new work, I need to drink water, feel free to do what I want, drink my water when I want, too, get a lunch break, process Dad leaving and do nothing for a change. That is more like it. Thanks for listening. Maybe it can help you in some way.8 -
Dang! aren't we a bunch of early birds?
@Orphia ... I've noticed that too! On social media, so many drinks in hand, so many pictures of JUST DRINKS. Weird.
@lorrainequiche59 ... Sadly, I've not seen my social circle as much as I used to, but much of that is by choice (too busy and not interested in the drunken silliness). We are, however, all still friends and supportive of one another, but our socializing has shifted and I think for the better. I don't think it's necessarily the drinking but more of an age thing for us: we are all busy mamas these days, professionals, and juggling a lot. HOWEVER, I have also enhanced my sober social skills by joining 2 hiking clubs and a running buddy and focusing on socializing that is health-focused. I'm lucky enough to live in a gorgeous part of CA, (altho' the smoke has put a damper on August), but still... finding outdoor activities is easy here. So, that's how I'm handling it.
I have had more time on my hands as well, so I am thinking of signing up for a weekly exercise class to go with my weekly painting class. I also notice that on a Friday night like this, I have gotten a lot accomplished: went jogging/walking for 40 min in the woods nearby, grabbed a bite to eat with husband and daughter, read the newspaper, cooked dinner for my son who got home late from work, and more. If it were a “typical” Friday night from a year ago, I would have hit a happy hour with friends and then came home and kept pouring drinks and going to bed early because I would be exhausted.
I’m happy you joined the hiking clubs and are enjoying your environment around you in CA. Cheers!7 -
salleewins wrote: »I read this on the Alcohol Experiment Website this morning. The words are not mine but I love the message:
I have been AF for 140 days give or take a few. One of the most eye opening and freeing realizations has been that, the "I need a drink" feeling that would hit me every. single. day, at different times and in various circumstances, was really just life or my body trying to communicate something to me like: You need more water, You need to eat a big healthy green salad, Kid # 4 needs a hug, Kid # 2 needs you to have a conversation with her, You need to take a nap, You need to exercise, You need to address that 'to do' list, You and hubby need a night out, you need to stop thinking about yourself and do something kind for someone else. You need to call your mother!
I certainly did not need a shot of poison! That 'I need a drink' feeling is a lie that I had allowed to overshadow every other real need in my life. It was an excuse to not deal with life. Now when 'that' feeling hits, I take a moment and analyze exactly what is going on around me and within me and figure out what I really need. It is definitely NOT "I need a drink!"
Hi! Great to read this! I so can relate. Last day of work was yesterday for 3 weeks. For the newcomers, btw, welcome, glad you are here. I am almost 7 months without a drink!! Anyways after work, which has been horrid most of the time, for about 10 months now, I thought I would like a drink. The clients that I have now have driven me fricken out of my mind, Dad died in May, his would have been birthday this week etc. So I reasoned it out again. No drink. Do I really want to sleep my vacation away and have nothing to show for it?? Do I want to gain weight as with drinking the diet pretty much goes out the window as with exercise. Do I want to give up how happy and overall calmer that I have been? Do I want to look sickly again. Even throwing up in the morning, rooting around where I left the last bottle? Fo I want to spend time getting rid of all the evidence etc etc. I wasn't always like that either. As the problems kept coming, so the drinking increased. Then I drank for every reason there was. I told myself that I am beyond exhaustion, I will look for new work, I need to drink water, feel free to do what I want, drink my water when I want, too, get a lunch break, process Dad leaving and do nothing for a change. That is more like it. Thanks for listening. Maybe it can help you in some way.
Great post! You are inspiring. And I love how you share your thoughts- sorry about Dad’s passing. Xo3 -
@JenT304 Have a GREAT vacation with your Fam & tons of fun with your grandbabies...I love being a Granny!! I get to be with my youngest (10 yr old) grandson this weekend for a folk festival in a neighboring city. So much more enjoyment being sober to actually engage in stuff instead of being preoccupied with drinking.
@joha5603 I really like your way of dealing with socializing by focusing on healthy activities. I need to get more active. My job is relatively physical, but apparently your body gets used to the movement so it's important to change it up. That is really where I need to progress. Just even walking. Anyway, sounds like you have a good grip.
@RubyRed427 Have fun making good memories on your night out!!
@whitpauly Happy Friday (almost over LOL)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!2
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.4K Getting Started
- 259.6K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 387 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.2K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 913 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions