Less Alcohol ~ JULY 2021 ~ One Day At A Time
MissMay
Posts: 3,785 Member
~THIS IS A MONTHLY CONTINUING THREAD THAT HAS BEEN ACTIVE SINCE AS FAR BACK AS 2017. ALL 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 THIS 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 USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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 THIS 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 USERS:
▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪
•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
4
Replies
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Don't wait for:
*A Monday
*The weekend to be over
*Your friends or family to leave
*A blackout moment
*Your significant other to fill you in on the previous night
*That last bottle to be empty
*Needing to go buy bigger jeans
*A health scare
*________________"Fill in your own here"
9 -
Or...
Do wait - there will still be booze another day.7 -
Who'd a thought it. Stockholm Andy makes it to a second month despite previous form
Last month I made 17 days. This month I'd like to aim for over 20.
I'd also like to curb my tendency to Pringle drink. Once I've popped I just can't stop!
I read a lot of your posts where on the days you choose to drink you stop after a couple. That's a habit I want to form too.
Good luck everyone. I hope July is full of success for all of you.12 -
Happy July!
Great to see you here this month @Stockholm_Andy. Pringle drinking. I love the term. Oh and now I want some Pringles!
Goal for July is the same as always- AF during the week and only one per night on the weekend- and not more than two for parties. I already know this weekend will be a challenge- staying at a friends shore house for 4th of July weekend. I really have to pace myself and do some micro-sips to make that wine last.
I had 9 AF days in June and went over my limits last weekend for the wedding. 12 AF days would be great. Tonight is book club but I’ll stick to just one.4 -
Thanks a lot @Stockholm_Andy I, with @Womona now want Pringles for breakfast. Or Lays. If you're old enough to remember, you never can eat just one.
My goal is to not drink this month in conjunction with discovering new things I like to do, read, and rediscovering the simple pleasures in life. And laughing everyday.
Last night we went to the Birches "Resort" restaurant for dinner. The last time we were there I was miserable because we had a fight about me wanting to have a drink with dinner, and so I didn't and pouted. This time, we sat outside and I was so grateful they had a NA beer and I had a salad with french fries (my fav!) I felt...playful. We were planning jokes we'll play on our guests this weekend. Don't know when I've felt that when I haven't been drinking.
Nature provided the giggles so want to pass on the giggle and get us off potato chips and onto french fry cravings
. :-)12 -
Too cute!
New goal for July: 0-1 drink per week max. We have 5 weekends here so it's 5 max for the month.
2 drinks is always a problem for me, 2 equals 3 or 4 or 5. 2 is just never 2 for me. For this reason, 2 is no more for me.
And same goal as always- working on making today a happy and meaningful day9 -
Goal: Limit 1-2 glasses per day; 12-16 AF days per month. Aim to drink no more than 2 nights in a row.
Given these goals I'll need to start with an AF day tonight ... this weekend will be a real challenge since both my sister and DH are bringing lots of wine to the camp!
7/1 @ fishing camp 🎣
7/2 @ fishing camp 🎣
7/3 @ fishing camp 🎣
7/4 @ fishing camp 🎣
7/5 @ fishing camp 🎣
5 -
I now have the new visual of pringles=drink=recipe for a bad following morning thank you @Stockholm_Andy for the chuckle
July goal is to stay AF 24-28 days this month....lofty for me I know but goals are meant to stretch you. In a few weeks I will be traveling with my sister on a sisters road trip to explore. No end date just when we get tired of each other and miss our spouses. I am really looking forward to it, she is not super spontaneous so her style of travel and mine are totally opposite. For example I can live out of a backpack for a week or longer, she has to bring the entire house in a large suitcase LOL.
9 -
Goal for the month.. Complete the 75 days and go crazy... Just kidding.. will try to continue and keep it to an occasional drink/beer.. Great inspiration and goals here as usual!10
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Happy to have been 18 days AF in June. I think that is a record for me. Especially since I was visiting family during that time. Back home now and wanting to stay AF because I feel so good. I had a great mock mojito while I was gone. Sometimes it really helps to have a special drink when everyone else is having margaritas, wine, etc.
Best wishes to everyone for July!9 -
Hello! I'd like to join. In June I did Moderation Mangement's Kickstart. I tried to add one AF day each week, and mostly was successful. In July I'd like to do 4 AF days a week. June I had only 9 AF days total, so if I can do my July goal it will be closer to 20. Seems a bit overwhelming, but I know it will help me lose this last 10 pounds. Regardless I'm sticky for AF today. I'll try to find some MM Zoom meetings as well this month. Good way to start the month!8
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ItsAJourny wrote: »Happy to have been 18 days AF in June. I think that is a record for me. Especially since I was visiting family during that time. Back home now and wanting to stay AF because I feel so good. I had a great mock mojito while I was gone. Sometimes it really helps to have a special drink when everyone else is having margaritas, wine, etc.
Best wishes to everyone for July!
This really is true for me, too (the bolded part). Increasingly, I find I actually prefer it vs. viewing it as a consolation (never thought that would happen). I'd love your mojito recipe, if you know how it was made!
July goals:
* M-Th: AF
* F-Su: two drink limit per day
* Napa vacation: taste everything without getting drunk or overeating
Best to all!5 -
I'd love to join! I gave up drinking about two weeks ago - kinda in solidarity with a good friend and kinda because the wine was starting to get out of hand and hungover parenting is literally the worst! So my goal is 31 days AF in July. So far it's been going well but I'm a little worried about 4th of July - we have a big family party at my in-laws and they are all big drinkers. Definitely need to buy myself a special beverage for the occasion!8
-
~welcome new posters~
Off to a good start, first day of the new month, accountabiliy ->DRY
REALLY want to keep to a 2 drink per day limit this month when I do decide to have alcohol.
