THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

[daisy45]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

I have just looked at the signature which I changed on the same day I finished reading the book - and I am shocked. I stopped counting days and really thought maybe 4 or 5. I have not drank for 8 days! Didn't even realise - every other time I counted and wished each day for the next so that I could add another AF day. I only checked out of interest.....shocker!
I have been doing great and even though I have had some fleeting thoughts; 'would be nice to have a bottle', reality kicks in pretty quickly - my thoughts become 'how much do I want to harm/poison myself tonight?', the vision of the shrunken brain is a major one for me. I feel I have so much knowledge now that it is not a battle any more, it is taking the wiser choice. Hope that makes sense........

I have started making dates with old friends who I have neglected in pursuit of my solitary pathetic lust for wine - can't believe how far I let things go. Going out to dinner with a friend on Saturday night and music in the bar afterwards. Then on Sunday I will get in touch with another friend and arrange something - I have a lot of catching up to do and am really looking forward to it.
Another friend asked me out for our annual Christmas outing and I offered to drive a mini-bus if they wanted.
I have exercised almost every day. None of these things because I am trying not to drink, but because this is how I intend my life to be. My daughter is going out on Friday night and informed me she isn't going to bother drinking - I am delighted. Maybe the little 'ripple effect'??!
I am so happy to see so many coming on board.
That's my lot for today; just checking in and so good to feel the lovely vibe on this thread.

[tonstantweader]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Tips: My husband and I have a ritual of drinking sleepytime tea every night now. It has almost replaced wine as my nightly "fix."
Unwasted: I am amazed at how many people on the site either have already read the Vale book, are in the process of reading it, or have ordered it. You have really made a difference in how people view alcohol by introducing us to the book, so in case I haven't thanked you yet, Thank you!
timetochange: that's a good idea to write a summary of the main points in the book. Really helps to make it "stick." I am actually re-reading it to help cement what he says into my subconscious!
Lookingforpeace: I haven't really gone out with friends yet, but I am more and more confident that I won't want to drink when I do. I just plan to say "I don't drink anymore because I have been reading about how terrible alcohol is for me and I don't want to do that anymore."
Daisy, that is great! I was putting a checkmark on my desk calendar for every AF day and I have been forgetting more and more to do that and end up having to mark about a week at a time when I do remember.
toasting "good night" to you all with my herbal tea!

[looking for peace]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Good for you Daisy! I'm so glad you are doing really well. Trying not to drink is so different than not having to drink. I'm so glad you're reconnecting with old friends.

[looking for peace]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

I wanted to add to my last post but hit the reply before I wanted to. Unwasted, I like your response to people... maybe I will try something like that. Tostandweider, (I would like to come up with a shorter version for your name for quick typing purposes, if that's ok.... do you have any suggestions?) I like your response too, I think you are very brave to come right out with it. I'm not there yet. Thanks! LFP

[Unwasted]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Tonstant - It really makes me happy that I stumbled upon the book and was then able to talk about it here. Very gratifying to see that it's helping so many. I was hoping it would impact others as it had me, and I see that it is. I'm just so thankful that he wrote it the way he did and that somehow his voice and manner of writing (repetitive as it was) made the difference to us.

One thing I want to mention that I re-read recently in the book is not to worry about thinking about drinking - that it's natural to do so. He says when you try to not think about something it makes it impossible to do so. When it enters your mind just tell yourself how happy you are that you don't have to do it any more and how wonderfull it is to be free. That's what I do and it works.

Daisy, you're sounding so positive - that's just super. I think you're really going to change your life and never look back.

The discussion about not counting days reminds me of what he said about it in the book. It was something like.......we already know why we shouldn't drink alcohol and dwelling on the negatives doesn't really help us and can work against us to make us feel deprived. And the counting of days is a negative too .........that we should rejoice and just live our lives......We don't have to look back to know we're out of prison. We out the minute we stop the insanity of putting alcohol into our bodies - I think he used an analogy of Nelson Mandela getting out of prison - maybe someone remembers it more accurately.....

Tips, you sound great - I'm liking your blog -- am even thinking about getting a Rebounder after reading what you wrote. I have looked at them before online, but you make it sound very appealing. I was just afraid I'd get one and then quit using it. I'd like to get a good one and it looks like they're around $350.00. I don't mind investing in it, just hope I wouldn't stick it in a corner and stop using it. How long have you had yours?

LFP - have you actually finished the book? Sorry, can't remember exactly where you're at with it.

Well, all you lovely people have a wonderful evening and relish (and protect!) your healthy, new-found freedom.

[Tipplerette]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

I loved Unwasted's response.
"'I initially stopped drinking after realizing that even the smallest amount disturbs my sleep. Now that I've stopped I feel so much better I don't want to drink again. And, in all my research I have found out just how toxic alcohol is -- linked to cancer, etc. So, that's why I don't drink. I could, but I don't want to anymore because my life is so much better now. I highly recommend giving it up.'I am going to cut and paste that and save it for later."

Life is so much easier now. Freedom at last.

[Unwasted]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Tips,

X Post - just wrote to you below about the Rebounder. Please tell me more and read my prior post!

:l

[tonstantweader]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

LFP - some people call me Tons or TW. Anything is fine as long as you don't call me a drunk!

[Unwasted]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

:H:H

[lolab]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

still following this thread...still reading the book....(hey, I'm reading a novel at the same time...and sometimes just want to "escape" before I go to sleep...:H) and still finding many very profound statements made here!

I think LFP said "Trying not to drink is so different than not having to drink."

daisy that's great about your daughter....my 13 yr old son is amazed that his health teacher keeps emphasizing to the class that they shouldn't drink until they're 21....moments after teaching them the dangers of alcohol....huh? like it won't be dangerous anymore when you're 21??? We have lots of discussions about the brainwashing. I want him to remember that it's not a "given" that you drink when you're legally able to do so. I'm not going to let society control his brain! :H

I just hope I'm successful and that he still feels the same about it in a few years. :h

[Frequent Traveler]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Thank you for recommending this to me....
FT

[Unwasted]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Lolab, I would make sure your child understands that it's NOT NATURAL to drink alcohol. Isn't it amazing, really, that it's considered so acceptable? I have a totally different perspective now. I'm actually thinking of giving the book to my husband's son - he's 22.

[Tipplerette]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

UnWasted, I have had a rebounder for about two years and it's not something that takes up alot of room. We live in a tiny cottage and I manage to jump either in the solarium or in front of the TV. It's mindless, invigorating and you can do it anywhere. Did you click on the link to the 'benefits of rebounding' that I put up on my blog. if not I can resend it to you here.

I can rebound anywhere from 5 minutes to half hour or so. You can even jump with light weights in your hands bending your arms over your head and out to the sides to get some toning in too.

The rebounder was the best investment I have ever made in the fitness dept.

I am open to questions.

Tips

[Unwasted]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Tips, great to hear. I'll go to your blog if I need more info - no need to post it here. Thank you!

[momof3]

THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Unwasted et al.

So inspiring to read this thread and to see how people have completely turned around with regard to their thoughts and actions surrounding alcohol.

Let me tell you that it just keeps getting better and better! I have always taken a very wholistic approach to my sobriety...healthy food, lots of exercise, yoga, personal development. I don't dwell on what I used to be. I don't call myself an alcoholic. I know I can never drink again. I don't want to ever drink again. It nearly sucked out my soul. My life is so full now.

M3