LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

Michieb125 · October 13

Had a delightful time with son and wife last night. The food wasn’t the best (I picked restaurant and my verde enchiladas were barely warm) but I didn’t say anything because everyone else’s were hot. The company and conversation was super special. We each chose 7-up or sparking water with dinner. Then we took a walk down to the Marina afterwards and saw some beautiful yachts!

Came home and had two glasses of an organic Rose I like while watching a movie. After 8 days of AF, I am good with it!

Will get outside today and pull up some garden vegetables that are done for the season.
Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Current updated:

AF days - 9
A days - 3

SurferGirl1982 · October 13

Hi Everyone,

I had planned on being AF today. But, Sundays are never good for me because the liquor store closes at 5 pm on Sundays. I bought a pint (375 ml). But, recently, I've been drinking 575 to 750 ml. So, I guess it is LA.

I do plan to have an AF day tomorrow. The drinking isn't doing me any good. A lot of my health issues are being caused by vitamin (mainly B's) and mineral (mainly potassium and magnesium) deficiencies. I looked up these vitamins/minerals to see what could cause a deficiency. There are many reasons listed. But, one reason that is common to all of them is, "alcohol use disorder". By the way, did you know that they changed the name from alcoholism to alcohol use disorder?

I've been watching some You Tube videos by Dr. João Sorio Endocrinologist. I believe he lives in Brazil. But the videos are in English. He talks about liver health, diabetes, thyroid health, hormones, healthy lifestyle, etc. I'm really impressed. I know that some of the people on You Tube don't know what they're talking about and give out misinformation. But I think this guy is for real! You may want to check him out!

After listening to him...I better quit!

Breathe57103 · October 13

I finally got a great night sleep last night with the help of a sleep aid. I got up early and went to church and then watched football at my late husband's parent's house. I've been pretty lazy today, but did eat within goal and stayed alcohol free so I consider that a win!

Start day 10/11/24.

AF - 3
A - 0

Have a great week!

violetamethyst · October 14

I’m late to this thread but I want to try and stay AF for the rest of the month 🦋

Alatariel75 · October 14

Still AF from 3 October. After a... incident, which involved an ER overnight visit, the partner will be joining me for significantly reduced alcohol. Please wish him luck and strength.

SparkSpringtime69 · October 14

Hi @violetamethyst welcome to the group. I hope you're able to find a lot of inspiration and support here.
@Alatariel75 Sorry to hear about your partner''s ER visit, I hope he gets better soon.
@Breathe57103 nice job with the AF days and sticking with your eating goal.
@SurferGirl1982 I watched one of his videos - he seems to be saying the same thing about liver health that most doctors say about keeping any other part of your body healthy: avoid sugars, fats, processed foods, alcohol; get good sleep; get exercise; maintain a healthy body weight. All good advice that I need to start listening to

chicbuc · October 14

SurferGirl1982 wrote: »

@chicbuc So glad to hear you are OK! I can't believe how well your doing with "Sober October". It seems like you were struggling a bit last month like I was. But, I only had 2 AF days in September 🙄

I wish I had your motivation. Any advice? I still don't have even 1 AF day this month. I don't know why? I did really well in August. But, I just can't seem to get on a roll again. I'm still hoping today will be Day 1, but I'm not sure that it will.

Just don't stop trying. You know you need to do it. I knew I needed to do it as well. I'm not sure how I'm doing so well other than I'm stubborn and committed

Honestly, the thought of the first sip of wine scares me now. I don't want to go back to daily drinking and struggling with controlling the amount. It feels pretty good to be in control. Thinking of you! You did it once and I know you can do it again!

SurferGirl1982 · October 14

@SparkSpringtime69 You're right! His advice about liver health is what is basically recommended for good health in general. I eat pretty healthy. But I really need to get moving more 🙂
@violetamethyst Welcome...you'll find lot's of support here!
@Alatariel75 I wish your partner the best ❤️

chicbuc · October 14

@violetamethyst Welcome!!
@Alatariel75 Good luck to your partner! I hope you both influence the other for the better

@Breathe57103 Sounds like a very nice day!

AF = 13
A = 0

SurferGirl1982 · October 14

Thanks @chicbuc I do know that I need to quit for many reasons. I'm actually getting tired of drinking. And I agree with you that it's a struggle to control the amount we drink. It's easier to just not drink!

I'm pretty motivated this morning and I hope to be able to come back tonight and post some good news 🙂

globalhiker · October 14

Still AF on vac. It's getting so easy I am not thinking about it. I am out of my NA stash though it helped a ton the first few days. Cruse Sparkling Rose de-alcoholized was the only one I would buy again.Golden State NA Cider was not worth it, needed more apple flavor. Last night I had seltzer with the Santa Cruz lemon juice and it was just fine. A sprig of mint and pinch of sugar would've made it better. Had a glorious steak from local cattle in central Utah with baby red potatoes and a salad.

@Breathe57103 if you want, let's meet up to hike in Nov and I can reach out to you separately if that sounds good?

Today is another opportunity to raise the bar and challenge myself.

chicbuc · October 14

I just said a little prayer for you, @SurferGirl1982

SunnyDays930 · October 14

I had a great time with Ruby Red on vacation! We slayed the alcohol demon while our husbands drank like normal people. She is a shining light on my AF journey and I just love her to pieces! Every time we declined a real drink, I felt my sober muscle grow stronger. My husband and I are now at my sister's visiting and they are also normal...like 1 drink, drinkers. Day 21, 3 whole weeks, AF.

chicbuc · October 14

It's so cool that you've created such a sweet friend bond on your journey between the two of you @RubyRed427 and @SunnyDays930

SurferGirl1982 · October 14

Thank you @chicbuc!

