LESS Alcohol ~ JULY 2024 ~ One Day at A Time
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14 AF
9 A3 -
@SurferGirl1982 Welcome! You will see there are many supportive people here who are also achieving their Less Alcohol goals. Glad you are here to join us.
So true @MissMay - Monday is always Motivating - agree, let’s do ALL we can to keep it up!
I have a family reunion mid-August and want to have great energy and feel my best as we go into hosting this big ‘ol BBQ.
Planned AF last night. I went to a yoga restore class last at 6:30 pm instead of watching TV with wine.
Got home at 8:00 and had some chunky avocado and grain free chips. Slept great.
Planning my consecutive AF day for today.
Reposting July Goal:
AF days - 16-19
A days- 12-15
Current July:
AF days - 10
A days - 13
🌟 May you find your best resolve just for today 🌟6 -
SurferGirl1982 wrote: »I have trouble getting to Day 1 because I've been drinking daily. Lately I haven't been sleeping very well. I sometimes wake up at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. And it helps to be able to have a couple of drinks before going back to bed. I also like having some overnight because of the fear of being sick.
At the beginning of this thread there's one point that caught my eye (I believe these were created by @MissMay):
"*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."
I do feel that drinking does just delay things. But it is difficult.
I used to not sleep well. I would drink myself to sleep, wouldn’t even remember going to bed. Waking up in the early morning hours always sucked, and I had a hard time getting back to sleep. I got to where it was getting very hard to remember what I said or how I acted in the evenings. I would start fights or just get very loud and mean. That mixed with the desire to lose weight, get some sleep, and just feel better and not so tired all the time really was the catalyst to join this group and start holding myself accountable.
The first day is hard and the days after that may not be any easier. But, we are here for a reason. Whatever led you to join us, needs to be your reminder. Keep coming back, even if you don’t have AF days, and post your daily tally as a reminder… not just your AF days, but your A days too. Seeing those numbers can help.
We are here for you as well as ourselves.
To let you know, my AF nights usually don’t result in interrupted sleep. I sleep all night and hard! I feel so much better on those mornings. I can definitely tell a difference after an A night’s sleep. I usually have to get up to pee then can’t get back to sleep. I’m swollen and more tired in the morning.
Once you get started, you’ll go about a week and you’ll start seeing and feeling the difference. I know you can do this! Keep trying!
AF - 16
A - 6
No A tonight. Kids are at a Youth Group game night, and I have to go get them shortly. Then, home to bed. Busy day today with work, and busier day tomorrow with having to clean bathrooms on top of having to work.
Have a great night, Friends!6 -
Just catching up
@Womona Sorry about your dog and glad he's ok! That's so scary! Keep on keeping on even through your weekends! It seems like you're still being mindful even if you go over a bit which is good
@Michieb125 Love the idea of mini goals! That's kind of what I'm trying to work with
@MissMay Thank you always for the encouragement for all of us, and you're doing A-mazing!
@SurferGirl1982 Welcome to the group! Hope your visit goes well and you can sent some good goals for yourself for August. Literally, it's one day at a time...sometimes one minute at a time
@NonnieDoiron Once again, I swear we're soul sisters. I did all of those things...not remembering when I went to bed or what I said or what stupid fight I may have picked. Thank you for sharing and thank you for always encouraging even when you feel discouraged!
I'm sure there is more I didn't respond to, but thank all of you for being in this group and sharing.
I got back Monday from a nice girl's weekend with far too much drinking. I had a doctor's appointment as soon as I got back. My BP was high. I've NEVER had high BP. I assured the doctor is was from too much wine and not enough sleep and water. She told me to keep an eye on it for awhile, and I have been for the last 2 days...high yesterday and today upon waking, and I didn't drink wine or eat too much sodium either of those days. I've also been tracking my fasting blood sugar for a few months and I'm definitely prediabetic. I convinced my doctor to put off my bloodwork for a month so I can get myself under control. I don't want high BP or diabetes, so I'm buckling down. I'm going to get this extra weight off and slow down this wine train! The appointment was actually to start back on Ozempic for a few months (not long term) to help me shut down the food noise I've been having and caving into that has caused about 10 pounds of weight gain in a little over a month.
