LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

NonnieDoiron · October 5

AF - 4
A - 0

PITA day for work. Still no sink faucet. My legs and toes are cramping like crazy tonight. I tried to put on my leggings I sleep in after my shower, and I almost fell over when my calf, arch, and toes cramped in mid air!🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

Michieb125 · October 5

Friday Greetings!

So far this month I have had one glass of white wine and 1 oz of Frangelica. And then on another day, one ultra light beer and two glasses of Merlot. These were during and after a music concert and an afternoon of poolside relaxing with DH.

I have no other celebrations or upcoming social events until the 14th which means I’d like to have 4-5 AF days this week. This is what I’ll be aiming for. I will find some yummy treats on those days - like some good dark chocolate!

October goals:
AF days - 16 - 18
A days - 13 - 15

Current:
AF days - 2
A days - 2

SparkSpringtime69 · October 5

October:
AF: 3
A: 1

chicbuc · October 5

No wine last night. SO went to the casino. I stayed home and went to bed early

That's 5 days in a row and I made it through Friday night!

Also, an added benefit, my weight is back down to where it was when I stopped trying as hard to drink less...about 4 pounds this week.

AF = 4
A = 0

globalhiker · October 5

@chicbuc wow you did awesome! I use the going to bed early option and I try to get up super-early so I am tired early.

October day 4 AF done. Friday nights are more of a challenge since that is when my husband begins his planned drinking weekend, drinking in front of me. It makes me irritable and I need to work on this since this feeling does me no good.

MissMay · October 5

Saturday Greetings-

Yesterday was my Friday devoted* friend's day* as I call it. A woman I know does not drive and I kind of focus on spending the day hanging out with her and taking her to places she would not normally be able to get to. Examples: for lunch, shopping, nature exploring, etc.

Accountability thus far in October
1 -A (one standard drink)
3 - AF

Thanks for the b-day wishes and for getting in here to share your goals and daily LESS alcohol stories.

There is more than myself here as I read that have a loved one in the house that drinks or continues to buy us alcohol to have on hand. I know it is really really tough and exhausting to try and let them know we are doing it OUR WAY. That we got this, and please don't encourage or sway us from our goals.

We have to keep on our path. Trying to get them to join in may work for a while. They may see it as a short-term challenge and therefore do it for a short time. This can be a lifetime change, not challenge for a majority of us on this thread, so we need to focus on our change first, not trying to change or help someone that does not feel it in their heart.

Just my thoughts

lnort0618 · October 5

Ended up having wine 2 glasses of wine last night, but felt good about it since in the past I would have had the whole bottle. Probably AF tonight since I have to work in the morning, and my oldest's birthday party is this afternoon so I'm expecting to be tired.

October
AF 3
A 1

SurferGirl1982 · October 5

I know you've all heard it from me before. But, my Day 1 AF is going to be Monday. I thought about quitting tomorrow (Sunday). But, my husband immediately said, "Sundays are never good for you!".

I guess I'll have to join @SparkSpringtime69 with her plan of "Sober Most of October". I didn't start my August streak until the 7th of the month. So, maybe, the 7th will be the charm

I watched the YouTube video about moderation, "Sober Powered" yesterday. She said that she spent five years on trying to moderate. My attempts at moderating started about 11 years ago when I decided to retire (early). I recently realized that I was unable to moderate after becoming involved in this group.

There are many other YouTube videos that I put in my "Watch Later" folder. But I can't binge watch. So I'll be watching a few at a time. My main interest in quitting drinking is the health benefits gained. And, hopefully being able to become active and fit once again.

Walela617 · October 5

Hi everyone

Just lost another, long post (again). I regret to confess that I lapsed last night, BIG time!

I truly admire all those who are able to moderate! Unfortunately, I have to accept that I am NOT one of them.

I'm disappointed, yes, but--I forgive myself and I'm starting fresh; so today is my new DAY ONE.

I must keep trying because drinking is negatively impacting so many areas of my life and health-wise and financially, I simply cannot afford it; so here I go again!

Since I do respect that this board is about limiting alcohol consumption and not necessarily abstaining, I will jump off of this board and concentrate on the "Sober October" one for now instead.

Very best wishes to everyone for success in achieving all of your goals!

Have a nice weekend!
💗 Carole

chicbuc · October 5

FYI, @Walela617 , LESS can be none. It's your journey. We have some on here that are less by way of none and some that are only moderating. Everyone's welcome to post, encourage, and gain encouragement here.

@globalhiker I also try to make sure I'm up early for my early bedtime

I am like you. Moderation is not in my vocabulary. If I have 1 drink, I'm going to have at least 3. Most of my LESS has to be none, so I feel you!

Michieb125 · October 5

Happy Saturday LA friends,

Skipping our Oktoberfest this weekend as I just got home from vacay and unpacking and washing clothes sounds more enticing lol.

Great words of advice MissMay - this is OUR OWN path to Less Alcohol. We can choose to improve our own individual lives outside of family and friends, spouses or SO’s. We can make better choices and set good examples to those we love and to those who love us. Even if they can’t see us in the moment. For me, this journey has been so much my own self-discovery. There are also a lot of ups and downs that come with the territory!

Gone from 3+ a day for many years to 35-65% less a month in under 2 years. LA is not a temporary challenge for me - rather a lifestyle change for the long haul - Just day by day.

Current:
AF days - 3
A days - 2

NonnieDoiron · October 5

AF - 5
A - 0

Still no kitchen faucet. Between both kids, there was tons of laundry today. I swear my daughter wears everything she owns in 1 week. I just started my laundry, and it’s already 7pm. As long as it gets in the dryer before I go to bed, all will be well.

