We both stopped abruptly and at the same time after a much needed teary/yelling unnecessary confrontation with our 22 year old daughter. Quite out of character for her, she blurts "you two drink to f*^%@ing much". In an inebriated moment of "clarity" we both agreed.
The next morning - Wednesday - we both stopped our nightly consumption of wine. This was not just a couple of little glasses - I'm talking at least 2 bottles each per night. Oftentimes more, but never less. This has been escalating for about 4-5 years to this point. It just became a bad/dumb habit that I now realize has been affecting our lives negatively for years and had to come to a stop.
Our nightly ritual of whose going to pick up the wine tonight doesn't happen anymore. I am amazed at all the energy I have and so is my husband.
Stopping this wasn't as hard as I thought and I wish we had done this sooner. The worst thing I have experienced is having a lot of trouble getting to sleep - mostly in the beginning but is getting better now. I forget what feeling 'naturally sleepy' feels like and I am overcoming this. I am dreaming at night again in vivid clarity and waking up with all kinds of energy. Benadryl has helped a little as well as keeping my already congested head clear during the night. But I feel the need for this 'boos' less and less. Last night I took 1 pill instead of 2.
During the day - I find that my 'old self' is returning. My mind is functioning on all 8 cylinders rather than 4 which is surprising some people who never knew the 'me'
before my progressive wine binges at night. A couple of days ago, when asked my opinion of a faulty procedure at work. My boss sat speechless at my clear, succinct answer. It just came 'out'. Just like it used to - rather than sitting there with my foggy brain trying to form something that didn't make me sound like an idiot.
More perks - I love to cook- if I could do it for a living, I would quit my stupid job right now and do it. But for now, I have applied to work part time for a company that helps seniors stay at home by doing the daily chores they might have difficulty with such as laundry, cleaning and cooking. This service helps keep sharp-minded, but feeble or weak people out of nursing homes and living in their own homes with a little help. The hiring process is fairly strict with background checks etc. so I am still waiting on an answer.
So in the meantime, I am making the most of the Holiday cooking and baking in the evenings rather than plunking my butt down to my first 18 oz glass of wine with several more to follow.
Another great perk is that I have lost almost 10 pounds since I stopped drinking. Pretty obvious outcome for someone who cuts their daily intake by over 1100 calories!
I have started out exercising again in earnest - no once or twice half assed workouts a week, but three or four really good work-outs a week where I feel the real 'de-tox' feeling from sweating rather than the alcohol seeping through my sweat glands.
I am glad I found this group. Your stories are awe inspiring and I no longer feel alone with the need to hide my problems. I can see the light from your many stories and inspirational examples of life without booze.
The next morning - Wednesday - we both stopped our nightly consumption of wine. This was not just a couple of little glasses - I'm talking at least 2 bottles each per night. Oftentimes more, but never less. This has been escalating for about 4-5 years to this point. It just became a bad/dumb habit that I now realize has been affecting our lives negatively for years and had to come to a stop.
Our nightly ritual of whose going to pick up the wine tonight doesn't happen anymore. I am amazed at all the energy I have and so is my husband.
Stopping this wasn't as hard as I thought and I wish we had done this sooner. The worst thing I have experienced is having a lot of trouble getting to sleep - mostly in the beginning but is getting better now. I forget what feeling 'naturally sleepy' feels like and I am overcoming this. I am dreaming at night again in vivid clarity and waking up with all kinds of energy. Benadryl has helped a little as well as keeping my already congested head clear during the night. But I feel the need for this 'boos' less and less. Last night I took 1 pill instead of 2.
During the day - I find that my 'old self' is returning. My mind is functioning on all 8 cylinders rather than 4 which is surprising some people who never knew the 'me'
before my progressive wine binges at night. A couple of days ago, when asked my opinion of a faulty procedure at work. My boss sat speechless at my clear, succinct answer. It just came 'out'. Just like it used to - rather than sitting there with my foggy brain trying to form something that didn't make me sound like an idiot.
More perks - I love to cook- if I could do it for a living, I would quit my stupid job right now and do it. But for now, I have applied to work part time for a company that helps seniors stay at home by doing the daily chores they might have difficulty with such as laundry, cleaning and cooking. This service helps keep sharp-minded, but feeble or weak people out of nursing homes and living in their own homes with a little help. The hiring process is fairly strict with background checks etc. so I am still waiting on an answer.
So in the meantime, I am making the most of the Holiday cooking and baking in the evenings rather than plunking my butt down to my first 18 oz glass of wine with several more to follow.
Another great perk is that I have lost almost 10 pounds since I stopped drinking. Pretty obvious outcome for someone who cuts their daily intake by over 1100 calories!
I have started out exercising again in earnest - no once or twice half assed workouts a week, but three or four really good work-outs a week where I feel the real 'de-tox' feeling from sweating rather than the alcohol seeping through my sweat glands.
I am glad I found this group. Your stories are awe inspiring and I no longer feel alone with the need to hide my problems. I can see the light from your many stories and inspirational examples of life without booze.
c: :heart:
Comment