The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
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Merry Christmas! I have been behaving while on vacation minus last night arrrr! My husband and I went for sushi and was planning on having a little sake.... Well, not happy with myself. We were in the moment having fun; however, feel yucky today! I need to continue making healthier choices, not like last night!7
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Wishing u all the best!!
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11 months on the 23rd AF. Phew this time of year really tries me. I fell on Christmas Eve 2016 after 5 mo. sober. I fired my sponsor about a month before, that year. It was a bad thing to do around the holidays, and I knew it ahead of time, but I didn't care. We weren't the best match. I have the same situation again. Sometimes you reach your limit with growth in a relationship and have to move on. They helped me be where I am and I am thankful for that. This time I decided I will make the change after I find someone else and after this season. Yeah, you can get wiser in life after all, lol. Someone once referred to this time of year as the Bermuda triangle for alcoholics. Except it is more like a rectangle as my birthday is in January. I usually try to do healthy things on my birthday, but I just miss people not being here now that have passed. That will be as long as I am alive, so have to just keep going.
I am starting to catch up on the posts. I see lots of good things happening..... Happiest Sober Holidays.10 -
@salleewins Most relationships are fluid and here for a season, and then it’s time to move on. I’m happy you realize that. Your sobriety is most important so don’t hesitate to find a new sponsor who is a better fit. Bermuda Triangle - that is a good analogy.6
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Fitness327wk wrote: »Merry Christmas! I have been behaving while on vacation minus last night arrrr! My husband and I went for sushi and was planning on having a little sake.... Well, not happy with myself. We were in the moment having fun; however, feel yucky today! I need to continue making healthier choices, not like last night!
Regroup and move on. Enjoy your vacation!! Xo2 -
Merry Christmas everyone!! Wishing us all a safe,sober,happy day
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Good morning, friends! I saw many people drinking yesterday. Scotch, whiskey, lots of wine... but I didn’t feel like have any. I also feel accountable because some of my relatives know I quit, so I don’t want anyone to look at me sideways. (It’s a good thing.)
I also heard about a relative who has fallen off the wagon. She abstained for a decade. And now she is drinking again. That wolf in the woods got her! She has reassured her family that this time she can handle it. She just drinks a few glasses of wine each night.
Tomorrow, we are getting together for our annual neighbors outing downtown. It’s usually an all day affair with the kids. Drinks, more drinks, lunch, and then museum. But since I am a changed woman, I wonder how I’ll do. So, yes, the Bermuda Triangle is very difficult to navigate through.
Merry Christmas! At least many of us don’t have hangovers today 7 -
Yesterday made 18 months since I have had a drink. One of the driving forces behind trying harder than ever before to make this time stick was the fear of going into my 60s as a problem drinker; risks of poor health and early death go way up. 18 months ago, I was also overweight (BMI over 33) and out of shape, which are two more big risk factors. Well, today I turned 60. I haven't had a drink in over 18 months, my BMI is below 25, I can do two hours of cardio non stop and I have visible abs. I can hardly believe that last part; that wasn't a goal because I didn't think that was realistic. So I am pretty pleased.14
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CarvedTones wrote: »Yesterday made 18 months since I have had a drink. One of the driving forces behind trying harder than ever before to make this time stick was the fear of going into my 60s as a problem drinker; risks of poor health and early death go way up. 18 months ago, I was also overweight (BMI over 33) and out of shape, which are two more big risk factors. Well, today I turned 60. I haven't had a drink in over 18 months, my BMI is below 25, I can do two hours of cardio non stop and I have visible abs. I can hardly believe that last part; that wasn't a goal because I didn't think that was realistic. So I am pretty pleased.
Congrats and Happy Birthday! You are inspiring!
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You are inspiring Carved Tones! Hope you enjoy your birthday! Hafta work today and it's a bit annoying,probably be slow anyways oh well,waves to all and wishes for a fab AF Wednesday 4
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Had a couple of really quiet days...I love having time off, but back to work for a couple hours today to finish a job I should have finished a few days ago, so I'll be thinking about you at work today too @Whitpauly. I did basically nothing yesterday...I took the pups for a couple of walks and due to our elevator breakdown Christmas eve I've had to take the stairs for the past couple of days...and THAT was the extent of any exercise for moi. I only live on the 3rd floor so I should be taking the stairs everyday...but I don't LOL. Usually I have a bunch of stuff to cart to & from my car plus my dog so the elevator is usually the safer option.
We had a fairly significant snowfall a few days back & it's like a winter wonderland with all the trees covered in snow still...very beautiful!! I should get my butt in gear & go finish my job so I can enjoy the rest of my day off & prep myself for the rest of my very busy week...Of course I'll have New Year's day off too with NO HANGOVER...perhaps I will get the projects done that I didn't these past couple of days as I lazed around doing pretty much nothing...!!! Yay ME!
