The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living

Welcome, @MonkeyMel21! Just under a year ago, I was in the same situation--leaving a job that was "hangover-friendly" (telecommuting so I could work on the couch) for one that required me to be on top of my game. That is a great motivation for not drinking. Like you, I'm not good at moderation, and I can't say I went through the whole school year (I was teaching in juvenile lock-up) without some slips, but I really learned how important being alcohol free is for performance.

Just this morning, I was reflecting that there is not one single thing in my life that isn't better without alcohol's interference--my health, my appearance, my energy, my weight, my anxiety level, my mood, my social interactions, my concentration, my memory . . . the list is endless. And I cannot think of one single advantage to drinking (for me). Therefore, it's a no-brainer of a decision. So I guess I should be singing the Scarecrow's song: If I Only Had a Brain. Today is my new Day 1. After drinking early this month after almost 100 days AF, it has taken me this long to get back to a place where I'm ready to make that commitment. I'm excited again that I don't have to (not "get to") drink any more.

On a boat ride having fun ! With @JenT304

Great post, @lorrainequiche59!

I woke up full of gratitude this morning, too. Last night was "Night 1." I suffer occasionally from tinnitus (ringing in the ear--sounds like a chorus of crickets is in my head and it's very annoying). Last night, with no alcohol in me, it struck. I felt like I was being tortured. Turned on my surf sounds as loud as I could but I could still hear the crickets. I couldn't grab alcohol to make me oblivious. So on and off I didn't get much sleep.

But . . . this morning I woke up feeling refreshed enough to grab my tennies and go for a pretty decent walk outside before the 103-degree temps hit. Also, the buzzing had almost completely subsided. So as I walked outside in the beautiful morning, I was so grateful that I didn't succumb to alcohol in an attempt to knock myself out. I certainly wouldn't have had the energy to walk if I had. Also, in reading about tinnitus this morning, one of the first aggravating factors listed is alcohol consumption.

So, grateful to be starting Day 2 feeling good, and also grateful for this group. Have a great day, everyone!

@FeelinFooFoo Your post about a natural high from music was spot on. It made me think of that as adults we sometimes forget all the things that made us happy before stress and work and more stress got in the way.

Today is August 1.....am thinking AF through year-end....

JenT304 wrote: »

Hi Everyone, I am back in Maryland after visiting the delightful @RubyRed427. We had such a great time as I knew we would. If there is someone you feel a connection with here or on another thread, I say try to meet up! We had a fantastic time!!

I agree, Jen! It was a perfect time together... and so fulfuliling connecting with you. We shared many laughs and easy, meaningful conversations.

This thread is a bridge for many of us. We all have a lot in common in more ways than just our Sober Squad goals.

Following up on @RubyRed427’s post about stress, I recommend Jennifer L. Scott’s “Madame Chic” books. 3 books best enjoyed in order. She stresses the simple joys in life. They’re a treat to read with a cup of tea.

It is so nice to wake up with energy. I’m able to get outside before the temperature soars. When drinking, it’s 100-plus degrees by the time I can consider walking so there goes that opportunity. So many Up Sides to being AF.

Good to see you @Norminv!

Good Morn: I had my marker in a particular place in my Letting Go book because it resonated with what I had been struggling with on & off and at the time that I came across it, I put the marker there to read it "later" and never got around to reading it until just recently. It is entitled "Time To Get Angry"

NOW it is a coincidence that the date for that reading is July 18, the day my beloved bro died...but is EXACTLY what I've needed to read. SO as I went to read it last week it was SO timely because I have been struggling off & on since day 4 of his death with this particular feeling. It was coming in waves as the grief was coming in waves...it's like my anger & my grief were competing for my attention & energy!! I realize that anger is part of grief, but another part of my anger was residual from the past and because I just happened to be in the process of dealing with some of my past stuff I had tried to hide with alcohol and dealing with a recent significant disappointment, it is like the death of my bro blew the top off the volcano of my anger. That is the only way I can describe it...it was so intense and has lasted so long, I wondered if I was ever going to not be angry again. But as I read Melodie's Beattie's blurb, it was like she gave me permission to deal & heal from my anger and puts it in a way that makes it ok to feel what I feel.

So, having said ALL THAT, I'd like to share it in my following blurb because I really think it is important and I truly hope that sharing this will help someone of you to deal with your own anger...because anger is a secondary emotion and can be on top of hurt, fear, frustration, helplessness...THOSE are the feelings that can generate anger. And it isn't feeling anger but what we do with it that can cause harm, how we act as a result of it. So I hope it can help someone else in their healing journey.

@lorrainequiche59, I have an almost worn-out copy of that book inscribed to me by my mom in Sept. 1991, when I was going through my divorce. I turn to it often, and it's incredible how many times that day's meditation is exactly what I needed to hear or think about. I'm glad you're finding it helpful.

We went to a dinner party last night and I was tempted to have one drink "just to be polite," but luckily didn't have to test myself because the hostess asked us to help ourselves at the bar and it was easy to just pour Topo Chico in my glass and add lime. (Don't know if Topo Chico is common all over the country/world, but it is sparkling water from Mexico and is very popular here in Texas). Only one person had wine with the dinner, everyone else, including me, sticking with our "cocktails." Up for another early walk this morning. This is keeping me motivated. If I waited until a hangover dissipated, it would be too hot outside to do anything. So far so good, but my thinking about having one for politeness is certainly a red flag that I still have a lot of work to do.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Today is day three AF and my first weekend. According to my fitbit, I’ve gotten a lot better deep sleep. My heartburn is starting to go away too! I’ve not been in a great mood but that could easily be related to something else and hopefully ease up in the next two days. Anyway, just checking in and reading previous posts.