Less Alcohol - NOVEMBER 2020 - One Day at a Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,783 Member
in Challenges
~THIS IS A MONTHLY CONTINUING THREAD THAT HAS BEEN ACTIVE SINCE AS FAR BACK AS 2017. WELCOME ~
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING OUR THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
Do you want to drink LESS?
Do it because it's a lovely thing to do for yourself!
I bet that thinking a day off is a sort of punishment and hasn't been working.
Be kind to the person you will wake up as.
Join us in drinking LESS (whatever that means for you) one day at a time, as we continue to support and learn from each other.
▪MFP LESS ALCOHOL ONE DAY AT A TIME RESOURCE & GENERAL INFORMATION LIST▪
USING OUR THREAD:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Join us at any time - this is a day to day challenge.
•Set your own goal - this thread is about drinking less and you decide what that means to you.
•There are no scheduled check-ins - post as often or as little as you want or need.
•AF is an acronym for Alcohol Free. For others commonly used on this site see - https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1
•To follow this thread easily, bookmark it by clicking on the star at the top right of this thread.
•Remember that we are here for you and care about you. Check in with us when you have time and let us know what you need!
TIPS & OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Getting Started or Starting Over - The Early Days
•Some people find it easier to set small attainable goals at the beginning to help boost confidence.
•If you have been drinking daily the first days will be some of the hardest and drinking again will feel like a cure but it delays the relief that only time can provide.
•There will always be a reason to delay the start/restart of your journey.
•For those ready to commit to being alcohol-free permanently, the videos on YouTube by Craig Beck will help. He also has a program you can join.
•You may experience mood swings and anxiety during your first two weeks. It is suggested you try and focus on the benefits of your goal.
•Cravings are said to last only 6 minutes, so find something to distract you like arming yourself with alternatives: tea, mock-tails, activities, etc.
•You may find that filling the time you drink with other activities like exercise or hobbies can be a helpful distraction.
•If you find them tempting try and avoid events/outings that will have drinking for a time.
•Don't let pride or shame keep you from asking for the help you need.
•Sometimes talking it out or posting your thoughts/feelings/struggles may help you work things out for yourself.
•It is okay that you don't always have all the answers.
•Some days will be easier than others.
•You may have initial/increased sugar cravings.
•You should never take a day that you have lived up to your goals for granted.
•Celebrate the smaller victories too. Less alcohol is still less alcohol even if your goal was zero at that moment.
•Once you begin sticking to your goals for one day to many days you should believe you are capable of the same and more because you are.
•Failure is not giving in and drinking. Failure is to stop trying to accomplish your goals.
•Annie Grace (This Naked Mind author) has a free program on her website (https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/) called the 30 day experiment which can be joined anonymously.
Life with Less Alcohol:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•It can be helpful to educate yourself with books and web research (Some suggested books and links listed below).
•There is no benefit to comparing yourself to others because this is a personal journey.
•You may often feel conflicted. You will know that there are numerous real benefits to sticking to your goal while at the same time think that alcohol is an important part of stress relief, relaxation, celebration, etc.
•You may feel punished by not drinking or drinking less but that feeling usually fades with time.
•Sometimes drinking less or quitting will strain friendships that centered around alcohol.
•Having a list of reasons to stick to your goals handy for yourself can be helpful. Some lists have included remembering how bad it feels to have a hangover, excess/unwanted calories, having a racing heart during the night, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
•It is a good idea to have a plan for how you might deal with various tempting scenarios before engaging in a social situation.
•Self-Reflection is an important part of the journey. Once we figure out why we drink we can hopefully use that information to form new habits and make better and more mindful decisions.
•Sometimes doing something nice for yourself like a little reward for a success makes the journey easier.
•You will see many helpful suggestions and ideas that work for some people. However, finding what tactics work for you may involve some trial and error.
•It is not uncommon for certain activities that were once combined with alcohol to trigger temptation. Many have said that outdoor activities in warmer weather made alcohol very tempting.
•Many that have spent time with no alcohol after drinking again realized that it doesn't enhance experiences like they once believed it did. Some have said they no longer like the taste.
•Don't forget how sticking to your goal has made your life better and remember it to motivate you again if you fall off your path.
•If you begin drinking daily again whether planned like a vacation or unplanned you may once again face a struggle to get it under control.
•For some people it is easier to not drink than it is to moderate drinking. Others have found moderating impossible.
Reported Benefits of Less or No Drinking: (Results may be incremental, and/or they may vary)
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Improved sleep after 2,4,7,10,& 60 days
•Improved skin/complexion after 10 days
•Improved ease in weight loss. Not only from the savings of alcohol calories but some report making poor food choices after drinking.
•Increased energy after as few as 2 days
•Increase in other fun activities. Some have found that daily drinking became their main recreational activity and their world was decreased in size.
