Less Alcohol - DECEMBER 2020 - One Day At A Time
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@dawnbgethealthy Love the pictures ... especially the turtles! Thank you for sharing your day with us.5
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@mainelylisa Love the cabin and the snow! You are living my dream. Can I retire there in about 15 years??😉
Poured the second glass of Pinot noir and saw “just a little bit more” in the bottle. So added that to my glass. So now I’m back to finishing a bottle in two days. Ugh. This is what I was doing when I found you all.
Two step forward. One step back.
Every day is a new day turn around those steps @Samand303. We appreciate you coming in to share that with us, it means you are being accountable even if you feel like you moved a bit backward. GLITTER for you too.4 -
@dawnbgethealthy is it my imagination or is the ice surface really bumpy? I like that kids idea to be in a sled and be pulled all over the lake. Nice photos.
Glad your in your happy spot.3 -
@mainelylisa I threw extra glitter your way after I read your Monday post. My hope is you can find a person to talk with that can cover all the subjects that are bringing you down. Have you tried light therapy at all. You know we dont get as much sunshine as Texas, you could need more vitamins B. Sending sunshine yourv way.6
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@globalhiker
Excellent quote by you yesterday-
"And if my kids can't visit, how much artificial and short-term happiness will that bottle give me? Is it going to numb all holiday let-downs? Will I wind up drinking another one the day after, to remedy any ill effects and prolong the party?"
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My husband has a discount coupon burning a hold in his pocket that expires December 25. It is for two nights stay at a place we have enjoyed during better times. It is only a $50. savings. But, come on the world is in a state of emergency, it is not the time to go and party. This caused major argument and stress last night for me. This morning I have sore teeth from gritting them together so hard keeping my tongue from saying what it wanted to.
If it were only me that felt this way I would know it were a me problem. Have no idea how I remained AF during all that time but I did.
AF as AF8 -
I did not drink last night.
@dawnbgethealthy I
those pictures, and turtles ALWAYS make me happy. I had no idea they live under the ice! May I be brave enough to try ice skating this winter. If I don't break my legs x-country skiing.
@CMB44512 We'll be your surrogate moms! I already have a surrogate daughter in the UK whose on the Sober Squad thread (on which I lurk and sometimes post)! As someone commented, sounds like your mom is in denial big time. I grew up without a functioning mom (severe mental illness). I sometimes think that's easier than a mom who doesn't function by choice. I've learned and truly believe we make our real families from those we love and trust. And bring your girl to Rockwood!
@lilylady3k Way to go to get back in the saddle! (on the wagon?) Why does everything sound like the Wild West?
@MissMay Thank you for your quiet and not-so-quiet :-) support when I'm having an off day. Almost wonder if my hormones are whacked (left meds at the cabin).
Finally, let me introduce Jack the Lil' Moose. He says he can't wait to meet y'all and to tell @MissMay to leave her gun at home when she comes!
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And @samand303, lots of lots/cabins for sale around Moosehead. We could start a commune! I think the power is still out up there. We have a generator, but no communication mechanisms.
@MissMay When you mentioned "light therapy" I thought that meant like...we'll just talk about fun stuff. I do have a light. It's in its unopened box next to my computer. Perhaps today I'll open it. Maybe it will be as nice as opening a bottle of wine. :-)5 -
@mainelylisa Love the cabin and the snow! You are living my dream. Can I retire there in about 15 years??😉
Poured the second glass of Pinot noir and saw “just a little bit more” in the bottle. So added that to my glass. So now I’m back to finishing a bottle in two days. Ugh. This is what I was doing when I found you all.
Two step forward. One step back.
If the bottle of wine was sitting near where you were drinking you were advertising to yourself. A suggestion would be to put the bottle away after your pour the glass and possibly somewhere inconvenient.
Temptation is not something to withstand it is something to avoid so that your willpower is not all used up when circumstances are not in your control and resistance is necessary.7 -
Day 12 AF I think, losing track. Consider joining me in going AF, even if just one day. Having more people doing it with me, well really helps...because my wine devil is already saying I can stop now because most "everyone" else is drinking.
It's been therapeutic for me to write out - and separate out- the "wine devil" thoughts from mine. Then re-read it. Makes me think, wait a second, you're not making any sense!! Then I start to think rational.
@mainelylisa, I don't know of a good therapist but suppose your insurance plan has prequalified, licensed people that have reviews and lots of experience. Finding the right personality fit is key. It's like doctor shopping, and if the person isn't a good "fit" no harm done, one can just try someone else.
