Less Alcohol ~ DECEMBER 2022 ~ One Day At A Time

Soooo sorry reading about family drama around parent deaths. Sooo sorry. My mom died Aug. 14, and it was a very difficult time with all the family pulling oars rowing in the same direction. I cannot imagine how the difficulty is amplified when people work at cross purposes. Just cannot imagine. You both have my sympathy. About not having a memorial service, my limited observation is that this is increasingly common. DH uncle (with whom MIL lived) died in June, and despite being very involved with his church community, there was no service. I wouldn't make too much of that. I might even give a pass just this once on bad communication. There is a lot to deal with following a death. And some people suck at communication regardless of the circumstance. It's not fair, but it just is.

On happier fronts, I lurve cross country skiing! I'm a little jelly of Dawn's wintertime activities. Near 80F in the forecast this week here. Brother lives in Breckenridge, CO and had 5 great ski days before December. Hopefully a good ski year for Summit County.

Several have mentioned anxiety. I personally am not a chronic anxiety sufferer, luckily, but I have 2 family members who are prone to it. I have noticed drinking alcohol amps my anxiety the next day. I'm not sure if that is something that started as I got older or if that is something that I only noticed once I really cut back on alcohol (abstaining M-Th). Either way, alcohol causes anxiety that otherwise I don't have. It's like it messes with my brain chemistry (blocking receptors or depleting neurochemicals that otherwise help). My two family members who DO have anxiety notice the alcohol connection, too, and flat out do not drink when they are struggling with anxiety. Alcohol only makes anxiety worse, IMHO.

I'm back! It's been a few years and way to many pounds but I'm here.

Goals for this month: only have a drink if I'm on a date and during Christmas/birthday celebrations.

AF: 2
A: 2

Good morning. I have enjoyed reading all your stories and challenges. Sharing is vital so people know they are not alone. I am on day 5 (as it is Dec 5) of my Dry December. I have lost a little weight, my complexion looks better, and I am sleeping more soundly. I have only felt one pang of temptation so far and it passed in a few minutes, thankfully. I want to tell people that are new to exploring less alcohol/sobriety to never give up. I have been on different threads, including this one, on and off for at least 5 years and been thinking about my drinking for at least 15. It is never, never too late to attempt to live your best life, whatever that means to YOU. I am just finally at the point where I feel that alcohol no longer serves me. I don't dare say that out loud as I don't want to let my husband/family/friends down for the umpteenth time. I will just as they say, take it one day at a time. All we have is today anyway.

Question: what is DH? Dear Husband is all I can think of!

Question: what is DH? Dear Husband is all I can think of! [/quote]

Yes! DH is dear husband....although I suppose sometimes could be Darn Husband or even Damn Husband.

@tmbg1 Hugs to you. Now that I know you’re a teacher I understand why you’re here. My best friend was a teacher. It wasn’t the kids. It was the admin. It was the work she brought home in the evenings and the weekends. If it was the parents, it was usually a case of neglect that kept her up at night. I give you the utmost props!