I'm going on a short cruise with just my dad this weekend to spend some quality time. He is a recovering alcoholic who hasn't had a drink in 30 years (yes, I get it from my daddy). I did not buy a drink package, and I'm thinking of ways to mitigate extra drinking and keep my eating controlled as well. My plan is to have club soda with dinner and only have a glass or two of wine with the shows in the evening and then go to bed at a reasonable time. So, although it will still be A days, it WILL be less.
That was almost a book. Keep on keeping on everybody
A = 18
AF = 6 (I included tonight since it will be AF)
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »@NonnieDoiron Thanks for your encouragement. I will keep coming back. You all make me feel better. More like I can succeed. That sounds so good that I may feel good again in a week or so!
Well, since I just started; here are my stats for July:
AF - 0
A - 23
But, I have a feeling in August those numbers will be reversed.
I'm retired. So I just kind of swig all day (whiskey mixed with unsweetened iced tea or club soda). So I don't get where I don't remember things. And, I never get mean or anything. I guess I'm kind of a "happy drunk" 😕
I had been sleeping really well. Normally, I wouldn't get out of bed until 6:30 or 7.
My doctor recently prescribed me something called Naltrexone. I only took it once a few nights ago. I had a really bad experience with it. Last night, I did get up to pee a couple of times. But went right back to bed. I got out of bed after 5 am. So I guess that's an improvement.
A couple of years ago, I only drank three or four days a week. And, wouldn't start until the afternoon. I also liked to work in the yard. So, sometimes, my drink would just sit there for a while.
I do have alcohol in the house for tomorrow. So, my numbers won't be changing tomorrow ☹️ But, I will keep you all posted. I know I'll do well.
Have a nice night!
My stats for July are just like yours. But one day AF, because I had blood tests the next day. So I know I can be AF if I have a good reason for it. Just each day -it's way too easy ..when late afternoon rolls around to treat myself to a glass of wine. And then another....
Anyway, I was on Naltrexone for months and had a good experience- it seemed work. Then, I went off of it.
A few years later, I tried it again, and I vomited that evening. I felt drugged and weird. I had cramps in my legs. So I quit that medicine immediately.3 -
@SurferGirl1982 and @RubyRed427 Remember that you've had AF days in the past which is proof positive that you can do it again. I often have to remind myself of this, and remind myself of how much better I feel in the morning after an AF night.
To all that mentioned forgetting: I never used to forget stuff but lately, mornings after an A night, my DH will tell me about last night's conversation we had in bed while watching tv, and I have absolutely no recollection of it. Scary. And yet another reason to drop the wine habit.
July:
AF = 10
A = 13
Had wine last night but not nearly as much as I normally would have. I wouldn't actually call it a LA night, but still happy with myself for stopping sooner than I normally would.
7 -
Day 3 of no grains or dairy and ‘feeling’ thinner lol. My mini goal is to continue this reset along with LA into August and hopefully drop those 4 pesky pounds that have crept up since early spring. Another benefit is to clear out inflammation from overdoing snacks all summer. Will head to another Yoga Restore class later this evening, shower, and crawl into bed early.
I was not planning to have wine when I returned home yesterday from a fun visit with my grandkids and DD, but it sounded like a nice way to wrap up my fun afternoon. Therefore, I had an unplanned pink Prosecco and one wine last night while watching Ghostbusters with DH.
Countdown to August - only 7 more days to go!
Current July:
AF days - 10
A days - 14
🌟 May you find your best resolve just for today 🌟
3 -
It is really wonderful to read posts this week from all the special people sharing their similar stories and experiences about their journey towards Less Alcohol or abstinence. If you are here, you are ready and belong here!
I like to re-read the definition of LESS at the top of our thread as a reminder that less is a choice - any amount of less is a good thing! It can actually propel us toward more LESS days and ultimately and slowly, it will affect our minds and bodies in a positive way as we begin to see things more clearly.
I can definitely overdo my limits at times, but what I really love is that I’ve learned that I can change my ‘habits’ with effort.
I find LA is also a path towards self - care and leaning about myself! Even at 60+ years young. 😊6 -
Thank you Michieb125! You are so right! Even 1 less drink per day or 1 less day per week is LESS. Thank you for the reminder5
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Just popping in to say hi... So much for my buckling down...well, I did get back to my morning gym workouts this week, but I have been enjoying my nightly glass or 2 of wine. Vacation starts next week. I'll be back with a vengeance mid August.7
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@SurferGirl1982, I wish I was a happy drunk! My hubby is, and it’s hysterical! He always has me cracking up. I stay sober when he gets drunk, so I can laugh and remember it.