Hope everyone is well...@CarvedTones I agree that you are inspiring!! 5 -
@Salleewins YAY on 11 months AF!! I can't imagine how trying this time of year is with the losses you cope with. This can be a very difficult time of year for many, especially if they are grieving a loved one's absence.
What a great description of this season as the Bermuda Triangle for alcoholics.
Also, I think you show tremendous strength & growth recognizing that it is time to move on from another stagnant relationship. Yet, you have a positive outlook on how these relationships helped you at one time...you'll find your match......hoping the best for you in the days ahead. 5 -
Good morning, friends! FIrst alcohol free Christmas - done!
Woke up with a phantom hangover! That’s so weird. Just a little nausea.
Today, we are going to hang out with drinking friends. I may have one, we shall see.
Happy Birthday @CarvedTones !!
Happy to hear from @lorrainequiche59 @whitpauly on the thread. I was getting a little lonely on here. Sometimes, I think i post too much. But it’s a lifeline to me. Love you all! Xo6 -
Hope you had a very Happy Birthday @CarvedTones !! Congratulations on your many successes!!1
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Thank you @RubyRed427 and @lorrainequiche59 . You both have done so well, too!!
Yes I made it Christmas Eve and Christmas. I admit it was the hardest except for the beginning of quitting. I am sure everyone remembers the beginning. I could not do 24 hours without drinking. For weeks I kept trying....Oh God it was awful. I was scared if I didn't drink and stopped abruptly, I would have a heart attack, but if I didn't stop, I thought I may have one, too.......6 -
The phantom hangover. I get that if I eat a lot of junk. The next day I feel like I had a food hangover. I am back on track after the last holidays, today. Hello greens. Long time no see, lol.4
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Yep,defo have a food hangover here!3
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Day 26....feels good, came close today but stayed on track, reporting for sober duty, let me be your sugar DD12
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CarvedTones wrote: »Yesterday made 18 months since I have had a drink. One of the driving forces behind trying harder than ever before to make this time stick was the fear of going into my 60s as a problem drinker; risks of poor health and early death go way up. 18 months ago, I was also overweight (BMI over 33) and out of shape, which are two more big risk factors. Well, today I turned 60. I haven't had a drink in over 18 months, my BMI is below 25, I can do two hours of cardio non stop and I have visible abs. I can hardly believe that last part; that wasn't a goal because I didn't think that was realistic. So I am pretty pleased.
You've really done great things, @CarvedTones and you continue to do them, by inspiring people here every day. Love your posts.
Woo hoo, abs!!!
It's inspiring to others to know that people can change habits at any age. How many years were you a drinker, and were you a daily drinker?3 -
Yep,defo have a food hangover here!
After Xmas sober lunch, I still felt positively woozy.
No wonder I felt so awful when I was drinking on top of that.
This was in 2011:
I can't believe I thought that was a nice photo! My smile looks so pained! I looked puffy and grumpy. I remember sitting there feeling so tired and lethargic.
I should have got a photo from this year. Was too busy being helpful and tidying up. Such a difference!
And no hangover on Boxing Day! Instead, I got up at 3:30 am, had breakfast, then walked for 9 hours and did 51 km / 32 miles. Walking PB!
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This is definately the group for me. In fact the only reason I jumped back onto MFP. Like several others, moderation with alcohol is no a skill I'm good at. I drink daily, and a decent amount, then take exederin for the headache I will have. I'll also smoke 20 cigarettes while smoking. I've only been doing this for about 5 years and feel 30 years older. It's just time to remember who I was before.12
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comptonforceten wrote: »This is definately the group for me. In fact the only reason I jumped back onto MFP. Like several others, moderation with alcohol is no a skill I'm good at. I drink daily, and a decent amount, then take exederin for the headache I will have. I'll also smoke 20 cigarettes while smoking. I've only been doing this for about 5 years and feel 30 years older. It's just time to remember who I was before.
Welcome to our group. My friend said the same thing. He said when you become sober, you get to re-discover who you really are. Your real self shines through without any chemical addiction. One day at a time. Also, see the first page of the thread called “Less Alcohol-December 2018” because it has a lot of great information for people wanting to cut back or quit. Xo2 -
@Scomptonforceten I can relate to your struggle. Both vices are difficult to kick, but difficult is doable!!! I stopped smoking 24 years ago and just recently stopped alcohol. NEVER thought I'd develop a drinking problem, but what I didn't realize is that I've ALWAYS had a drinking problem from my first drink at 13 years of age. I was a trainwreck most of my teens & into my 20s but in spits & spurts...so I suppose that is how I denied my problem for so long until it developed into a daily habit...again in spits & spurts so it took me awhile to stop for good. I'm hoping this is for good now!! 7 months in and SO thankful!
