Wow...I can see myself and my journey in every single post in the last 48 hours. The dread of the weekend (that's when I used to begin my first drink at 10:30am and pray I could hold it together all day and not pass out before 8 at night). Here we are on the other side of the weekend, and I think every single person has made it!! I'm so proud everyone!
A couple thoughts....I was hermit during my first 6 months or so. I was...but I wasn't. I didn't go outside, and my yard that I once took such pride in (years ago before my drinking got so bad) had gone to heck. I am now enjoying it again...and spending time outside. It just takes some time to find your own way...IN your own way. Keeping to yourself a bit is fine just as long as you do not drink! That is the key.
Second...there were times that I did go out...and Whisper's pub crawl reminded me. When I went out to even WINE TASTINGS...my resolve was so strong I knew I was ok...I didn't go in with a strategy of HOPING to make it, I went in KNOWING I was not going to drink. Remember, I took the option of drinking off the table on Jan 20, 2011. When I went to these crazy events and once I got thru the first rough edge...it was ok...I was stiff at first...but now I kind of 'act' drunk and I fit in great!! Someone said it the other day that as the night goes on and your friends loosen up, by golly you loosen up too and it's easier to act drunk! (just don't dance!) eheheh.
LB and Kradle...I think that therapists advice was spot on. Give yourself a year AF and reevalute your situation at home. I will tell you with great authority, that it takes 6-9 months to get to know your sober self...and get the cobwebs cleared out, and find the person that you are...and what's important to you. But remember, AL never makes anything better. NOT drinking has not landed you in this situation....(drinking, maybe) You may find that your sober self has outgrown some of your relationships...I know I did. Fortunately, my hubs wasn't one of them. Our love has grown, I am happy to say. But some relationships fell away....and for now, so be it. My sobriety is the most important thing. Without it, all else is secondary. My quit is in the top 3 most important things in my life.
So be good to you right now. If you feel like staying in...stay in. If you need to go out, know that you can do it and not fail. I live at the beach and everyone drinks around here....on the beach, at their houses, at restaurants...that is their business. Not drinking is mine.
Welcome to the newbies and MWO Lady so glad to see you back with us! Lilly has us stepping and fetching with her Boot Camp!!
We are serious about getting sober around here...all you have to do is stretch out a hand and someone will grab it and pull you up. MindPeace today!! Byrdie
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