•Increased productivity
•Reduction of high blood pressure
•Lower resting heart rate
•Less Acid Re-flux
•Significant financial savings
•More creativity
•More productivity
•Better relationships with family
When Alcohol Is Used for Avoidance:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•We drink to ease the stress of the working day, to avoid it.
•We drink to avoid anxiety in social situations.
•We drink to avoid making decisions about not drinking.
•The Takeaway on Avoidance, our problems don't go away if we avoid them. We need to learn to face them.
•Having a clear head makes our problems seem much smaller.
•Having a clear head makes problems easier to solve.
How to Be Kind to "Tomorrow You":
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Instead of lumbering with guilt, headaches, and poor nutrition hangovers in the morning, Think of think how nice it would be not to feel that way tomorrow.
•Worry about "me" and don't let "tomorrow Me" feel awful.
•Instead of thinking alcohol is something nice to have *now*, think of *NOT drinking* as something nice we can do for the person we are when we awaken in the morning.
•Do you bank calories for a festive occasion? (Handy tactic) We can bank a good mood for when we wake up.
•We need to have sympathy for "Tomorrow You" and be kind to her/him.
•Don't look at a day without alcohol as a punishment for being bad or having no willpower.
•Not drinking is a lovely, sympathetic gesture towards the person we are now, and whom we will wake up as.
•You’d be kind to a stranger. Be kind to "Tomorrow You".
LINKS:
▪▪▪▪
•Mydrinkaware:
https://www.mydrinkaware.co.uk
•A Sharing Site for Women:
http://www.drinkingdiaries.com/about/
•General Information/Blog Sites:
https://thesoberschool.com/
http://www.hipsobriety.com/
https://joinclubsoda.co.uk/
https://thisnakedmind.com/blog/
https://alcoholmastery.com/blog/
•Sobriety Blog:
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/
•The Thirty Day Experiment:
https://www.alcoholexperiment.com/
•Ten Things That Helped Me Quit Booze:
https://unpickledblog.com/2017/01/04/replacement-behaviours-ten-things-that-helped-me-kick-booze/?wref=tp
•The Neuroscience Behind How We Make Decisions:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201505/the-neuroscience-making-decision
•Summary of Book on Addiction:
https://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-realm-of-hungry-ghosts/
•Article on the Difference Between Being an Alcoholic and Really Liking to Drink:
https://www.self.com/story/alcoholic-or-just-really-like-to-drink
•To the Mom questioning her drinking habits:
http://www.scarymommy.com/questioning-drinking-habits/
•Guided Meditations:
http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•Overnight Cold Brew Iced Tea:
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/you-can-cold-brew-iced-tea-while-you-sleep
•Mocktail Recipes:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1822/drinks/mocktails/
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/mocktails
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/how-to/g785/best-mocktail-recipes/
APPS:
▪▪▪▪
•Daybreak iOS link. A Deakin University study of hundreds of health apps found that Daybreak is one of only four that have proven effective and provide quality assistance.
•Dry Days by AlcoChange iOS is for those who want to cut down or cut out the booze throughout the year, while seeing the impact it has on your health and wallet.
•nomo - Sobriety Clocks iOS - In addition to an alcohol clock and monetary savings this app lets you check in and do a sobriety exercise if you're tempted, and connect with accountability partners.
•Sobriety Counter - Stop Drinking (Sobriety Counter - EasyQuit pro version) Android- Provides health stats, money saved, games to distract you, motivational tips, and several other features
BOOKS:
▪▪▪▪
•The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
•Alcohol Lied to Me by Craig Beck
•Rational Recovery by Jack Trimpey
•The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
•The Liars Club, Cherry, and Lit by Mary Karr (3 different publications)
•Kick the Drink...Easily by Jason Vale
•Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
•Being Sober: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting To, Getting Through, and Living in Recovery by Harry Haroutunian
•The Easy, Illustrated Way to Quit Drinking by Alan Carr
•Alcohol Explained by William Porter
Credit and thanks to the MFP Less Alcohol One Day at a Time participants
For their willingness to share their insights and resourcefulness in finding this information
1
Replies
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Have you been telling yourself "tomorrow or some day I am going to cut back on how much I drink"
Well...TODAY is the day. Why wait any longer? Be happier in present day.
You won't regret your new journey to drinking LESS.5 -
I'm onboard again for my 35th month of consuming a significant amount less of alcohol each day, week, month and year.
From where I was over three years ago. My consumption has been cut to less than a quarter of what I would unconsciously pour down my throat.
We have found strong strength in putting our accountability right out here for everyone to see.
If you would like support in this journey, please join in.