@chicbuc, I can’t believe we have so much in common! I think we should get together for an LA day sometime. 😉
AF - 17
A - 6
Overate tonight, but hadn’t eaten all day. I’m miserable. No drinking tonight. Probably going to bed as soon as hubby gets home.
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SurferGirl1982 wrote: »Thanks everyone,
I hope to do better in August!
Welcome!!! I love this group, lots of support and understanding.1 -
Hey guys, I have sad news… we had to put Moose down this past Tuesday. He stopped eating and despite the supportive care for the pancreatitis, which was supposed to work…. It didn’t. So I keep looking for him underfoot, or think I see him out of the corner of my eye, or think it’s time to feed the dog, etc.
Moose was by far the most challenging dog we’ve ever had. He went absolutely apoplectic when someone was at the door, but still sweet to the people he knew. Very playful and loved to chase balls.
I had about 4 drinks on Tuesday as a result, I just wanted the alcohol to keep a-coming. Last night only had one drink, so that’s progress. So, my reset got delayed, but it’s back now. The slow weaning begins.9 -
July:
AF = 10
A = 142 -
Good morning everyone
@SurferGirl1982 to put things in quotes:
like you said, when you use the "quote selection at the bottom of someones post the whole thing gets quoted. But you can go into that quote and delete the parts you don't want. Just be sure to leave the following:
at the beginning there will be [ quote=posters name, some numbers/letters]
at the end there will be [/quote ] (I added spaces so this would read as just text)
as long as you leave those two things between the brackets it should show up as a quote and you can remove anything in between that you don't want to keep.
Hope that makes sense.2 -
14 AF
10 A3 -
@womona
I'm so sorry to hear about Moose. It is a heartbreaking decision to have to make, hugs to you and your family.2 -
@womona my heart goes out to you and your family with the loss of your little guy. I mean, come on look at that pink tongue, those luv'n eyes and wagging tail.
He is now bouncing around over that rainbow bridge with my three pups. May they all be best buddies. Lots of love you my friend.4 -
@Womona losing a fur baby is never easy. Lost a few of my own. Lots of love, hugs, and prayers to you.
AF - 17
A - 7
Enjoyed some wine tonight. A stressful day at work that will flow into tomorrow. I wish I could have my old job back, but without the catty b*tches.🙁2 -
Hi everyone, thank you for your very kind words about losing my dog. You are all so sweet, and so compassionate. I truly appreciate it.3
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Proud of myself, only had a glass and a half of wine last night, which is down from my usual two!7
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15 AF
11 A3 -
Happy Friday……logging for accountability along with tonight’s planned AF tally.
Current July:
AF days - 11
A days - 153 -
@Womona - thank you for posting a photo of Moose, your sweet fur baby! I understand how saying goodbye to a furry family member can be so difficult. I hope he is playing with my other two pups over the rainbow bridge!
2 -
@SurferGirl1982
I don't need to know what your daily consumption is. But you may want to start by just cutting back instead of trying to get to a full blown AF day. I found this extremely successful back when I was trying to drink TONS LESS.
I was a daily drinker, And also could put the drinks down pretty easy which resulted sometimes in having on an average of 6-7 a night (sometimes more). Because I worked and never drank at work that means I consumed an obnoxious amount of alcohol in let's say a 5 to 6 hour window at night.
I began by cutting my count down, Even by cutting back to 5 a night the first time was a HUGE HUGE win. Then I made a game out of it because I am a numbers person. If I did have one alcohol free night followed by drink nights. The next AF span I would have to add on a day. Making the number of AF consecutive days increase (1, then 2, then 3, etc). The first 7 days AF to call it a complete week was amazing. Pretty soon I was celebrating my first 31day AF streak = ONE MONTH.
It is all written within these many pages and years of being on LESS Alcohol ~one day at a time~ I believe it is in the threads from 2018.
I believe you will get to where you want to be. At your own pace your own way. As most of us found our own productive path here and went down it.
Accountability: July 2024
A=1
AF=25
Last consecutive AF streak---June 15-July1, 2024
10 -
16 AF
11 A5 -
July:
AF = 12
A = 146
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