String a few AF pearls together with me!

[Peacefull]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

yes Chook, this is when we are challenged, after the 30 day mark. Keep strong as this too shall pass.

Up early and hangover/anxiety free on a Saturday morning, just absolutely love it.

Busy weekend ahead, and it is great to make plans and be able to follow through without being sick.

Have a great day all.

[Choochie]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Good Morning Peeps, I have a great tip for all of us that has helped me enormously. I actually got it from this website so you may know of it. If not, it is an amazing tool.

You write an excruciatingly detailed letter to yourself outlining EVERY reason not to drink again as it pertains to you. Then, you MAIL it to yourself - sounds goofy I know but it works. You keep this letter with you at all times and pull it out whenever you feel tempted to drink.

We're all going to have times when we crave evidently -- think it's the nature of the beast. I also believe that one of the biggest dangers of relapse (at least for me) is FORGETTING how badly AL was screwing with me. I have pulled out this letter 3 times in the last 19 days and it just has a way of cold-cocking you - like a punch in the face. There it is, every detail about how AL ruined your sleep, made you struggle in agony the next day, etc. etc..................

Can't recommend it highly enough - also think I'll post the idea in some other places on the site because it's so effective (for me anyway). Chook - you could do this and have the letter to look at while you're with your friends who are drinking - to me that will be the hardest situation! Wait and mail it when you'll be back to your regular schedule.

Peace, Fluff, Chook:chick:, Bratty - let's keep it going. I have never felt better in my adult life. Can't believe what I've been missing out on (especially in regard to sleep). My husband is amazed because we just used to think I was a mess when it came to sleep and now voila! cured!!

Day 19 AF - yea..............can't wait till I can say 30 - congrats to everyone here for holding it together. We all know that it is SOOOOOOO worth it!:cheering::grouptrophy:

[fluff]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Hi Chickn, Peace, Bratty and Chooch!
Popping in here real quick as I am about to take my daughter to soccer- It's a beautiful fall day -perfect for outdoor sports-or anything outdoors...
As for the rest of the day- no-plans- Tomorrow -seeing a play with my husband-
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[bratty57]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

DAY 17 AF ! ! ! Stringin Pearls ~
I am just in from a 30 mile bike tour and am too tired to even move. I will check in with you all when i am rested !
Take Care ! !

[Choochie]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Just checking in with everyone - hope all is well. Had my first nice dinner out last night AF - herbal tea! Has everyone moved to a new thread? Bratty - what a healthy replacement you've chosen. You go girl!

[Peacefull]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Hi everyone....I am at Pearl 58 :l

Getting through challenges is making me stronger and more determined to remain AF rather than moderate. I really need to redeem myself, to myself and others and staying off the booze is the only way in my eyes.

The health benefits are a definite bonus. My skin is clear, my eyes are bright, my anxiety is practically gone and the weight is coming off:happy:

Quick check in on my lunch, will be back later. :h

[bratty57]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Missed stringin my pearls one day... am on DAY 19 now ! have to string two together..lol

[Choochie]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Bratty, Peace and Fluff - where's our Chook girl - Chook, hope you're not having a bad day. We're here for you if you have time to catch us up!

Bratty - ok guess we'll let you string two today - your brain's a little sore from that bike ride, eh?

Peace, I think AF is definitely the ticket. I've never felt better and really don't want to compromise the good feeling. I think if I went back to trying to mod I'd end up back at square one. I'm like you - look better, feel better, sleep is amazingly different. I'm relaxed, anxiety is gone.......I could go on. Now, I wish I could say I had a little weight coming off but afraid my craving has taken on a life of its own, i.e. FOOD. I'm really trying to keep my appetite in check. Hopefully I'll level out.

Let's stick it out ladies - so much to gain.

Hugs,
Choochie

[Peacefull]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Good morning,

Choochie the appetite does taper, the first month I was ravenous. Just this morning I was thinking how much it has gone down.

Modding is out of the question for me, during the first month I thought of it, but that is what got me through. Now, I know I can go anywhere and do anything without it. I was sober for a long stretch before ( 5 years) and tried to mod, it worked out ok for about a year and then back to square one and I have been struggling to quit the past two years. I think it is sticking again, I feel wonderful and stronger. I am being honest with ppl when questioned about drinking.

I was stressing about getting together with friends this weekend but I called her and told her that I wasn't drinking and she said you will be saturday, I said no I won't and she said we'll see??????? I dont' get it.....I really like these friends and if we are really just party buddies, then I guess that's it. Once they see how much fun I have sober, it will be different. Even my hubby can't understand why it should bother ppl when he sees that I am as much if not more fun sober.

Wow, didn't mean to rant.....it is really sitting heavy on my mind. I will be strong!!!

[bratty57]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

A Pearl of a Day..... Today i am stringin Day 20 AF ! !