7 -
I'm in for another month ... of drinking less each time I do pour myself some wine
My personal goal for November: AF days 3 per week / 12 per month; limit 1-2 glasses per day
@MissMay - Thank you for keeping this thread going ... I love it for accountability!5 -
Ever wake up foggy after a night of indulging a tad too much and wonder what you may have said or did?
Now is the perfect time to take control
10 -
October ends in just about 40 hours.
Don't FALL BEHIND this year in think'n your drink'n does not need an accountability check.
Holidays are approaching and this could be the time to sort some issues out in order to have a more satisfying season.
LESS (alcohol) equals MORE (gratification)4 -
I'm in for November. A new goal change up:
WEEKLY goal max of 4 drinks, never more than 2 in one day
Count DRINKS instead of AF days and shoot for a full November total in the range of: 6 - 16 drinks total.
If I hit goal range, I buy myself 1 gift
If I hit goal range at under 10 drinks, I buy myself 2 gifts.
Black Friday sales are waiting for me:)
7 -
Love it @globalhiker new goals for November to switch it up a bit never hurt.
I am in on that to. If YOU hit your goal range, I buy MYSELF a gift!
Count'n on you...LOL.2 -
One more day........🍁2
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I’m in with @MissMay ...
If You hit your goals @globalhiker, I go shopping! (Although after cleaning out that woman’s house yesterday, who was a serious QVC fan, I don’t need more stuff😂)2 -
Yay @Samand303. Loved your post on Oct less alcohol thread today. The fact you bought non alcoholic beverage is a huge milestone. OMG I sometimes drink Heineken00 and people ask if I am ok to drive home because they "think" I just consumed 4 real beers in a short time and want to get behind the wheel.
If she meets her goal buy yourself a gift certificate for a service you deserve. Like: massage, hair salon, a workout class
...so many good ideas for our treat WHEN @globalhiker hits her goal. (WHEN, not IF she hits it. Positive thinking only),2 -
5k this morning and I won second place in my age category!!! 30:20:04 (9:46 minute miles) Somewhat shocked and very proud of what these short legs did for me today! Good strong finish to the month and I could not be any happier! Have a Happy Halloween, everyone!!!
7 -
Congrats @LoveyChar on your second place 5k win. What a fantastic beginning to November.3
-
Thanks @MissMay and @Samand303 for your support. Shopping rewards are in your future, I will not disappoint!
Great job @LoveyChar, that is a super fast time! Less drinking= better performance, right?
I would need a lot of espresso to get even close to 11 min mile. I did sign up for a Feb 25k trail race - Pemberton. Now I have something good to focus on.4 -
@MissMay Thank you!
@globalhiker Good for you! Definitely a way to redirect a negative, blurry focus to a clear, positive one! I will be cheering you on!3 -
A new day to a new week to a new month...
I'm thinking about taking alcohol dollars and trying better and more interesting coffees, the kind that our local liquor store sells where you pick from a variety of beans and grind them yourself. I think I like a coffee cup in my hands as much as, if not more than, I do a wine glass.
But but but I'm not put any limitations on myself because it seems like when I do, I set myself up for failure. I had 11 glasses of wine in October after I said I'd "try" a Sober October, seems like I do better when I set no limitations on myself.5 -
Did someone mention coffee? Putting your alcohol dollar savings towards new blends sounds devine. I used to buy different beans and grind my own but I became impatient when I wanted java, I wanted it NOW.
Friday I had a lovely soup lunch date out with a client. The little cafe had interesting coffee flavors. I tried a maple blend and it was very nice.
Another reason we are called the LESS alcohol thread @LoveyChar , tweaking your goals is your own personal choice. If you feel better not setting any limitations that is great. Oh than again there is that whole discussion as to what "sober" means to each person. I still use it as being alert, in control and keeping within standard drinking recommendations.
Day one of November ~ alcohol free (AF)6 -
Stressful long day. Drove to Austin to visit my son & his wife to help with remodeling their new home today. My mom’s husband had a stroke and cranial bleeding after a fall this morning… he is in the hospital. She called as we were 1/2 way to Austin so rearranging the rest of the week. Then I found out one of our dear neighbors died from a bad reaction to chemo treatment this weekend when I got back home from Austin.
DH is polishing off the last single glass of wine that we have from last night and then moved to bourbon & coke. I passed and chose water. Though now that you mention coffee I do have a Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Flavored ground coffee that would be nice this evening. I also have a large selections of tea to chose from and with the weather cooling a warm evening drink sounds nice.
Nov accountability: Day 1 AF7 -
I am Dawn and live in South East British Columbia. I am 60.
My goal remains the same as it has been for quite some time, 16-20 AF days per month.
I check in diary style.
Sunday November 01 - AF - I have been working like crazy in the yard and really wanted to have a couple drinks this evening, but just didn't want to start the month out that way. I have moved my Monday jobs to later in the week so that I can get as much as possible done in putting my gardens to bed before the rain and colder weather comes on Wednesday.
