Starting Today Accountability thread

[witts end]

Starting Today Accountability thread

hazeleyes good for you keep it up

[hazeleyes]

Starting Today Accountability thread

Well today is 1 month since I decided to go AF and my life has changed a lot.

I have not had a drink and I seem to have arrived at today without pills, substitute drinks, or any other aid except some support from MWO during ths first 10 days.

In my opinion the key was to let go of the struggle and in a relaxed way simply not have a drink. I would often play the tape in my head of the next morning and what I would feel like if I had a drink. This certainly helped to kill the desire. I also looked at my life and realised I drank when I was bored with my life so I got busy on new projects, having people over, working harder on my skills -cooking, computer work, photography, musical instrument, relationship etc... and this opened up a new world of opportunities for me.

Denzel Washington, the famous black American actor, who I think is great, said when he gave away alcohol a world of opportunity opened up for him...and this inspired me, and so far has come true. I am happier, healthier and mentally stronger. I am finally free of depression and I am planning positive things for the future.

I thank you all for sharing your stories and wisdom on here, basically lighting the pathway for me to follow. I humbly bow to you for the grace you have shown me. There is so much wisdom here I am shocked, but also thankful to be able to read it.

I wish you all success on your life journey.

God bless

[Gardener]

Starting Today Accountability thread

Hazel, you are an inspiration to me! Thanks for that beautiful post, I have many, many days to look forward to. G

[NoSugar]

Starting Today Accountability thread

Hi, Hazeleyes.

I hope you are planning to stick around! We'd miss hearing from you and it sure seems that reading and posting daily really is key to continued success.

Have a great day and congratulations a month AF!

NS

[3June2013]

Starting Today Accountability thread

Hazel eyes wow you are sounding terrific! Congratulations on your one month milestone! A word of warning, I have read here that many start to feel so good around one month that they tempt fate. I have had those thoughts, too. You know, the ones where you figure you can just try drinking in moderation? Everything I've read says that's a a big mistake and a sure road to disaster. I'm not going to do it. Why would we give up all we've been through and all that has changed for the better? I'm reading a book that was recommended here called The Heart of Addiction. I'm ready to look at the underlying causes now. Anyway all the best and I hope you continue to post and inspire others!

[hazeleyes]

Starting Today Accountability thread

Hey 3J

I note and appreciate the word of warning, especially after reading some other posts on here. I definitely have thoughts about drinking but so far I have been able to think it through. It is important to me, not to tense up and fight this think by gritting my teeth...this would be a sure failure for me. So I take a breath, say a silent pray for guidance, and quietly think through what else I really need at that moment. Sometimes I redirect my energy towards something else, sometimes I need coffee or food, but after a few moments the desire passes and I smile to myself that it was not Al I wanted...

Life still has its ups and downs but now I have my hands on the safety harness and I can better enjoy the ride.

[hazeleyes]

Starting Today Accountability thread

Update after 6 weeks AF

Today I have been AF for 6 weeks and I am very proud of myself. It has been a lot easier this time as I have approached the urges from a different perspective. Instead of resisting the urge I ask myself why I feel the urge...and after thinking for a few minutes it comes to me. I may be tired or sad, or disappointed or hungry, there is always something that I need. It is not AL. I give myself the thing I am missing, or allow myself to feel the feeling without trying to supress it, and the desire for AL disappears. It is truly amazing. I would not have thought this was true if I had not tested it out for myself.

Al truly offers me nothing. It is not a strategy for coping, it is not a way to have fun, it is not a stress reliever, these are all lies I have told myself, but they are all totally untrue. Al is a trap just like any other drug and it strips away the goodness in our lives.

I love being AF because my life is now full, rich, interesting, challenging, manageable, and worthwhile. I look forward to enjoying both the present and the future, and I am even learning to forgive the hurts of the past.

God bless you all on your own journey.

[witts end]

Starting Today Accountability thread

good for you
I'm feeling great at the moment and don't feel the need to drink
I am doing a juice thing and am concentrating more on food than drinking
I have a craving for chocolate at a night instead of a drink
keep up the good work you are doing great

[hazeleyes]

Starting Today Accountability thread

75 days on...

It has now been 75 days since I had any AL.

I am happy to say that I am here, healthy, and pleased to be in this position.

My life is not dramatically different but there are definately some great positives. I laugh a lot more, I am less afraid of meeting new people, and I have a lot more desire to interact with people. I don't hold a grudge like I use to, and I feel calmer inside, especially when under stress from people issues. I am better at completing projects, and to a higher skill level.

strangely, I have not loss a lot of weight. I eat more sugary foods, and I have had the flu twice in the past 2 months. I have only just managed to fix my sore lower back.

I am still searching for close friendship, and independence in earning an income. I am disappointed in my life goal progress and still feel like I have not found my life calling.

I continue to reflect and look forward to making more progress over the coming months to achieve the life God wants me to have.

I credit my AF success to loving God and asking him for help to quit, and then without stress letting him fix the problem. He did a great job, not me.

I wish you all success on your own life journey

[witts end]

Starting Today Accountability thread

good for you hazel eyes
I also feel more alive and can tackle things I put off for ages
I haven't lost weight either but that will take time .....I have to have a nibble of chocolate at a night .....even have it hidden so hubby wont find it then I'd have none

they say good things happen to those who wait .... be patient it will all fall into place ....god willing