Hi Choochie,
Yes, My brain has been sore too..lol. I think i was feeling the effects of the bike ride more yesterday. Weird, huh. Took me a couple of days to get really sore and tired. I am feeling great this morning , though. It is raining and i wanted to get out, but perhaps it will have stopped by noon and i can at least walk.
Hope everyone has a wonderful AF day ! ! !
Take Care

[Choochie]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Peace, I am so glad you told us this story. It really helps to hear that you actually quit for a period of time and then got back into the rut. I tried very seriously to quit a couple of times and ramped right back up. I even bought a book on moderating and it still didn't work for me. But, when I found this site and people like you, Bratty, Chook, etc. it changed things for me. To suddenly have people I could honestly discuss this with lifted a great weight from me somehow and has given me strength. I just feel like I'm going to make it. I do need the support, though. I can tell that's what's making the difference. I really hope you'll stick with me and Bratty (and Fluff and Chook if they're still on this thread). Of course, I can find you guys on other threads if you move.

Regarding your "friends." I just don't know what it is, but people are really strange about wanting others to drink. I was the same way but as I get older I finally get it. However, even when I was still full blown I wouldn't try to force someone - I looked at them like they were nuts but didn't try to guilt them in to anything. I can think of a friend, though, who definitely would have done what you're describing -- not taken no for an answer. We don't see each other any more (thankfully) - (she was a really bad bad drinking trigger for me - always got absolutely trashed when with her). Anyway, once upon a time she would have been someone I couldn't have said no to. So, I totally understand your dilemma.

Having said all that, though, to me NO ONE (even my husband) would be worth compromising this for. I know that you're never supposed to say never - one day at a time, etc. but I really am totally committed. I've gone long enough now that I want to protect what I have because it's so fantastic. I really hope you can be strong and resist - believe me - they are not worth it.

Now, talk about rambling - anyway please do keep us posted.

Bratty - I know what you mean about being even more sore the second day. I'm just so impressed that you rode 30 miles! Hope it was fun.

Have a super AF day girls. Feeling so great and really happy to have you as company along the way!

Hugs,
Choochie

[bratty57]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Choochie,
It is really inspirational to read your post. You are so strong and committed. I had a hard day Sunday. It was always my "drinking day" until everyday became my drinking day. I was wore out from the ride and cranky. Things werent going well with boyfriend and i just wanted to stop the stress with drinking.
I know my triggers. The main one is my boyfriend. I am going to have to make a decision on that soon. I dont want to be pulled back down again.
I wanna stay strong !

Hi Chook , Fluff, and Peace.. Keep hangin in there with us. We all make quite a team !

[fluff]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

I'm so glad you all have been able to hold down the 'beast'-so to speak- I haven't so I went into just reading mode again-Sunday -my husband and I went to see a play and it was really bad-so we left during intermission and on the way home stopped for a couple drinks- I had two glasses of wine-( big glasses) -then we went home and I continued to drink by hitting the g&t's- It's really hard for me to not drink on the weekends, too. Or if I am bored...
This Sunday we are going to a Halloween party- If I am the designated driver I will not drink-so, I guess I'll volunteer.
Choochie- You sound very committed and I wish I had that drive-
Bratty- Sunday is my drinking day-too- I wonder why that is-
Peace- Just tell your friend you can't drink because you are on some medication...
Hi Chook-Chick-stop in here when you can!
All the best to you warrior women...!

[Choochie]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Bratty, I'm sorry things aren't getting better with your boyfriend. It may just not be the right relationship for you?? I'm sure you'll figure it. I know it would be hard to date someone whose life revolved around drinking - and although he's not an alkie his buisness (bar) alone would be a real challenge. Really, if you think about it, his life does revolve around alcohol - what is more front and center in our lives than our jobs - especially owning your own business. Do you have kids? I thought you did, but then realized maybe I was wrong about that. Anyway, I hope whatever is best for you works out - whether that's with the boyfriend or without him. Things have a way or working out if we give them enough time!

Fluff, I'm glad you're hanging in here on our thread. It seems like you've had lots and lots of sober days, am I right? Can't remember your whole history. Are you actually aiming for being AF or trying to moderate? If you're trying to be AF but having problems have you considered any of the meds? I don't know much about them, but I do read the meds thread now and then. I think some of the people there are having pretty good luck with balcofen and other anti-craving meds.

One thing I can't figure out about all of this is the chicken and egg question. Do we actually need to be in a certain spot before we can give up AL? Are all the attempts to stop paving the way to eventually being able to stop? I really think so. I think it's kind of like smoking. They say most people have to try multiple times. I know I did but eventually I was able to stop smoking. I'm hoping the same is true for giving up AL.

Anyway, sending all of you strength, peace and hoping we all find (and keep) our way!

Hugs,
Choochie:l

[fluff]

String a few AF pearls together with me!

Chooch- I have considered meds-but am still on the fence with that...Yes- I want to go AF-don't know if I could moderate after that- probably not. Anyway- day 2 again- and it's a warm but rainy fall day here in the northeast...guess I will run on the treadmill today- making stir-fry for dinner tonight...
Hope everyone's day is great!