Rolling total. 1AF day our of 1 day5 -
I’m drinking right now tequila but I do want to start drinking less since cutting it completely off is super hard. My choice of alcohol is actually wine and since tequila is only around at the moment that’s what it is. I would love to be a part of this group with no judgment in hope of breaking this bad habit 1 day at a time. Background: I have anxiety/depression and have resorted to alcohol in the last yr or so as my coping mechanism as all of you are doing the same. I really want to break that habit it’ll be good for me mentally and physically being that I’m in my 40’s now. I don’t know how to start this......I didn’t even read the whole introduction part of this thread except I do want to do something about it. It’s 10:49pm am on my lost count of my shots now 🐝 ing11
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@Lilylady3k I am so sorry to hear about your step Father and dear neighbor. It seems so unfair to you to have to cope with both of those within one weekend. My thoughts go out to you and wishing you strength at this time.1
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@dawnbgethealthy NOW I am the envious one listening to your harvesting stories. I so miss have a huge veggie garden. It was 60' x 40' feet. I was literally showering everyone I knew with fresh vegetables daily. But my most favorite thing was digging up my root veggies. Oh...the surprise and wonder to see what the earth would give me in exchange for seeds. Such a satisfying task, enjoy your dug up booty.4
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@LilyFlowerMFP you are more than welcome to hang out with us here. We are very non judgmental. Each person here has their own pace at working through their issue of consuming to much, what ever that amount is for them.
Check in as often as you like, or just read and gain motivation through us. We do not claim to be experts, just a support thread helping ourselves and others.
You may just want to start very slowly by committing to decreasing one drink a week. Or try by committing to not having your first drink until later than you normally would....like an hour or two beyond.
Small steps one day at a time.
8 -
5 -
@Lilylady3k I am so sorry to hear about your step Father and dear neighbor. It seems so unfair to you to have to cope with both of those within one weekend. My thoughts go out to you and wishing you strength at this time.
Thank you @MissMay I need the hugs right now.8 -
But my most favorite thing was digging up my root veggies. Oh...the surprise and wonder to see what the earth would give me in exchange for seeds. Such a satisfying task, enjoy your dug up booty.
I totally agree! I remember growing red potatoes when the kids were little in straw combined with dirt. It was like hunting for easter eggs!!!5 -
Thank you @MissMay, for keeping this going and your words of encouragement.
I quit posting in October because I lost count, but didn’t go overboard. It’s hard when you can’t count it as AF if you have just one beer, or a single light drink....I’m glad November rolled around and I can start fresh again.6 -
@Lilylady3k Stay strong, that is alot all at once. I cannot imagine...
@globalhiker Late second response, but I ran Marathon at a 14 minute mile pace so for anyone to say I ran "fast" is music to my ears. So thank you!!!
@MissMay I never gardened until this year. I read the term "quarantine gardener" and thought it was fitting for me, as it was a push to learn how to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs. I've had way more failures than successes but I'll come back in the spring with more successes than failures. Mice ravaged my tomatoes and I no longer have any and I overwatered and underwater some herbs. I'm growing sweet potatoes, my only root vegetable, will be so excited to pull those out of the ground. Looking at the beginning of next month, no time soon.
@dawnbgethealthy I'll have to post pictures of my peppers. I'm waiting for the color changes in the Bell Peppers and my jalapenos are going to make cheddar stuffed peppers wrapped with turkey bacon next week.
No alcohol since 10/24. No goals, yet.5 -
@LilyFlowerMFP welcome to your new health journey.... You will feel amazing as you begin to realize your goals and it's totally worth it. What helped me was to set "easy" goals in the beginning and over time, build. Super-doable.
Planned other activities and fill my days with things that "fill" me up, give me stress relief, reduce boredom, and make me happy.
And truthfully, chocolates and melatonin gummies helped me out too...6 -
I'm in for November! After a very good August & September decreasing my alcohol consumption, October just didn't go as planned. But recommitted to drinking less this month.
11/1 - AF
11/2 - No plans to drink today (but tomorrow is another story)5 -
I’d like to join in if that’s ok. I’ve an exam in early December and I really need to a November where I remember! Losing too much of my weekends to hangovers, not every weekend but too many to be pleasant. Also finding it really detrimental to my weight loss, no weight loss in fact for a few weeks due to weekend wine & nibbles that go with wine. And weekends are starting on Thursday a lot. So I’d like to make the 30 days AF, I’m on day 2. I need to avoid that first glass, after that it’s easier - I know that’s probably obvious but it was a revelation to me when I managed a week or two completely off alcohol.
Anyway enough about me, looking forward to the company of others trying to cut down9
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