The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living

@RubyRed427 I had a day too yesterday. We had my partner's family out to the cabin, and drinking has been going on since Christmas Eve. They went to go get more champagne about 3, and I about lost it, between in-laws, not seeing my kids, not drinking when all the other women are, and *kitten* rain. So no enjoying outdoors, no x-country skiing. Grabbed my Girlie Girl and headed for a long muddy icy walk. It helped, but upon arrival, partner was in truck about to come looking for me (it was getting dark at, yes, 4, and asked what I was doing, etc. which brought about the tears which I'd just dried upon arrival. My therapist is off this week, but will def be looking forward to a deconstruction session week after.

@mainelylisa I was listening to Gabor Mate who implies we have to be honest about our feelings, don't hide them behind a smile and say yes to things we want to say no to....
So, your tears were healthy and cleansing. Get all that emotion out. Or it will eat you up.

@donimfp @MissMay Yes these AF beers are great when you're out and don't want to feel left out. I like holding the bottle and going home sober. Yes, Miss May, please share on less alcohol thread.

I was in a bar watching Army/Navy a few weeks ago and my friends were all drinking and the AF beer made me feel so happy- I typically feel left out when everyone else drinks without abandon. It's my mental challenge to overcome! It's all perspective, I know.

RubyRed427 wrote: »

One of my goals this new year: go to therapy once a month ! I know that many of my issues around food and alcohol stem from difficult childhood. Not blaming my mom ; she did the best she could.
I just think by actually talking through the painful memories might do me good. Get it all out and then allow myself to heal. I already feel better writing this.

I feel the same. My sons gf was quizzing me about my past just the week prior. And upon disclosing things in front of my kids my voice was breaking. And I didnt sleep well that night. And the thoughts rolled into the next day. And it occurred to me I never dealt with things. I need to do that to heal and then maybe I wont stuff my feelings with food.

shredsx wrote: »

I may be young (lower 20’s) but i have struggled with alcohol on and off since i was young. Today marks one month and one week sober on my first ever attempt and I couldn’t be more proud. To all those working at it you can do it ❤️

Excellent. Keep at it. Dont waste your life on alcohol. Take it from me. There's no happiness at the bottom of the bottle.

aroze0928 wrote: »

There's no happiness at the bottom of the bottle.

Temporary at best

Boy, I had a lot of catching up to do!!!

@rubyred427 I was never a huge beer drinker, but I think I might try the Heineken. Also, love the WARNING post. I can see a huge difference in myself.

@mainelylisa the mocktails look delicious. I think I'll try the Kombucha and Pom.

@FeelinFooFoo - Congrats on the sober Christmas. I love the tattoo idea. I am considering one for my one year. Not sure what yet. Maybe something small on my wrist.

@Donimfp - I would love to see a pic of your 100 days bracelet. I have one that my running buddy gave me before our half marathon. It is just a silver cuff, but the inside says "KEEP F^(K!N@ GOING" I have found that it applies in soooo may situations. I look at it a lot lately.

Therapy posts - Although this forum is a great place for support, I think we could all use a session on the sofa. I have also found over the holidays that my relationship with food is not what it should be. It is far better than it was a year ago, but still not where it should be. I am just glad that I avoided the bottle. However, I did sniff the bottle of Grand Marnier... my cordial of choice.

@shredsx - yay for you getting this under control in your 20s! My drinking has scarred my daughters and for that I am so sad. I wish I had realized in my 20s and not waited till my 40s!!!

***************
My post-holiday check in:

I am still sober. I hit 300 days on the 26th. I am just proud to still be sober.

@mainelylisa, Kate’s sober school was worth every penny and more. It’s 397 pounds. At the time I took it the exchange rate made that right at $500. Obviously the money saved on booze quickly covers that. But here I am at day 176. Priceless. The thing I appreciated most was Kate’s daily involvement with the class. You can ask her questions and she will answer. Plus you feel like you have women friends from all over the world who are in this with you. There were 125 in my class. She isn’t just selling a “curriculum “ but is providing a community and real time support. I’m sure Bex Weller’s is good too. I can only personally wholeheartedly recommend Kate’s. I took the plunge knowing she has a 7-day no questions asked cancellation policy with a full refund. But I never wanted to cancel.

I have been taking a break from MFP for a very good reason. I got inspired to create my own brand for a future company involving my passion : teaching. I bought two domain names, have an artist designing a few logos for me to choose from for my brand, and much more.

It was like an epiphany. I signed up on tiktok. Within a day, I watched some guy's tips for making money (side hustle) and I was off and running with an idea.

I have been so excited and rejuvenated, because I found a new purpose.
I am absolutely positive I would not have been on this creative kick and endeavor if I was drinking.

Over the holidays, I would have been carrying on with friends, drinking bottle after bottle and nursing hangovers.
Instead during this winter break, I am developing my own brand and perhaps future business.
I'll still keep my day job as a teacher but who knows... maybe in a few years, I can quit teaching and focus on my own business plan.
I can dream!

Nearing four months sober on Jan. 5th, and I am so grateful to be sober.

Dec 27 2020, one year alcohol free