Small achievements

[vintage girl]

They all add up. Making the decision to take the first step is huge, but this is an ongoing process. I think we all have to recognise and celebrate every little step.

For me one of the first steps was being able to go shopping without lingering in the spirits and alcohol aisle and not being able to resist a 'bargain'.

That was really hard at first, but now, the more AL free days (oh, I can say over a month now!) the clearer I see the trap.

The easier it is to ignore those aisles and shop for the things I really need.

I just wanted to create a thread were we can post every success, every tiny little step that helps us to move on the the next. And there is no judgement here, this is a learning process, so if you are struggling, please post too for tips and advice.

We are all in this together. I like to focus on the positives, but all points of view are welcome.

[Shiner]

Small achievements

Today I was able to notice a trigger and admit that it was one. I worked my
way through it without drinking or losing control of my emotions. Feels good. Thanks
for the thread.

[witchywoman]

Small achievements

NiceThread VG
I to managed to surf a craving last night, that had i given in I would have totally regretted it today.
thanks
XX

[wooger]

Small achievements

I have supermarket issues!! I went food shopping a few days ago, and I found myself just walking to the alcohol aisle without even thinking about it, I guess my brain still thinks of it as part of my routine and drags poor old me along with it. (It used to be a daily thing) but I turned right around and went got myself some fruity stuff instead - I was quite pleased with myself especially as I started to crave some gin and tonic water!

[ThisWayOut]

Small achievements

Nice post VG. Each small step... I didn't drink today, thats positive. Tomorrow, can't worry about it because tomorrow is not today! I find drinking over time makes me see things negatively, so each day without is a positive step. TWO

[louie]

Small achievements

Great thread VG!!

It was 'friday night' here last night (weekend here is friday/ saturday) and I reeaaallllllyyy wanted a glass of wine as a reward for how 'good' I have been this week. So much I could almost taste it. Thought it would be so nice to enjoy a glass with DH,
BUT
I surfed the craving (great saying BTW) and had a cuppa.

Day 20 AF today.
I feel great!

[rebirth]

Small achievements

Great thread Vintage girl.

One of my drinking buddies came over last night and we normally would have opened a bottle of wine. But I didnt want to drink and brushed away a couple of cravings that came up and also had a cuppa.

I am tired this morning but I am not hungover. Yeehaw!!

[allswell]

Small achievements

When I read a book I no longer have to re-read chapters because I missed so much on the first go around. I guess the reading a book example is like my whole sober life now, I'm get it right the first time.

[hillsidetime]

Small achievements

Hi everyone, great thread.

Vintage, very nicely said, you are so right. The little things add up, it is all in a frame of mind.
All of the posts here are wonderful, great job every body.

One thing I do, is I always make sure I have a case of club soda cans in the car for parties and barbq's etc, so I put a drink coolie around it (like I used to a beer), and voila - I have a drink I enjoy, socially I am still drinking, just not booze. If I don't wish to talk to someone, people, about my sobriety, this allows me the personal space to not talk about it.

Hill

[Jolie]

Small achievements

Great post VG!

Guess for me it would be the feeling I have when I lay my head on the pillow every night - knowing I'm at peace with myself and that I will not have any guilt or self loathing when I wake up without the hangover in the morning!

[lolab]

Small achievements

LOL - you all need to come live in the sticks - we don`t have alcohol other than beer in the grocery store here! no temptations there for me!

Hill love that idea - I am drinking so much selzer - I will keep some in the car too! with a coolie thingie!

[Shiner]

Small achievements

I got up early enough to feed and then go walk my dog so he could
stretch and do his business. Normally, I would just take him out and then
back in and leave for work. He appreciated it I know...
Shiner

[vintage girl]

Small achievements

Some great responses here, and a lot that I can identify with. The reading part I totally get, I used to be reading the same half a chapter of a book for weeks :H

Oh, the AL free sleep is wonderful and waking up in the morning with no hangover and knowing I have clocked up yet another day fills me with energy and a sense of pride that really, I never thought I'd have again.

The drinking ads used to make me twitch, I sometimes get a twinge now and again but my brain is learning... it took it's sweet time but it's learning.

I am loving reading about all the little things that add up to a better, sober outlook on life, so keep them coming please!

[wine is not divine]

Small achievements

great thread VG, I love the wide awake feeling I have had since I stopped drinking, I love the sound asleep feeling I have when I sleep and the contentment and feeling of restfulness when I wake up in the morning.

[damo180]

Small achievements

Brilliant thread Vintage.

I am delighted you and others are doing so well in our early days AF.
I have started to tell friends and extended family that I have decided to stay off the booze for another while (I originally told all I was just staying off it for Jan) as I feel so good and trying to stay fit and healthy.
I actually think a few people are a little envious of me as I seem so upbeat.

Goodnight all.....keep going, be proud ,

Damo in Dublin