there's always something

[boredinbiloxi79]

Mardi Gras is coming up here in the southern states. Every year in the past it's been an excuse to take a day off, get up early and get a parking spot downtown and start drinking at 8am and not stop till you're sunburned and shitfaced. This will be the first "drinking holiday" that I'll try to do sober. Next month is St. Patrick's Day, then Memorial Day bar-b-ques, the 4th of July, a little bit of a gap and then it's Birthday and New Year's Eve again. All these holidays when you're supposed to get together with friends are a real test. I could just stay home and enjoy my day off for mardi gras relaxing around the house, not go to the parades and not be tempted. But my girlfriend has a 7 year old daughter that loves the parades so I'm going to go with them and just remind myself to be strong. I'm just past 5 weeks now so it seems to be getting a little easier everyday or at least I keep telling myself that. I do like the way I feel now more than when I was drinking so that's motivation to stay on the wagon. Anyway, just thought I'd give an update. I hope everyone is doing well. Good luck and God Bless, James

[Accountable for Me]

there's always something

Holidays are always a concern for us ex-drinkers. We have spent so many years getting blottoed on each and every one of them; it almost feels foreign to not drink.

It takes a bit of practice. I remember my first sober Christmas (2007). It was a bit uncomfortable, but I enjoyed it so much more than any other drunken Christmas!

Once you get through the 'habit' of drinking on these days, you will find out quite quickly they can be even more enjoyable without AL!

I know you will do great!

[Montana Mommy]

there's always something

Great job on 5 weeks!! There's always gonna be a holiday, or a special occasion that calls for drinking. Stay strong and have a blast at the parade. A sober blast.
MM

[Doggygirl]

there's always something

Congratulations on 5 weeks sober James!

What I have found extremely helpful is approaching any and all "drinking" situations with a firm plan. What WILL I drink? (and I bring my own whenever possible!) What time will I arrive? What time will I leave? What is my emergency exit strategy? What will I do if a strong urge strikes? Etc.

If you have all that worked out in advance, you will be fine. The other CRITICAL thing is to DECIDE YOU WILL NOT DRINK prior to the event. All too often we "hope" we won't drink and "hoping" is just like leaving the door wide open for AL to come on in.

Best wishes! I bet you can have LOADS of fun at mardi gras with a 7 year old!!!!

DG