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The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

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    #1

    The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

    Funny...one little phrase does it. Hey friends, I'm Skye. I'm 44 this year and I started drinking at age 8. By the time I was 17, it was pretty full blown. I guess I've been a functioning alcoholic all these years and am very lucky my body is (more or less) healthy.

    I've been trying to stop drinking for years. I keep writing in my journal "tomorrow's the day"....I've never had a relapse prevention plan, never had the stones to go to any kind of meeting (too ashamed)...asked for help from an MD when I was 19 he said "go to AA". I went right to the pub.

    But I did a Google search today about "how to go sober" and came across one of the posts here on the forum by Doggygirl. She wrote out in detail what she does daily to stay sober. I thought to myself, well, I've written detailed lists of what I'll do the next day too...how will this time be different?

    I kept reading on through the thread when KateH1 mentioned the term "the witching hour". I don't know...it struck a chord. My own witching hours are from noon to about 9pm. I'm more likely NOT to drink before 5pm, so that's been easiER than between 5pm and 9pm. That 4-hour block is when I'd sit down and eat something terribly unhealthy, drink and watch tv.

    I think I've realized that my biggest obstacle is this "witching hour". I kept making excuses, it's dark out so I don't want to go out....I live in the country so there's nowhere to go at night...I don't have any sober friends so I can't go meet them...I want to watch such and such tv show....I'm tired...etc etc etc.

    Well, guess what? I CAN GO OUT, darnit. I have a gym membership and I've been going casually in the afternoons. Why can't I leave for the gym around 6pm??? It'll keep me sober all day because I never will, nor ever have driven under the influence...I'll feel amazing, it'll keep me busy during "the witching hour" AND I'll be too late to get to the wine store when I'm done my workout.

    This is a good start isn't it? A good realization? Well, as per many of the instructions and suggestions I've read by reading many of the posts on this forum today...tomorrow is my day. I spent a few hours writing out:

    1. The biggest threats to my sobriety and the behavioural responses I will use to counteract them.
    2. The reasons why I ABSOLUTELY cannot and will not go back to alcohol abuse - in very great and humbling detail.
    3. My daily routines - taken a page from Doggygirl (thanks Girl)
    4. Weekly beauty routines - rewards each day for sobriety - kind of a daily at-home spa treatment.
    5. Activity list for times of boredom and inactivity
    6. Daily affirmation that I will read at least every morning - taken idea from Betty Boop (thanks Girl)

    I printed this 7 page document out and will read it daily. I have lots of AF liquids, lots of good food in the house (already a vegan), lots of supplements too. I know I've said a gazilion times already in my life "I can do it"...and yes I CAN. But what I lacked before was a solid plan and a realization that I can't be at home during this witching hour. Love that, and I feel really strong and positive. I'm glad I found this forum.

    Wish me luck bros and girls,
    Skye.
    :heart::heart::heart:
    :new::thanks:
    Tags: None
    #2
    The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

    Welcome Skye,

    That is a very thoughtful post. I'm glad you are with us.

    The witching hour concept was crucial for me too. Light snacking and distracting myself during this time were very helpful to me.

    You should also research "urge surfing" if you haven't already.

    This thread is the tool box and it can be very helpful: https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html

    You will find that the Newbies Nest thread is very active, and alot of people post in there.

    :welcome:
    "When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them." Analects of Confucius
    AF 11/12/11

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      #3
      The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

      Welcome Skye and congtratulations, you sound like you are prepared and I;ll bet you succeed. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
      Wally22:confusedmonkey::confusedmonkey::confusedmo nkey:
      If I don't want to brag but I can still wear the earings I wore in highschool
      November 2, 2012

      Comment

        #4
        The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

        :welcome: Skye. I'm glad that you were able to find DG's post during a Google search. That's awesome! I found this site doing a Google search as well, 24 days ago, and no AL since. Maybe we should also credit Google in part for helping us find a path to sobriety.

        It sounds like you've done a great deal of soul searching, and active planning. To me it sounds like a success waiting to happen. You have a plan, and your plan is to succeed!