@dawnbgethealthy skating in the cold has to be burning up those calories!5 -
@NovusDies makes a good point. @Samand303 I used to measure out what I planned to drink(using a measuring glass and all) then give the bottle to my DH to hide. I told him if I asked for more later, he'd have to tell me "no". It certainly helped, at least in the beginning.
Best for me is to not buy the bottle. If it's not in the house, there is no temptation.
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globalhiker wrote: »Day 12 AF I think, losing track. Consider joining me in going AF, even if just one day. Having more people doing it with me, well really helps...because my wine devil is already saying I can stop now because most "everyone" else is drinking.
It's been therapeutic for me to write out - and separate out- the "wine devil" thoughts from mine. Then re-read it. Makes me think, wait a second, you're not making any sense!! Then I start to think rational.
@mainelylisa, I don't know of a good therapist but suppose your insurance plan has prequalified, licensed people that have reviews and lots of experience. Finding the right personality fit is key. It's like doctor shopping, and if the person isn't a good "fit" no harm done, one can just try someone else.
@dawnbgethealthy skating in the cold has to be burning up those calories!
It is no wonder I refer to mine as my inner child. It uses the same arguments I used when I was in middle school. "But everyone else is doing it..."
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I am appreciating the advice on pouring, measuring or not even having the bottle in the house. It’s all good info.
All of the pictures are wonderful!
Our adult boys came to visit, it was wonderful to have them here, but we ate and drank ourselves silly. Monday was AF.
I am hoping for an AF Tuesday.7 -
AF yesterdaaaaay
Stress level is down this week. My car should be fixed tomorrow or the next day. I'm REALLY looking forward to having it back so our family can go back to our normal routine.
1 AF days / 2 days
Goal: 5 AF days / 7 days8 -
First time posting and actually first time even reading any of these post. This is my failure right here. I can have a good day of eating only to destroy it with alcohol. For me alcohol was my way of escape from the stress I had in my work as a business owner. Now retired you'd think I'd be cutting back but not so. I know that unless I get control of this I'll never lose the weight I need to. I'm in for making December a start to something good in my life.13
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@mainelylisa I think we should introduce your JACK to my LUCKY. Who knows they are more than likely sharing lineage on the same family tree. GORGEOUS photo.
Me giving not-so-quiet support, would be me showing up on your front step banging on your front door. (Oh....It could happen)
Thank you for staying sober yesterday.4 -
I am appreciating the advice on pouring, measuring or not even having the bottle in the house. It’s all good info.
All of the pictures are wonderful!
Our adult boys came to visit, it was wonderful to have them here, but we ate and drank ourselves silly. Monday was AF.
I am hoping for an AF Tuesday.
Good to see you in here again and to know our "chatter" is helping out. Fingers crossed for your two AF days.5 -
dennis7174 wrote: »First time posting and actually first time even reading any of these post. This is my failure right here. I can have a good day of eating only to destroy it with alcohol. For me alcohol was my way of escape from the stress I had in my work as a business owner. Now retired you'd think I'd be cutting back but not so. I know that unless I get control of this I'll never lose the weight I need to. I'm in for making December a start to something good in my life.
Welcome @dennis7174. How nice you are deciding to start right now here in December. I like your thinking. Check out our link to our information page. Packed full of helpful pointers.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10816791/information-page-only-for-less-alcohol-one-day-at-a-time/p1?new=1
Let us know how DAY ONE went.5 -
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@MissMay Excellent call moving the thread to its new home. I think new people are finding it! Welcome @Dennis7174! You're in the right place. My favorite quote I've seen here (and can SO relate to), which I think is referring to one "episode"--but could be interpreted in the longer term as well--it's a habit constructed over a long period of time.
First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you. F Scott Fitzgerald. The drink took him in his early 40's while working on the Last Tycoon.
An observation I've made about myself is that just as I've adjusted for the most part to (but still don't like) a non-exciting, non-eventful and honestly just sometimes boring life I've decided I must adhere to during Covid is somewhat how I feel about taking a drinking break. No going out to eat. No going to the gym. No getting together with friends. No watching a band. No flying to see my kids (until I can't stand it).
