Gals in their 50's

[rubywillow]

Gals in their 50's

OK, should we take DLA's application? Sounds like she feels like 50! LOL

[drylifeahead]

Gals in their 50's

*Tiptoeing back into the playground*

I do I DO!!! sometimes feel like 50...even 60!!

Does that count?:H:H:H:H

We can just keep it out little secret :l

DLA :h

[dancelot]

Gals in their 50's

DLA -
We'll show you how fabulous the 50s can be - especially AF!

[rubywillow]

Gals in their 50's

All in favor, the AYE's have IT!

[PhoenixRising]

Gals in their 50's

I'm in!

I am 52, menopausal (a huge relief in so many ways...)
Been drinking since I was 17 and have had very little sobriety in the last 35 years. I can go a couple of days, but that's about it.

I have 5 stepkids, 2 dogs, 2 elderly cats and a gerbil.

I am taking baclofen and have high hopes that it will get rid of the intense cravings; as a matter of fact, yesterday I had 2 glasses of wine and QUIT with some still in the bottle! I have never done that unless it was the 2ns bottle.

Hugs to everyone!

[dancelot]

Gals in their 50's

New Creation;765508 wrote: Doggygirl, You are right; I don't really want to wait. I am a pretty spiritual person and would like for this Christmas season to be "holier" and happier than past years. Why am I afraid to quit drinking now rather than putting it off til January?

NC - I think we were all afraid to quit, as counterintuitive as that sounds (Suni had a thread not too long ago where this was discussed). Several of us were afraid we couldn't.

I know am actually looking forward to this new experience. I had my first sober Thanksgiving yesterday. I also realize I was the one to whom the wine was so important, not anyone else. I mentally prepared myself, just in case. I knew there was wine in the fridge (I think I left some there - at my mom's old house, where my brother is living - months ago now).

Knowing situations where you will be tempted to drink is so important. Having an alternate plan in place (as well as a plan B) and using it is so important. While we are drinking, it is often difficult to know what or how to do it. Maybe write this out after morning coffee, when you are at your clearest. Be very neutral about it., as if it is someone asking you for sound, sane advice. What could I do differently? What do I need to avoid? We can't avoid life forever, so we need to develop different skills. There will always be a holiday, a party, a wedding, or something where AL is available. Also many restaurants, grocery stores, concerts, events, and places we would like to go.

Do you have some early happy memories of Christmas you could tap into? I've found this helpful to think back to being a kid to remember life without AL. Well, that really was the only time I was AF, previously. I think back to the Christmas tree with glowing, the regular lights off, having homemade fudge or other little goodies from gift baskets that seemed so exotic at the time. Or the Christmas eve church service, the one I actually looked forward to. There was something so magical, I loved the story of Mary and Joseph. I could always visualize it, feel the cold air, see the starry night.

I actually did my first day the day I found MWO. I just stayed on here until I was too tired and went to bed (it helped I had gone through my 2- 3 day of AL the night before, so none was available - plus I already felt extra crappy). I started supplements the next day, stayed close to this forum, and day by day got through. I remember someone on chat asked about my plan, which I didn't have, I hadn't even looked at that part of the forum yet, but that forced an answer, I had to type it out, say it in my own words, and I stuck to it. Those first few days were not easy, but they are do-able. One day at a time (or hour, or minute at a time) - these are not just words, they are a very valuable tool.

Going AF is a commitment - and like all commitments it can be a little scary (at least they are to me). It can be done. If I can do it, I believe it is possible for anyone. First, you must believe - just for now. Always stay in the present tense - that is all we can possibly control - right now. :h

[rubywillow]

Gals in their 50's

Phoenix, which state in the B.R.? We have a cabin in mountains of N. Ga., right at the end of the Appalachian Trail.

[rubywillow]

Gals in their 50's

Great post, Dance! And don't forget, after a while, it becomes a (good) habit, and you feel SO DAMN GOOD!
Rubes

[dancelot]

Gals in their 50's

Hi, Phoenix!

[dancelot]

Gals in their 50's

Thanks, Ruby! Yes, it is wonderful - and something I honestly didn't think it was possible - living sober, and especially being able to enjoy life without AL. I can't get back the lost years, so I will not kick myself over that, but I can make so much more than I ever thought possible with my new life. And does that EVER feel good!!!!! :h

[Doggygirl]

Gals in their 50's

New Creation;765508 wrote: Doggygirl, You are right; I don't really want to wait. I am a pretty spiritual person and would like for this Christmas season to be "holier" and happier than past years. Why am I afraid to quit drinking now rather than putting it off til January?

When I was battling that same thing - KNOWING I wanted to get back to AF where I felt so GOOD during my first 60 day stint, but PUTTING IT OFF - the answer was very very simple.

I AM ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL, AND MY ADDICTED BRAIN WILL DO EVERYTHING IN IT'S POWER TO RESIST THE NOTION OF NOT GETTING A FIX.

I spent 8 months concocting every reason in the book to put it off. After vacation...after the holidays....after new years....after my birthday...when spring comes...blah blah blah. At some point, I just had to say "enough is enough and today is the day."

We will be here to help support you whenever that day comes for you.

DG

[Doggygirl]

Gals in their 50's

drylifeahead;765498 wrote: Oh BUMMER!!!!!!!

You mean I have to wait 5 yrs til I can join your club? :damn:

That bites!

I'm almost 45, and the fading looks thing, weight gain et al were concerning me as well ya know...

Fine, I'll just go find someone else to play with :H:H:H

DLA :h

Well, I say that if this group will let ME in at "29 years old" then we should let DLA in at 45, yes???? :H

[rubywillow]

Gals in their 50's

I just celebrated the 30th anniversary of my 28th.

[drylifeahead]

Gals in their 50's

dancelot;765608 wrote: NC - I think we were all afraid to quit, as counterintuitive as that sounds (Suni had a thread not too long ago where this was discussed). Several of us were afraid we couldn't.

I JUST NOW found a long letter I had written to my boy/f after what must have been a bender. Swearing I would gain control of my drinking for my sake,
his and the kids. Checked the date of the letter..

Dec 2004.

A gut wrenching letter, it was so hard to read. I am so entirely grateful and will be forever for finding this site, and supportive friends like you!!

DLA :l:l

[rubywillow]

Gals in their 50's

Why don't we women organize the day after Thanksgiving as a stay-at-home day, and watch Wall Street panic because of our power?