I don’t think I’m going to try for a sober October, but I’m not doing too bad so far if I decided to go for it. 😉

MissMay · October 6

Walela617 wrote: »

Hi everyone

Just lost another, long post (again). I regret to confess that I lapsed last night, BIG time!

I truly admire all those who are able to moderate! Unfortunately, I have to accept that I am NOT one of them.

I'm disappointed, yes, but--I forgive myself and I'm starting fresh; so today is my new DAY ONE.

I must keep trying because drinking is negatively impacting so many areas of my life and health-wise and financially, I simply cannot afford it; so here I go again!

Since I do respect that this board is about limiting alcohol consumption and not necessarily abstaining, I will jump off of this board and concentrate on the "Sober October" one for now instead.

Very best wishes to everyone for success in achieving all of your goals!

Have a nice weekend!
💗 Carole

This is a another day for you. I have been there too because I am not super woman either.

Pick your self up, dust off and continue your quest. We don't judge when anyone stumbles.

BTW you had a decent streak of AF be extra proud of that accomplishment

MissMay · October 6

NonnieDoiron wrote: »

AF - 5
A - 0

Still no kitchen faucet. Between both kids, there was tons of laundry today. I swear my daughter wears everything she owns in 1 week. I just started my laundry, and it’s already 7pm. As long as it gets in the dryer before I go to bed, all will be well.

I don’t think I’m going to try for a sober October, but I’m not doing too bad so far if I decided to go for it. 😉

Sorry to heat about your sink still being unusable.camping is fun, but
not in the house.

I wish I could recall on here who phrased - "soberish Octoberish" it was a brilliant and very catchy.

lnort0618 · October 6

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

October
AF 4
A 1

SparkSpringtime69 · October 6

October:
AF: 3
A: 2

RubyRed427 · October 6

14 days AF; I have not done that since 2021.
I mentioned before that I felt so discombobulated the first week and I was angry. So angry I could not drink like everyone else in a normal way.
This second week was better. I've had two weekends with no alcohol and I have gotten so much done. It's crazy how much extra time I had to do things. My husband is still drinking, not a ton but a few drinks a night. This week, I was not resentful of that.

chicbuc · October 6

WTG, RubyRed! You are doing amazing!

I'm a little stressed today with trying to figure out hurricane prep. We're bound do lose electricity for at least a few days. Other than that, we won't be affected much...I hope. I'm worried about trees falling and there's a large old oak right over my son's bedroom. He's so stubborn and reclusive that I doubt he'll agree not to be in there. My daughter has a tree in her front yard that was partially uprooted and and leaned on her roof 2 years ago. With the help of friends, they were able to remove the branch without damaging their roof, but they were unable to afford to remove the tree. We worry with every storm that comes through. I used up all my candles with Helene, so I need to run out and find some more since I doubt I'll find flashlights this late in the game. We're right in the center of the cone about 25 miles inland. Normally, I would stock up on wine. I won't be doing that, so one small victory.

We went to an amusement park Halloween event last night and did not drink when I normally would. That's a win. Not planning to drink today for football or this week really, so by Friday, I should have a pretty good streak going before my arch nemesis day...Friday. I have 6 days in a row today which WILL be 11 days by Friday.

AF = 5
A = 0

RubyRed427 · October 6

@chicbuc wishing you well during this hurricane. Sorry you are going through this. I’ll be thinking of you. Proud of you for not getting wine.

SparkSpringtime69 · October 6

Wow, seems like so many here are off to a great start in October - WTG!!! You're all inspiring me to do better, thank you.

tmbg1 · October 6

3 AF
3 A

MissMay · October 6

I have been looking for over a year for the Fever Tree Cucumber Sparkling and finally scored a 4 pack.

Today I will enjoy some after it chills properly. And I suppose I should garnish with a cucumber wheel in a very fancy glass

globalhiker · October 6

October day 5 AF done. I think I am now at 1 month, 5 days AF. WAY easier after the first week. Going AF for many straight days is the only way for me (and a huge majority) to start to regain partial self-control. I'm not 100% yet. This can take a long time.

Wine Devil = 0
Me = 35 days

Wine devil, I am winning......and my tummy is getting flat!

Michieb125 · October 6

WTG @chicbuc, @RubyRed427 and others on finding your strength to push forward with your AF goals! Stay safe in the hurricane please!

I’m now 2 AF days in a row and happy about this. Looking forward to several more this week as I have no upcoming social events.

I’m swapping out the wine with good old water, and herbal teas.

Will head out for a 3.5 mile walk soon!

We can do this!

Current:
AF days - 3
A days - 2

Michieb125 · October 6

@globalhiker - you ARE totally winning! I’m truly excited for your progress, you should be incredibly pleased.
Oh and a flat tummy too?! 🙌🏼

RubyRed427 · October 6

@Michieb125 Thanks! Yahoo for 2 days AF. You'll feel really good on day 3.

NationalCapital · October 6

Another big social gathering last night and still stuck with AF beverages. 2 for 2 this week

SunnyDays930 · October 6

Went to cabin with husband, his sister and her bf for weekend. The men drank and I didn't. SIL says she's not drinking this month so that made it easier. I cannot moderate and I am not going to try that anymore. It was so nice to wake up fresh without shame or worry about how I disgraced myself the night before, which would probably happen if I had my usual bottle + of wine. 2 weeks AF tomorrow. Onward.

SunnyDays930 · October 6

I read on another forum:

"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards."

I guess this is why with age, comes wisdom.

lnort0618 · October 7

I hope all those living in the path of the hurricane stay safe!

I had a planned alcohol day yesterday and finished the two glasses of wine left in the bottle from Friday. Have a plan to be alcohol free until at least Friday this week.

October
AF 4
A 2

LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

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