Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

[DreamThinkDo]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Unwasted is back!
I always feel bad welcoming back returnees, because it usually means a slip, but you sound so positive and determined: I'm glad you've made some solid plans for the new year.

You know, when I was still lurking here, your thread was one that really inspired me: the strategies that everybody there used to to stay not only AF but also serene and content.

Welcome back home!

[Pinecone]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Hey!!!

I didn't get online yesterday so this is the first time I'm seeing this. Welcome home. You have been missed. It's great to see you back. Can't wait to catch up with you. :l

[Nelz]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Well looky there! Welcome back UN

[Unwasted]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Gee friends, you are all making me feel so great. What a difference to have people rally round you and bolster you even though you haven't been perfect. I know feeling guilty doesn't work as a motivator for me. Just looking at it as a part of the process does, though.

HOWEVER...........................

I KNOW I'M GOING TO DO IT THIS TIME. I DO NOT WANT TO BE A CHRONIC RELAPSER. I WANT TO BE FREE ONCE AND FOR ALL!!

I remember how hard it was for some of you and how you had bumps in the road. Now, you've "made it to the other side" and have accumulated large amounts of time. That's going to be me TOO!

Thanks again for all the support - really love you guys so much.

Oh, and I forgot to mention - I'm doing something called EFT, or Tapping. It seems strange at first, but I swear it's making a difference. The first link is geared toward smoking cessation, but you can replace it with drinking. The second link has a lot of good information too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEFR73uL0eI

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - Emotional Health

Really looking forward to catching up and finding out what you've all been doing!!

Big hugs,
UN :lilheart:

[Rivergal]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Looking forward to meeting you!

Hi Unwasted,
Glad to meet you. I am brand new to this forum, but continue to be blown away at how similar our insane stories are. I, too, am glad your back. Moving can be a thrill, but also ranked up there on the stress index. After returning from Iraq, getting divorced & dealing with the angst, I moved back to the hills after being gone for 30 years. Drove from the SF Bay to West-by -God Virginia in my new Prius, with my dear old Shepherd, and of course my bottle. It is frightening to think of how altered and diseased my brain is. There must be a glorious angel watching over me to have protected me this far, but I know my time is running out if I continue to drink- such a disease of denial! I believe this group of amazing addicts is going to help tremendously by reminding me that I have a disease and I cannot moderate, nor can I continue to poison myself with toxins. I am learning new ways to slow this "active" brain of mine- I am also awaiting the MWO tapes & hoping they will help me.
Wishing you a great, sober New Year!
Annie

[paulywogg]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Hi Unwasted! glad you are back,love the positiviteythanks for posting those links,im gonna be tapping so much im gonna be black and blue haha

[Unwasted]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Molly, you understand the nature of the beast so well. I know you struggled and lapsed but look at you now! 2 years - you must be bursting with pride. Such a wonderful accomplishment. And, really, so clearly the way to a better life. I'm extremely happy to be back and on the right track. Thanks for being an inspiration and sticking around to support those of us who haven't yet made the final leap.

Rivergal, HI, nice to meet you. I have to say that moving (and I still have a house to sell) was incredibly (and continues to be somewhat) stressful. They rank it very high on those stressor lists. But, being in Iraq - that had to have been outrageously stressful, no matter what you saw or did there. Just the proximity to all that violence and danger. Ugh. Sounds like you're on your way, though, to a much better life back here and without the alcohol albatross!

Polly, just a word about the EFT. As part of my new commitment, I now have a personal trainer and am working out at a gym (mentioned earlier). The trainer is in his early 30s and swears by EFT. He was so sweet to share some personal stories about his own problems -- family related and stress after having been in the military, and an addiction to pot. He told me he used to be angry every single day -- from the moment he woke up in the morning. He said EFT cured him (he actually went to a therapist to learn it). That really got my attention because he's a big, strong kinda guy, and if the technique worked for him...........anyway, I like it because you can do it on your own, it's free, and why not give it a try!! It's a light tapping, so be gentle with yourself.:H

One more thing I'd like to add -- I'm back to studying Buddhism and Mindfulness. I achieved 7 months of sobriety before when meditating, so I know it works. A book I would highly recommend is The Four Foundations of Mindfulness by Bhante Gunaratana. I think this book (which is the basis for the meditation classes I'm starting in January) will be an important part of my staying sober. Here's a link to it at Amazon if anyone has an interest:

Amazon.com: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English eBook: Bhante Gunaratana: Kindle Store

Thanks again everyone for the warm welcome back.:l

UN :lilheart:

[FlyAway]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

I'm so glad to see you back Unwasted! I know that you're still fighting the fight, but you have inspired many along your path, and I am one of them. Thank you for helping me find my sobriety. :l

[Unwasted]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Molly, it's been powerful for me - I'll be looking forward to hearing if it resonates with you.