        I look forward to seeing and hearing more from you.:l


        "I like people too much or not at all."         Sylvia Plath

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          #5
          The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

          Good job Skye! A plan is vital. Welcome to MWO. :welcome:

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            #6
            The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

            Hi Skye,

            You seem to have a great plan there.
            The very best of luck with it, stick on this site as often as possible. I have found it brilliant, it helps to get through the cravings reading advice and stories.
            I also attend AA and am receiving amazing support there also.

            All the best
            Damo in Dublin
            Still trying !!!
            AF 25th June2014

            Comment

              #7
              The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

              Welcome Skye! How wise of you to think it through and get a plan in place. You will find an amazing wealth of support here - and wisdom. It's helping me (I'm a newbie with 11 days AF) and I know it can help you.
              Tell me, what is it you plan to do
              with your one wild and precious life? - Mary Oliver

              Comment

                #8
                The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

                Thanks to all for the welcome! And congrats on your own successes! After I did my yoga this morning, meditated and prepared my breakfast, I asked myself "why is this so easy?"...figuring there has to be a catch...but then I realized it was because I made a solid plan. I'm going to be busy until 7pm when I leave for the gym. I admit, I'm slightly tired and headachy today...but I think the eye candy at the gym will perk me up, .

                Another huge thing that has motivated me very well today is the support that I received here from people who don't even know me. I read some replies last night before bed and felt all warm and fuzzy......I NEVER got this unconditional support from any family members or friends - for anything really. I've really distanced myself from them all, haven't spoke to any family or old friends since 2003 now. It was a great decision, best I've ever made...but I kind of left myself alone and haven't really met any new people.

                I think once I can conquer and manage this problem, I'll feel more apt to not isolate myself too much...maybe make some new friends. I felt that I was basically on my own in this, but I feel better knowing there are some caring people out there!

                Pinecone;1282556 wrote:
                You should also research "urge surfing" if you haven't already.
                Thank you Pinecone, I never heard the term "urge surfing" and thanks for the link to the toolbox. Some very interesting psychology in this forum, which is awesome. I spent years in therapy for another problem and I love when I can figure out what my body and mind are up to. My pre-witching hour has begun, but so far I'm doing okay. But some ideas on how to deal with a potential urge, that's very helpful!

                Love to all,
                Skye

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                  #9
                  The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

                  Skye,

                  Just wanted to add my own :welcome:

                  I too can relate to how great all the support here makes you feel. No one knows how bad my drinking problem was except for my friends here at MWO. It felt so good to share with people that were just like me! I think that's what I found so amazing about this place - there were actually so many other people out there that were going thru the same thing as me.

                  You are definitely one step ahead of the game by having such a well laid-out plan.

                  Go for it I say girl - GO FOR IT!
                  Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

                    Welcome Skye! Good luck on your wonderful new life! MWO is a great resource...come here often, there is so much to learn from other members. Stick around!
                    Whatever you invest in the circle of LIFE is what comes back to you. Multiplied. What you give to people is what they eventually give back to you. Don't do the math. Just increase your LOVE.

                    BE HAPPY...BE CONNECTED...BE HEALTHY!                     :h

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                      #11
                      The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

                      Thank you Jolie and BlondeAFAmbition It's day 3 and I've had NO cravings. I think it's because I've really scheduled myself to be BUSY. I'm afraid a big craving will be right around the corner though, but yeah, I have my plan ready! :thanks:

                      I've been scrambling to get things done. I think once I settle into my new routine, I'll be able to spend more time posting here. Support is really important, especially when you are going at it alone!

                      :h

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                        #12
                        The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

                        Skye Rosey,

                        I just wanted to say "Hi" and check in to see how you are getting along. Your plan sounds solid and you sure seem determined. Good job on your success this far.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          The Phrase The Witching Hour Changed My Perspective

                          Hi Skye! I just now saw your post. Hope you are still hanging in there! The steps you took to make a plan and really break down your day and work to deal with the issues is awesome. The most important thing is to never give up, and be willing to try anything to get sober if what you are doing isn't working.

                          DG
                          Sobriety Date = 5/22/08
                          Nicotine Free Date = 2/27/07

                          One day at a time.

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