I'm almost 2 weeks into the Turkey to Santa drinking break, and, other than really bad days where I want to escape into some liquid bubbles (and I don't mean in the bath--though I'm freezing so that sounds like a great idea), it doesn't really enter into my daily decisions. And there's always a silver lining when drinking less or taking a break. No bloating. No weight gain. No hangover. No ambulance rides. No liver damage. No lectures from Bubba's security lady. No shameful mornings. No locking myself out AND losing my phone and having to climb a 10-ft fence, land on a trash bag, and crawl in through a doggie door at 2am. No forgetting kitty is outside in 20 degree weather (sorry Mr. Kitty--if it happens again, I hope it will just be a result of plain old senility). No lost purse, keys, wallet, mind...8 -
@mainelylisa I am going to reproduce your post in needlepoint and hang it on my wall.
You have it in you, you just have to believe YOU DO.❤7 -
Hot tea as I made dinner. Poured a glass of nice wine that DH bought and set it on the table untouched until we sat down 1 wine, 1 Benedictine
Reduction not drinking 2 bottles of wine! Baby steps!
Dec accountability: 1/8 days AF8 -
New home for the thread, but the same goals for me, 16-20 AF days per month.
Tuesday December 01 - AF - Super long and stressful work day, I really wanted a drink when I finally got home, but over the past months I have been trying to "save up" my drinking days for happy occasions, not to relieve stress. Planning AF for tomorrow also.
Wednesday December 02 - AF - I think that this might be my 4th AF day in a row.
Thursday December 03 - Drinks. Work Stress drinks. I had just finished saying that I was trying not to do that. Instead of my usual 3, I had 2. It took the edge off. The 2 drinks prevented me from quitting this one particular job outright (I am a Merchandiser and work for several companies). I will sleep on it.
Friday December 04 - AF - Had to use resistance and a few 6 minute waits to not have a drink. I walked across the ice today of that bird sanctuary that I have posted a few times. Skating there tomorrow for sure! Photos from my lake walk to come later because I can't help it : - )
Saturday December 05 - Drinks. Skated on a lake today!!! Wondrous!! A friend joined me and then we had cocoa with peppermint schnapps after.
Sunday December 06 - AF - Tomorrow will be too.
Monday December 07 - AF - Added a little glitter, skated on a different lake today. Photos to follow.
Tuesday December 08 - AF - Argh, it warmed up to +7 (Celsius, 0=32F). I couldn't get out of work even for a quick trip to skate, hope it all doesn't melt again! Long day, too tired for drinks tonight.
Rolling total: 6AF days out of 8 days6 -
@mainelylisa
Thanks for introducing us to Jack : - )
@MissMay
Thanks for the glitter bomb, I think you touched lots of people's Monday.
I shall have to keep glitter in my mind during not so great moments.
Lake ice is usually a little bumpy, but mostly smooth and glittery this year so far : - )
@globalhiker
I think a few people are joining you on your "break" including @mainelylisa
Day 12 for you already!! Good going!4 -
Getting back to my post yesterday about hubbie wanting to go stay at an in state resort for two nights before Dec 25 to use a stupid low savings coupon. The idea has been tossed out the window after having to explain why. As if the main reason (covid) were not enough of a firey red flag in our faces. RELIEF
Except, I come home to a refrigerator with 8 new cans of coffee PBR. Picked you something up when I was out with my friend today he says. Sabotage mode. I was stronger than the urge.
AF10 -
Happy Hump Day!
@MissMay That's a lot of fridge space being consumed by something that sounds as appealing as a coffee grounds and peanut butter sandwich. Do you think the angel for this beer is for people wanting to justify drinking it for breakfast?
I've been reading some interesting articles around alcohol's affect on the brain and how it affects behavior. Some claim that the brain really doesn't go back to pre-alcohol abuse (which means different things to different people) for 1-2 years. Essentially meaning that the brain is still wired for getting a dopa alcohol fix rather than being normal like before we ever started drinking. When we do drink, and the wine devil comes back at 5 o'clock the next day, part of the reason is that the dopa has depleted and we need another fix. The more we drink, the more we need more to get the same feeling. Etc. I find all this fascinating.
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@MissMay yeah for being stronger than the urge
@dennis7174 welcome! I’m pretty new here and mostly lurk, but find this a great place to stop and ponder what I really want. No plans to be AF, but just want to make choices. Not pour another glass of wine because it’s habit.
Thanks for all the support and advice. No wine last night, just sparkling water. And then my son offered Mexican Hot Chocolate, complete with the last of the Thanksgiving can of whipped cream. Yum!
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AF yesterday!
2 AF days / 3 days
Goal: 5 AF days / 7 days5
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