Did well on no consecutive days (yippee)
But deep down in my soul those two days I had 4 drinks bothers me. Probably because it shot my total tally up so drastically when I did my count.
UGH, yea I know.....get over it, right?
Great photo @mainelylisa you'll have the moose eating out of your hand next.
Nice to see so many of you on our first day of July. And with such wonderful goals to enforce.
My plans this weekend not very exciting for a 4th of July holiday. I refuse to work for any clients, this is my two days to do for me in my own yard and gardens.
6 -
Calling it 4 glasses of wine ... not off to a good start for July.
8 -
I lost a long post on my phone. I hate this app (but love you guys)!
Welcome, @KimShea01 & @ADK218 ! Hope you find this place safe and supportive. @ADK218 in my history, being worried usually doesn't turn out well. I suggest having a firm plan! Which may include making sure you have some yummy AF alternatives to sub or compliment adult beverages. And then mind games help, lol. Sometimes it's fun to watch other people get sloppy knowing you're in control and are going to feel bushy tailed the next morning. That's my plan this weekend, as we have drinkers coming. I'm also going to stay active because it reduces alcohol desire (which is a challenge for a 60+ degree rainy weekend).
@Lilylady3k It happens. You still have a whole month to make up for that, but you are tracking and being accountable. I NEVER tracked my overages to the number and esp on the same day (mostly because 1) I didn't remember how many, and 2), I don't feel like typing after 2 drinks).7 -
I did a dry January... now I need a dry July lol... June was a bit excessive.8
-
IT'S FRIDAY
7 -
Day 1 of July was AF. This weekend I have 1 planned drink since we have a group of couples meeting up for lunch and it's our first post-Covid get together. I have to drive and shop the sales after so I know I won't drink 2. Plus getting into a hot parked car over 140 degrees after having wine and lunch makes for a sour stomach quick.
Sometimes it's easier to be the person arranging the social event since you have some degree of control over it, the when, where, who, how, etc and that does help a lot.
We have more control and power than we think. It's true.6 -
-
My usual goal, 16-20 AF for the month. This is sustainable long term for me.
Thursday July 1st - Drinks. The first following 5AF days. I may have drinks Friday as well.
Canada Day. I worked. Celebrations were different/cancelled this year since the unveiling of children's bodies found in graves at several residential school sites. Horrid. Reconciliation must continue.
8 -
@mainelylisa - Thank you for your support and assurance. It is greatly appreciated. Didn't even think of the power of accountability I have by coming on this board and posting the number of drinks in the evening (not waiting for the next day). Thanks for pointing that out.3
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Hello to everyone, July will be a great month (that is what I am telling myself--positive thinking)
Yesterday I folded like a house of cards. Went to late lunch with DH to a place that just opened back up and had there famous bloody mary....well that messed me up and I drank two small drinks when we got back home.
So I will keep starting again and a million times more if that is what it is going to take!
Today retail therapy with my sister then a nice dinner out (alcohol free) before the weekend.9 -
@ADK218 Seconding the notion that it is net easier on yourself to go in with a plan. FWIW, I have noticed that big drinkers really don’t care what others are drinking. Especially if their happy hour started earlier in the day. The big drinkers I know (lots of them) will be hospitable and try to get you a beverage you will like when you walk in the door. Try, “I’d like to start with this” and point to the cup you have in hand or indicate a soda or other AF option. If I smile and give the vibe that I’m all set, they look happy to have done their job and move on to the next topic. No big deal.
@dawnbgethealthy I’m having a big ol heartbreak lament about the Indian school graves. Reconciliation starts with lament, and there is so much to lament here. We have our own lamentable past here. You are at least 10 years ahead of us in the USA with reconciliation. Thank you for showing the way.6 -
My usual goal, 16-20 AF for the month. This is sustainable long term for me.
Thursday July 1st - Drinks. The first following 5AF days. I may have drinks Friday as well.
Friday July 2nd - Drinks - i started with a Mojito that I had put in the freezer (that i found) in its own little shaker. I quit Census today, and worked/played long and hard in the yard trying to catch up on months of neglect. Really lovely day. Possibility of drinks tomorrow and the next day too as people traveling from Alberta are arriving in town. Being kind of self-indulgent right now. Day off tomorrow, only a 3 hour shift on Sunday. I will navigate this after working 5 jobs for the last couple of months. Shouldn't just be free reign to have drinks every day. I will figure it out. At the moment, like I said, I am being kind of self-indulgent.8 -
Did a little retail therapy today with my sister, had a blast! Afterwards we and our spouses all went out to dinner and not a drop of alcohol. So today is an AF day8
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Better --- 2 glasses of wine out of the first bottle and did not indulge in others opened afterward. However I started with let's have beer tonight instead of wine ... hoping to use my non-alcohol beer but nope that was a no go with this crowd. I know I should not give into peer pressure but it is so hard.6
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Ventured to many places in our harbor town last night. Live jazz on the pier, mingled with friends, saw some tall ships that had come to port, out to dinner and attended my first artist's reception at the gallery.
Kept it to ONE drink. YAY
Yes @lilylady I was receiving the peer pressure to, like you last night. It seems more difficult for others to accept we don't need more. 🤔 Be strong, there is always today to acheive goals.6 -
I found this group, I think that it might be helpful in my efforts. I have been working on the reduced alcohol in acknowledgment of much of my added weight is due to alcohol ( thick, dark beer mostly). And of course if I overindulge the next day requires greasy burgers and a milkshake to survive.
So yesterday was good. I had 1.5 boring Coors light during golf. I resisted the urge to have more when I got home. I made a pot of tea and took a hot bath instead.8
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