7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

[allswell]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hey Un,

I think I remember when reading Rational Recovery the author discussed various parts of the brain and the functions of each. Very important to take care of our brain, it's essentially what makes us who we are.

Here's to staying fit too. It makes a world of difference. Running the Marine Corp Marathon in October and can't wait. Life is fantastic without a ball and chain!

Have a great rest of the week everyone.

[Unwasted]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Alls - a marathon? WOW - I can't even imagine. SO VERY PROUD OF YOU MY FRIEND! Gee, let's see, what would I rather be........a marathon runner or a drunk? How totally impressive!! We will be your cheerleaders!! Rah Rah, GO!



SL:l - Glad you're still checking in and winning out over the primitive part of your brain!!:H

Oh, and FAL - meant to tell you that I really like the Avatar you found!! And I don't think I've seen it being used by anyone - cool.

OK, kids, I guess that's it for me - busy morning. But before I go, just one more pearl of wisdom from my book that I've found invaluable.........it's helped me know I have to stay on this AF course and not go back:

Once you cross the line to addiction, you can't go back to controlled use. The addiction cycle is characterized by the four Cs: craving, compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in spite of consequences.

Getting your brain unstuck will require you to take control back over your brain, by enhancing your prefontal cortex and balancing systems and neurotransmitters that run your life.

In order to change our habits, the brain has to be rewired and develop a whole new system and it fights that process.

Those 4 Cs are how I know I'm addicted. And if I'm addicted, then I cannot go back to controlled use.

So, onward fellow Abbers - here's to creating new pathways (I would say a marathon is a good way :H)...........between our reward systems and PFCs!!!!!! Think I'll do some baby steps, tho, say like running 3 miles instead of 26 HA!

Have a great day everyone.........

xx,
UN:l

[allswell]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Thanks UN, you're so sweet. The quote from the book you're reading really resonates because in my own experience it is 100% fact. There is so much we can get out each and every day when we don't have the life draining effects of alcohol putting a net over it all.

I know you're traveling soon so have a great time UN!

I hope everyone is having a great day!

[scottish lass]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Unwasted;1515757 wrote: Once you cross the line to addiction, you can't go back to controlled use.

Well, this is where I have my head stuck in the ground, and probably the reason that I am having trouble making things stick - this I am having a very hard time accepting....
Thanks for posting UN - food for thought for me for sure:l:l

[FreeFly]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

I can relate to the PFC stuff although I wouldn't have thought of it in those terms (far too brainy for me :H) but yes, clear goals in all areas of my life have been fundamental in changing my life and my habits. I definitely procrastinate less, am far more organised and time seems to have slowed down somehow so I can make better, clearer choices and get sooo much more done.

Have a great day everyone :l

[Unwasted]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hey All,

A quick stop in for me today.

SL, I too stayed stuck in the denial part of all of this. I think I'm coming to grips with the acceptance part of it and the fact that every single time I try to drink, I eventually ratchet back up to a level that causes problems for me. Because they're kind of small problems (like lack of sleep) compared to many others' problems (like jail and DUIs), I tend to discount the severity and continue telling myself I can moderate. I think I'm finally resigned to the fact that regardless of what type of problems alcohol is causing for me, they are there and they severely diminish my quality of life. Every morning when I wake up the dramatic, stark difference in how I feel is very convincing! That doesn't even take into consideration how clear my thinking is, how I don't fly off the handle, how I feel during the remainder of the day, how relaxed I am. Well, I could go on but..............you guys get the picture.

FF, I definitely am experiencing improvement in the things you mention too. I'm actually stunned by just how dramatically alcohol was affecting me. I've known about the sleep connection for a while, but I didn't have a clue about all the other stuff. What a nice bonus to have your life become easier because you know more of what you want - the confusion fades away, etc. Just f&#* AMAZING!

Alls, just curious, when do you actually practice your running? Before work, after work? Do you live in a hot or cold climate and how does where you live affect when you run? I live in the heat so I really have to get out for my little "slog" (slow jog) early or I fry.

Well, toodles everyone. And HI to anyone stopping by today.

xx,
UN:l

[allswell]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hello Everyone, hope today was a good one!

UN, I live in Cincinnati where the Summer months are hot and humid. In the Summer heat I'll get out very early, like 5am. I love it, it's peaceful and quiet and the world around me hasn't woken up yet. I've also been getting into trail running and that can be done whenever there's not extreme humidity here since the shade of the trees protects from the heat. I absolutely love running and recommend it to anyone who doesn't have any health or joint and ligament issues. A great running route is beyond awesome!

Hope everyone who passes through had a great day.