SunnyDays930 · October 14

@chicbuc I consider Ruby Red one of my dearest friends. She totally gets what I am going through because she is going through it too. We live about 5 hours apart but have gotten together 4 times now. We text every day. She has been an indispensable part of my sober journey.

chicbuc · October 14

@SurferGirl1982 Also, try to avoid your triggers if you know what they are, too. My SO asked if I wanted to go to the casino last night, and I declined because I'm not drinking. He said, "We don't have to drink." My reply..."Easy for you. Not for me." My first big test will be Monday Night Football at the stadium next week. I hope I can overcome that one.

SurferGirl1982 · October 14

@chicbuc I'm not really sure what my triggers are. I usually just drink at home. Except when I go gambling across the street I'll have a couple of Amber Bocks. I think I mainly drink because it's just habit. Like...that's what I do!

I think I really just have to keep reminding myself of all the benefits of not drinking. I want to regain my health and fitness. And have more energy and motivation for all the projects that I've been putting off lately. It's hard to get fit when drinking daily. My balance and coordination aren't as good and, well, I usually don't feel well enough to exercise.

Going to a football game might be rough. But, you can enjoy the game without alcohol. You have a good streak going. I wouldn't want to have to start over!

SurferGirl1982 · October 14

@chicbuc PS...I know I've got this today 🙂

chicbuc · October 14

@SurferGirl1982 I know exactly what you mean by "that's what I do." Just for today, make something else what you do...even if it's just some other beverage out of your favorite glass. That's what I did at first. I still don't have my something else to do. I need to work on that, for sure.

Michieb125 · October 14

Had a very nice birthday and one of the best gifts is the incredible fall weather we are having here in sunny California. Had a little cake and champagne last night and now back on track! Going on a short hike with my DH and pup this morning to get my steps/miles in today.

And, I appreciate each of you LA friends from the bottom of my heart! 💜

October goal: Soberish October 🍁🎃🍁

Current:
AF days - 10
A days - 4

RubyRed427 · October 14

chicbuc wrote: »

@SurferGirl1982 I know exactly what you mean by "that's what I do." Just for today, make something else what you do...even if it's just some other beverage out of your favorite glass. That's what I did at first. I still don't have my something else to do. I need to work on that, for sure.

That's what I do, too. Drinking is my favorite hobby. Sad but true.

My whole house is my "trigger". The door I come in is a trigger. The glasses in my cupboard can trigger me. And on and on....

So, I am trying to do different things to break my habits. Not going home right away after work and going for a walk. Stopping at a store to browse. It will take a lot of time and effort to establish new patterns for my brain. I do think anything is possible- we can do it.

I am going to have to think very carefully if I ever give in to a craving, because it takes me sooo long to build up the energy to get back to AF evenings. It's like I take one giant step forward (being AF) and then a hundred giant steps back when I take that first sip. I believe in momentum, and if I just muscle through the first few days (gritting my teeth, being irritable and going to bed early), I am usually pretty good at staying AF. I have to be vigilant though.

SurferGirl1982 · October 15

RubyRed427 wrote: »

I am going to have to think very carefully if I ever give in to a craving, because it takes me sooo long to build up the energy to get back to AF evenings. It's like I take one giant step forward (being AF) and then a hundred giant steps back when I take that first sip. I believe in momentum, and if I just muscle through the first few days (gritting my teeth, being irritable and going to bed early), I am usually pretty good at staying AF. I have to be vigilant though.

@RubyRed427 That's how I am too. If I decide to drink one day, it may be a month before I can get back to Day 1 AF.

I'm sure I'll make it to Day 1 today. The liquor store closes in two hours 🙂 And I'm just ready to quit! I looking forward to feeling good again.

Breathe57103 · October 15

I had a quiet day today after another good night sleep. Went to the gym, met girlfriends for lunch, did some chores, and worked on a puzzle. I stayed within my calorie limit and alcohol free.

I'm looking forward to going to Green Bay with my youngest son this weekend. We will be celebrating my 59th birthday (how in the heck am I this old???) My son doesn't drink so it will be easy to stay alcohol free.

Start day 10/11/24.

AF - 4
A - 0

SurferGirl1982 · October 15

I finally did it again! Day 1 AF! 🎉

I'm claiming it early because the liquor store just closed and there's no alcohol in the house 😀

Like @RubyRed427 mentioned...just one sip of alcohol can ruin a good streak. I had a 21 day AF streak in August. Then I slipped up. Besides two nonconsecutive AF days in September, I've been drinking daily again for six weeks.

October
AF - 1
A - 13

violetamethyst · October 15

Happy early Birthday @Breathe57103 ✨!!!!! Sounds like you had a successful day today as well

I am also on Day 1 AF @SurferGirl1982 🤩 Great work!

lnort0618 · October 15

@SurferGirl1982 Congrats on an AF day!

Did a lot of "fall" things today- took the kids to the pumpkin patch, brought the dog on a nice walk in the woods, made soup and homemade bread. It was a good day!

October
AF 9
A 5

chicbuc · October 15

Awesome, @SurferGirl1982!!

Michieb125 · October 15

Really thrilled to see a couple of you having your first AF day in awhile! You did it! You should be super proud. Way to go.

SurferGirl1982 · October 15

@violetamethyst I guess we belong to the "Day 1" club 🙂

@chicbuc It's about time, huh?

Thanks @lnort0618 and @Michieb125

Now it's on to Day 2 🙃

LESS Alcohol ~ OCTOBER 2024 ~ One Day at A Time

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