Fly Away - :l my old buddy, pal.........I guess I'm like the parent whose children now need to help her. Thanks for being here and letting me know that I influenced you in a positive way. I know I've got it in me to do this. How are you doing in general, with life?

xx,
UN :lilheart:

[DipGal]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Hi Unwasted and friends! Just wanted to say hello, wish you luck, and read all the great advice you are getting from these wonderful supportive friends. I have been a registered member for 4 years but have only been active a few times and for only a few posts during those times. I?m back to stay (pleez let those words be true!) and will look forward to getting to know you. You can do this!!

Your comment ? ?I've never felt like I have a deep-seated issue, but do I?? resonates with me.. I really have nothing to lose other than my health.. I drank 60+ drinks (counting doubles as 2) from Monday night through Wednesday night when we were on a mini casino vacation ? and that right there IS a big issue! Who am I kidding?? After reading some books on the subject which has self-tests, I most definitely have a deep issue! Normal drinkers do not do that!

Regarding EFT, I have several books, have studied it, done it with a pro several times.. but, just can?t seem to do it myself on a daily basis. I guess it?s all part of my head trash that is keeping me from doing things to improve my health. I also have a lot of weight to lose. Mindfulness is also something I try to practice when eating.. but, eating after drinking AL sorta kicks you right out of that mindset. I need to believe that I deserve a healthy/healthier body and do whatever it takes to get it.

I must say that by reading through this thread I get new hope. Many of you have been around for several years and are still here supporting each other. That means you?ve had success or have not given up. That?s such a powerful thing! Thanks!

[Unwasted]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

DG, nice to have you here. I hope you'll keep posting and checking in. The site is a lifeline and chock full of wise advice.

I think you're right about having an issue -- at least you recognize that you're drinking an abnormal amount. I didn't drink too much, but it was the compulsion to do it even though I knew it would cause me to not sleep and therefore ruin my next day, and hence ruin my life. So my definition isn't really dictated by amount, rather doing it even though it causes me huge problems.

Regarding the EFT and Mindfulness - you're right on about ........ you really have to work at it. I've been aware of these things too but didn't concentrate on them enough and make them part of a daily routine. Requires discipline for sure. I don't know if you read my writing about a personal trainer or if that's anything that makes sense for you, but it's been inspirational for me. Can't explain it -- just amazing, tho. Maybe you could do a life coach or something along that line to get you started???

Anyhoooooo, I hope you get to where you want to be. It looks like the moderation thread is still active (I gave you a link on your other page -- guess you knew that if you've been around a while).

I think posting and reading here is invaluable no matter what.

Best to you.

[looking for peace]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Unwanted, I have followed your posts from the beginning and always was inspired by them. I felt a connection with you because of the mindfulness/meditation. I took a class as well and really enjoyed it. You are right, The trick is to practice daily, which I have to remind myself of. I also practice EFT, which calms me down a little in the middle of a craving. I'm glad it's helping you.

I have had so many experiments in moderation since I joined here, it's ridiculous. I drink far less than I have in the past but when I do it usually leads to nothing good at all. I need to get the lightbulb moment and stick with it. I'm on my latest day 6... I want to keep it up. An early start on a New Years resolution.

I am so glad you are back and so look forward to your posts. Good luck with AF and your new home!

[looking for peace]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

Oops! Unwasted, I did not mean unwanted... far from it. I just hate auto correct sometimes.

[Pavati]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

I just bought the mindfulness book, too. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Unwasted]

Around the World and Back Again by Unwasted

LFP, :l You and I have been together in this for quite a long while. I hope this is your time - I really believe in my heart it's finally mine. I'm sure I felt that way before, though, so there's that! I'm so glad to know that you're still here and trying. It's nice to know someone is sort of on the same wavelength about meditation and EFT. They're not conventional methods, but things like AA are just not me. Buddhism and meditation are the only things that "speak" to me. I'm so happy that the place I've moved to has an active group of people who "practice" - and a pretty sizeable one at that. Where I lived before was a dead end. The only place close at all was an hour's drive each way and hardly anyone was ever there. So, this place is conducive to my being able to pursue it in a different way. Again, though, it's a matter of getting out there and doing it, just like the EFT. Anyway, I'm so happy to hear from you. Let me know if you get more involved and if so how it works for you. Also, if you stick with AF - we'll be at about the same number of days and can support each other.

Pavati, I hope you'll come back here and talk about the book. I'm really hopeful that the guidance in the book will bring me the inner peace and strength to finally move away from doing something that's damaging to my body. I want to be healthy mentally and physically and I think this book is the way for me (along with the other things I've mentioned). Hope it helps you too.

Thanks to everyone stopping by and chatting. I love this place - it feels like home/family in a way that my real family doesn't -- strange, isn't it.

Big hugs,
UN :lilheart: