JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

[Struggles 106]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Hey Jammers!

Very cool thread for this AF year!
Spuddle-I know what you mean --I mentioned the other day about the thing of drinking on a certain day knowing that if you didn't you would the next day, and it would be less "convenient"
That's part of the addictive thinking. On some level you plot and plan and fret and waste so much time worrying about drinking.

Unwasted-Great job on this thread. I just wanted to chime in on the spiritual aspect. I try to observe Buddhist principles, and try to avoid getting drawn into others' negative agendas.
The key is (I think ) recognizing what's going on and being able to step back, take a deep breath and analyze. And remember it's not necessariy about how to react to things, but whether it's necessary to react at all.
We all have a finite amount of energy and I'd rather not waste mine on anger, bitterness, or regret.

I have a great feeling about all of us this year. We are a remarkable crew!

[lukalee]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

I have not had a chance to read all the posts. I just wanted to say that I am so thankful I made it home without stopping for any beer; it was quite the mental battle.
Also, thanks for the book recommendaton. I am going to see if they have it at the lubrary. Yea!

[BelleGirl]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

OK...what is wrong with me...why can't I do this? I am not drinking a lot, but just enough to make me feel bad about myself. I really want to be as as strong as I know I can be. I know how wonderful it is to be AF.

[Unwasted]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Ann, I've learned so many things from reading about Buddhism - the most profound thing for me was the concept about the no-self and realizing that we are not our thoughts. Sounds simple, but it's life-changing if you study and absorb it. Thanks for joining the thread - I always love your posts and get so much from your wisdom - you are one smart lady.

Belle, can you tell us a little more about why you think you're not able to maintain your AF days? I think you're at about three?? Not sure if we can help, but maybe you can talk about what's triggering you. What's the longest you've gone AF?

Luka, glad you joined the thread and good job in not drinking today. The longer you go the easier it is (I think) -- definitely not a long-termer here but trying to be.

Now anyone who missed our theme song needs to scroll down and listen to "Crazy" cuz that's what we're tryin not to be.......plus my kitty jams almost in sync with the music.

[scottish lass]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Evening all! UW - I LOVE that song - i sing it loud in the car when I am driving, my girls don't know whether to laugh or hide in embarrassment - but it is a great song! Works for me as our theme tune!
Hi to all joining us - this is a merry gang!
Started today well, on way to gym at 5:45, and light came on in car that I had a flat tire. Got to Sears and two hours later (two hours - really!!) for tehm to get a screw out and patch it. So late to work on first day back and so much today, felt behind all day long - but only had a slight desire to stop on way home.
Hanging in - starting to wonder how long I will really be able to manage this!
Would love some of that sleep folks are talking about - that would be the icing on the cake right now..

[Unwasted]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

SL - :l:l so glad you're here! Let's do this - you were strong today. Keep it up - you are losing nothing by not drinking.........it's an illusion because the short term buzz is offset by the pounding sledgehammer pummeling your body the next day. Say hell no to al and embrace your sober life. The sleep will come and it's truly beautiful!

[Issysgal]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

I am a newbie facing my first night. Joined the Y today, cooked a decent dinner for myself. (When was the last time I did that?) Now what the heck do I do it's 7:45 pm. I fixed my ear buds so I can listen to the stuff tonight. I'm not used to being sober at this time of night.

I've read the posts and it really helps to know I'm not alone with this! 2012 is filled with promise, thanks for being there all of you. I promise to do my best!


Goal 1 - tonight
Goal 2 - tomorrow

[Unwasted]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Issy, a big :h and :welcome: We're here to help so just post away. In your spare time read here as much as you possibly can. Be sure to check out the Toolbox under Monthly Abstinence and the Newbie's Nest under Just Starting Out.

Onward to a sober 2012!

[mauritiusdodo]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Loving the theme tune!!!

Hiya everyone, I am into day two now and feeling ill still although happier knowing I have at least one day under my belt, going to have a very healthy fruit salad with natural yoghurt for brekky then my son is off to his G/parents for the morning so will attempt an exercise dvd and try and do something creative, trying to pamper myself whenever possible as an alternative to killing myself with AL !!

Hope everyone is in a good place today :l

[mylife]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Hello January's! I'm up EARLY as I'm taking the last of my family Holiday visitors to the airport today. (Phew!) I love them, but it's time to get my life back.

Ann/Unwasted - I really enjoy hearing about your experiences with the Buddhist Philosophy...please feel free to share any other wise points! I'm getting started and really enjoying it.

Scottish - great job at hanging in there today! Also, I know exactly how you feel at this point as I got there a couple of times last year and wondered the same thing - how long can I really keep this up? All I can say now is I wish I had at the time - just one day at a time - and maybe I wouldn't be here starting on Day 4 again! I really think the longer you can maintain your sobriety the dimmer thoughts of a life with Alcohol get.

Mauris - I agree - love the theme tune!!
Issy, we have all been there. Read lots of posts here - you will see amazing results from people who felt the same way you do last year at this time.

Hope you all have a wonderful day! This is turning into one busy thread!!

[broken halo]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Issy, I was you a couple of days ago. Day 3 now and I feel so much better. I have had a couple of real scares lately, I think it's the kick up the backside I needed. Day 3 now and feeling so much better.

I am glad of this thread, we might all be on different stages of our journey, but it's great to know we are in it together! Have a great day everyone!

[Unwasted]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Broken Halo, I'm happy to see you here - I know you've been struggling, but you're doing great. Proud of you!:l

[Unwasted]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

ALL - SOME INSPIRATION FOR TODAY - BELOW IS A POST BY MOHUN THAT I COPIED AND PASTED FROM ANOTHER THREAD:

Hi. I haven't posted for a while so I thought I would pop in for an update and say thanks to all of the members who helped me be successful.

I haven't had any alcohol for about 15 months. Not a drop. I quit twice before for about 4 months each time using this site and the encouragement of it's members. Both times previously I went back to drinking thinking I could control it. Of course it ends up controlling me in the end.

This third time I have been very successful and thought I would pass along some observations.

There were several milestones along the way I thought were interesting. It took many many months to actually feel "normal". I thought after 30 days AF I would starting to feel "normal" but in hindsight I did not.

I do know (now) with the amount of alcohol I drank I was masking/creating other problems. From months 3-6 AF I suffered through some mild depression as my body adapted to no more alcohol. Whether that be from physical or mental adjustments or both, I am not sure. This was probably the make or break point for me (failed twice before around this time).

From 6 months to a year was where I started to see/feel some real changes of returning to "normal".

Some of the biggest changes include no longer having that feeling of being agitated and aggressive all of the time. I sleep like a rock every night and wake up refreshed. Actually going to bed sober is something I look forward to, a lot. Knowing I will wake up sober is a great feeling.

For the first part of this journey, I remember waking up expecting to feel hungover and then realizing I wasn't. It's a great feeling.

I also managed to finally take control of my poor eating habits. I have lost 70 pounds since quitting drinking. Most people are shocked to see the difference from where I was to where I am.

My family cannot believe how nice and calm I am all of the time now. My stress levels both personally and professionally have dropped dramatically.

I am posting here today in hopes that others starting on this wonderful journey can see that there are people who are successful at this. Maybe others, like me, will take what they need and move on. Which is why I wanted to come back and say thank you to all of those members who stick around and offer help and advice.

Anyway, for those just starting, there is a better life if you can stick with it. I know there can be social pressures or work pressures to drink, but you can be successful in life without drinking.

Good luck to all!

[Vini]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

Jumping in now. I am trying again, my goal is 30 days AF. I have 3 days under my belt and feeling great!

[mauritiusdodo]

JAMMIN JANUARY KICKOFF FOR A SOBER 2012 - NEWBIE SUPPORT THREAD

thanks for that post unwasted it is inspirational, as are you, I just read your signature and your success so far is fantastic :goodjob: I hope to be where you are soon