You CAN do this & checking in on this thread & sharing your struggle will help you to succeed...lots of good support here. What helped me tremendously was watching Craig Beck & Alcohol Mastery on YouTube. I finally had my eyes opened and began to view my drinking in a new light. It is only when we realize that alcohol has NO benefits that we will succeed in staying AF. These guys helped me to think about alcohol differently & helped me to see the damage I was doing to myself....hoping you look into the help available. This is not a solo fix!!5 -
lorrainequiche59 wrote: »@Scomptonforceten I can relate to your struggle. Both vices are difficult to kick, but difficult is doable!!! I stopped smoking 24 years ago and just recently stopped alcohol. NEVER thought I'd develop a drinking problem, but what I didn't realize is that I've ALWAYS had a drinking problem from my first drink at 13 years of age. I was a trainwreck most of my teens & into my 20s but in spits & spurts...so I suppose that is how I denied my problem for so long until it developed into a daily habit...again in spits & spurts so it took me awhile to stop for good. I'm hoping this is for good now!! 7 months in and SO thankful!
You CAN do this & checking in on this thread & sharing your struggle will help you to succeed...lots of good support here. What helped me tremendously was watching Craig Beck & Alcohol Mastery on YouTube. I finally had my eyes opened and began to view my drinking in a new light. It is only when we realize that alcohol has NO benefits that we will succeed in staying AF. These guys helped me to think about alcohol differently & helped me to see the damage I was doing to myself....hoping you look into the help available. This is not a solo fix!!
You are so right!2 -
I still haven’t come to terms that alcohol has no benefits, but that is such an important component. For me, it still represents momentary release from overthinking and stress, but I know that is a temporary fix. This new year will bring enormous personal changes in my life, and I am getting into battle mode. I want a clear head, calm disposition, and courageous drive to make the changes in my personal life that I have been craving. Alcohol makes my mind so foggy, my emotions out of whack, and once I come to terms with that. I feel the real “me” can emerge, after decades of hiding behind a martini.14
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Happy AF Thursday all! 7
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CarvedTones wrote: »Yesterday made 18 months since I have had a drink. One of the driving forces behind trying harder than ever before to make this time stick was the fear of going into my 60s as a problem drinker; risks of poor health and early death go way up. 18 months ago, I was also overweight (BMI over 33) and out of shape, which are two more big risk factors. Well, today I turned 60. I haven't had a drink in over 18 months, my BMI is below 25, I can do two hours of cardio non stop and I have visible abs. I can hardly believe that last part; that wasn't a goal because I didn't think that was realistic. So I am pretty pleased.
You've really done great things, @CarvedTones and you continue to do them, by inspiring people here every day. Love your posts.
Woo hoo, abs!!!
It's inspiring to others to know that people can change habits at any age. How many years were you a drinker, and were you a daily drinker?
I cycled, which is not surprising as I have type 2 bipolar disorder and most of my worst periods occurred when I stopped taking medication (extremely common with mental illness patients; we badly want to believe we are cured when there is a period of stability). I would drink "normally"/socially for a while, then have a few incidents of hidden drinking alone late at night and that would become more and more frequent until I would string together several consecutive nights. I mostly drank alone when depressed.
I was a drinker for over 40 years with a few stints of going AF for a while until I convinced myself I could start back and keep it under control. Twice before I have been over a year, but never over 15 months until now. Usually it was only 3-6 months before I would convince myself I had control. Every time I stopped, I had in the back of my mind that I would get it under control and then carefully start back again. What's different this time is that I have accepted that it is not possible for me to do that.
I haven't had an urge in quite a while but I do sometimes get "longings". The difference is that I see urges as wanting a drink right now and longings as still wishing that I could realize the dream in my head of being retired and watching the sun set over the ocean while I sipped wine or having beers while socializing at the pool. I have to think it through and I know that the end game of those situations is to get drunk, as much as I try to pretend it isn't.9 -
I haven't had an urge in quite a while but I do sometimes get "longings". The difference is that I see urges as wanting a drink right now and longings as still wishing that I could realize the dream in my head of being retired and watching the sun set over the ocean while I sipped wine or having beers while socializing at the pool. I have to think it through and I know that the end game of those situations is to get drunk, as much as I try to pretend it isn't.[/quote]CarvedTones wrote: »
I love how you describe this....longings as still wishing...urges as right now!!! That is me exactly. I have the longings not so much the urges. Have been having a few longings lately, but like you, I know that how I wish things could be is not my reality. That is just how it is!! I think the reason I'm having so many longings right now is the seasonal depression thing. This too shall pass.
I messed up the quote AGAIN...LOL I DO have other redeeming qualities!!!
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ANOTHER gifted bottle of wine for moi from one of today's jobs!!! I'm getting a collection LOL Perhaps THAT is creating my longing! This is a test for me. 9 more days until I have dinner guests who will drink one of them. I may gift the other 2 to them also...or ditch them beforehand. There are two couples coming so they could take home one each.5
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