[Marhall]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hi Everyone, Just checking in before the weekend. I hope everyone is in good form. I am reading a lot of good advice on this thread. It helps to stay strong. Thank you guys.:thanks:

[Peanut]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hi Allswell - I agree about the running, and trail running is THE best!!!! I've had a bad time of it this last year, actually longer, with Morten's Neuroma and now tears in the miniscus in my knee, etc. Plus, I had a pinched nerve in my neck all fall, so couldn't swim, my other favourite sport. So what did I do instead. Started drinking and smoking right after work, instead of after my evening swim or run. What a stupid couch potato I became. Lost all my cardio health, which just added to the ill feelings from way too much wine on a daily basis. All evening is a lot of time to drink a couple of bottles of wine in. I am slowly staring to run again, esp now that I am not drinking and smoking (as much) - a little bit at a time - I find running actually easier on my knee than long walks. But running is such a fabulous way to get out and about and have some down time to regroup and think. Hope you don't get any issues that ever stop you!!!!
xoxo peanut

[free at last]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hi UN, a quick note to let you know I ordered Unchain Your Brain and am hoping it is waiting for me when I, finally, get home. So looking forward to some insights into reprogramming my thinking/actions. Also ordered Wild (something or other) by Cheryl Strayed. I think it was No Sugar who recommended it. Two more days of meetings and travel and then I get to curl up with my books, dog, and DH for two solid weeks. Oh yeah, and I might even be able to get some exercise. So ready.

[Unwasted]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Alls, I couldn't agree more with you about running. Of all the exercise I've ever done, it suits me best. I don't do anything like you do, but even a little bit is extremely helpful in making me feel good. Well, a big gold star to you for getting out at 5:30 a.m. That's admirable!!

Hey Marhall, so glad to see you're still checking in. Hope you're still kicking Al's ass!!

Peanut, I just finished writing you a long response in the Nest - welcome!!

FAL - I think you'll get something out of the book, to be sure. It helped me, anyway. I like knowing what's happening inside my body as it relates to al because it's incentive to not harm myself. Oh, and Wild by Cheryl Strayed is one of my favorite books, EVER. An amazing story. I couldn't put it down.

FF & SL - big hugs to you both!

Well, let's have a positive weekend everyone and continue on this all-important quest to be free from the clutches of alcohol and all the detrimental b.s. that comes with it!

xx,
UN:l

[scottish lass]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Quick check in - I will be MIA until July as heading to my parents for a couple weeks. This is a trip that has been raising my stress levels to a huge high. My parents are big drinkers and there is a TON of al in the house - a true drinkers dream house, so I am worried as to how I will do there.
Putting this all out as i am planning to come back and be really strong and finish the last lap to being AF. So far this year I have had wine on less than 10% of all days...(haven't counted recently and I think it is really more like less than 5%), but a huge step foward and looking forward to getting even less days.
Home life is also poking the stressors as the husband that I am trying to divorce is not playing well in the sandbox - not sure why as I just found out he is on his third girlfriend - wonder how many know he is still married??? I have no "need" for the divorce excpet to be rid of the baggage, but seems he has a reason
And then work life:upset: I have the best job in the world, if I could just get on and do it without all the BS that comes along...
Well - did not mean to do that - just came out - so off I will go for a wee while, and look forward to seeing you all strong and marching onward and upward when I return....
Lots of love to you all SL :l:l

[allswell]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Hello everyone!

Hey Peanut, I think everyone needs to get out on the trails, there's nothing like it especially in the Spring - nothing but wonderful! Give your body time to heal and get out there! I have some issues every now and then (most recently a pulled muscle on a Memorial day race) but know I can't live without running.

FAL, I second UN's review on Wild, it's definitely a hard to put down read and an amazing, no BS account of someone trying to find her way. One of my absolute favorites too.

Have a good solid weekend everyone!

[Marhall]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Unwasted;1516969 wrote:

Well, let's have a positive weekend everyone and continue on this all-important quest to be free from the clutches of alcohol and all the detrimental b.s. that comes with it!

xx,
UN:l

One day and one weekend down at a time hey. We all can do it.

Scottish Lass what an awful year you poor girl. We are here for you anytime. Keep checking in. We can all be strong with wach others support.

Have a good weekend all.

[FreeFly]

7 MONTHS OF SOBRIETY BLOWN

Marhall;1517098 wrote: One day and one weekend down at a time hey. We all can do it.

I'll second that

SL - extricating oneself takes time, hang in there :l I hope your trip is a good one. Doing our utmost here in the UK to keep that sun shining for you. We'll miss you!

Everyone's sounding great and so fit!! Have a great day everyone. Running out now - off for a massage Happy sober Saturday everyone.