One Step at a Time - January 2013

[Sunbeam]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Hi Glass, I spent a lot of time on the moderate drinking road. I definitely cut down my drinking, never went back to where I was at my worst. But I still drank more than I had intended too often. That continued drinking did not improve my life in any way. I finally realized that I could only be free by being AF. I still do have thoughts about having a drink on some occasion, but I've made it through vacation and holidays without any alcohol. I've enjoyed those events even more because I didn't have to worry about when or how much I would be drinking. My life is better now, without a doubt. I wasn't ever a daily drinker so I hung on to that thought for SO LONG that it wasn't that bad. Well yes, there are plenty of people with alcohol problems way worse than mine, but that doesn't change the fact that my life is under my control only without alcohol. It took a long time for me to reach that conclusion because denial is so strong. It is startling for me to look at my join date here and realize that it took me nearly five years to see this truth.

[Sunbeam]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Juja, alcohol may or may not have caused your depression, but it does make it worse. Alcohol is a depressant. No, my sister never recovered. She is chronically mentally ill. She has an MBA, used to work in banking. Now she is on disability.

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Oh Sunbeam...there is no hope for her?? My heart is breaking. That, in itself, is horribly depressing. and terrifying
Hi Sunshinedaisies..............muah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sunbeam]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Mama, part of my sister's situation is she can't see beyond where she is, make a realistic plan to move forward. She is 60 years old, two years older than me. She also has a lot of physical problems, including severe arthritis. It is hard to understand, harder to explain. But it certainly is very sad.

[Juja]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Sunbeam;1450309 wrote: Hi Glass, I spent a lot of time on the moderate drinking road. I definitely cut down my drinking, never went back to where I was at my worst. But I still drank more than I had intended too often. That continued drinking did not improve my life in any way. I finally realized that I could only be free by being AF. I still do have thoughts about having a drink on some occasion, but I've made it through vacation and holidays without any alcohol. I've enjoyed those events even more because I didn't have to worry about when or how much I would be drinking. My life is better now, without a doubt. I wasn't ever a daily drinker so I hung on to that thought for SO LONG that it wasn't that bad. Well yes, there are plenty of people with alcohol problems way worse than mine, but that doesn't change the fact that my life is under my control only without alcohol. It took a long time for me to reach that conclusion because denial is so strong.

Excellent post, Sunbearm. You're describing me.
What helped you most to become AF? What was your plan?

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

I have friends who have been depressed and I tell them....Either get help and fight it or wallow in it.....
not meant to sound cruel, but it's true

[NoraC]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Morning all. I'm at work so can't talk. Just wanted to tell Sunbeam that your post was GREAT!! Thank you for that. :h

[Frequent Traveler]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Good morning,
Great read Sunbeam, needed that - thanks.

[K9Lover]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Hello my dear friends,

I hope you are all well on this Friday, and Mama, I hope your grumpiness goes away. Maybe it was cleaning that bathtub that did it? I know that would make ME grumpy!

I tried for years to moderate...needless to say, it never worked. As Byrdie says, she never drank harder than when she was moderating. It's true! You start to feel deprived so you end up drinking more and more. For me, it's easier to not drink than it is to drink.

Hope ya'll have a great day...I'll check in later!

:h

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

I'm fine now....caffiene is my friend!!

[Sunbeam]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Hi Juja,
My plan when I started posting on this thread in June was to also post a daily prayer. That got me through over 30 days. Then I faltered for a few weeks until Mario posted what I developed into my recovery list. I knew you have to continue to make many changes to give up alcohol, but somehow that list made it all more tangible for me. The inspiration list is posted on the tool box thread. I would be happy to pm you (and anyone else) my personal list. The hardest thing is to scrape together the strength, determination and resolve to keep fighting. It is SO much easier to give in to those urges. But success creates strength. Each AF day you really do get stronger. My list is something I can go to when I get an urge to drink, but that is rare now.

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

quiet here tonight!
off to bed soon

[NoraC]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Went & got my hair done after work. No more white! :H I've been trying to get started on my taxes but of course I changed computers and can't find the document I need on this one. Going to have to get into it tomorrow. Planning on working for a while tomorrow.
I hope that everyone is doing well. :h

[nurdl]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Check in.

[NoraC]

One Step at a Time - January 2013

Nurdl - how are you doing??? Are things ok?? :l