Wednesday April 30th.

[Janice]

Wednesday April 30th.

Hi everyone....first chance to post today.

Like others have said, we're all on the same journey, its just that we're all taking different paths. From my own personal point of view, at that point in time (February), I needed a kick up the ass, I got one and it got me firmly on my path....but it probably wouldn't have done 10 months ago. We're all different, at different stages of our own recovery and what works for one doesn't work for another.

All I know is that if this is something we really want badly then we take full responsibility, never stop trying, and consequently we never stop learning and hopefully one day we will stop drinking.

One thing I will say is that since I've been a regular on this thread, I can honestly say I have received nothing but encouragement and support from you all........not only about not drinking but other aspects of my life, you only have to read through today's thread.....there is always a friendly, encouraging word for somebody in need and thats what makes this daily abs thread special.

Well its been a real miserable day down here in Kent.....really cold and windy and you wouldn't think that its the 1st May tomorrow...hope the weather improves soon. Going to a work function on Bank Holiday Monday (my husband's work) and know it will be a real boozy "do" but you know, I don't have any worries on that score now. I'm doing this for me and nobody, nobody, will make me want to take that first drink.

With much love and appreciation........your thoughts and insights are all part of my learning.

Janicexxx

[Accountable for Me]

Wednesday April 30th.

Can I say something to those who are feeling a bit gun shy about posting now that the 'Tough Love' thread had come about?

Do not let ANYONE or ANYTHING come in between you, and your attempts, towards a sober life.

I have had some really great bouts of AF, and had a couple of real doozey slips over the last 17 months, while being a part of this board. I have had tons of support; some really great, others a bit on the 'tougher' side. But all in all, it has been good, and I would be lost without this place.

I think Thankful was referring to those people who 'seem' to be here just for attention. Starting thread after thread in sections such as 'Need Help ASAP' or 'Just Starting Out' and seemingly not wanting to try to do something about the drinking after receiving tons of support. Meanwhile, those who are in real need get bumped to the bottom and ignored - the newer members. So, ultimately these newbies leave the board - because what is the point if no one answers them? It definitely wasn't a deterrant for those who are trying to achieve their goals by any means.

So...... keep posting away...... no one is here to judge. Heck, I use to post in this thread daily for the LONGEST time. Post good and bad days.......... achievements and disappointments. It helped me big time!

Have a great day everyone!! :l

[Lorelei]

Wednesday April 30th.

Well today is Day 16 and it was a doozy. I had some customer's samples destroy a $3000 piece of equipment because they sumbitted samples incompatible with the materials of construction of the instrument. We have a statement in two places on the company website that states that they are responsible for the cost of replacing the cell if they don't warn us of the composition of their sample.

Previously a day like this would have ended in my soaking in wine, but today I thought of it only briefly before dismssing it. Drinking today would not be in my best interest and so it will not happen.

Instead of feeling hungover tomorrow I will feel a sense of joy that life's little hurdle today did not trip me up.

-lorelei

[Cinders]

Wednesday April 30th.

Lorelei,

Now that shows you are in the right mindset!!

Yay for you!!

Love,
Cindi

[Miss October]

Wednesday April 30th.

Everyone here sounds so good. I really enjoy reading this thread. I haven't been posting much, but I've been doing a lot of reading, and praying for those in need, and just waiting for the "switch" to turn off. I'm doing OK though, so need to worry.

Just want to make a quick comment on "Tough Love". First of all, I must be naive, because I don't even know what "Tough Love" means or refers to. But anyway, I liked Thankfuls thread. But you have to remember, it was "her" opinion.

I'm going to copy some key pieces that I thought were good and will comment.

Tough Love...take it or leave it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before I offend, I want to say that this post is only to try and help people and nothing more. But as some people do not like "tough love" some may not like what I have to say. (NICE WARNING....I LIKED THAT)

Getting sober takes work! I know most of you are thinking "no kidding". But I am dead serious. Too many people seem to be "disenchanted" that they are not sober even though they have been here awhile. I am really talking about people who want to drink, but want us to tell them it's ok over and over again. We are not helping them, we are not helping ourselves and more importantly this is not helping the new members. (FALSE - this was a tough paragraph.....not true......I never seen anyone says it's OK to drink.....it's only OK that you slipped. If they want to continue to drink and still try to moderate, that is their choice...hmm...disenchanted...not me, I've made two commitments and blew both of them....obviously I'm just not ready.....but I will keep trying.....I've been here since Nov. 2007, and learning alot....I will never give up).

It takes work! A lot of work!! We are given the tools; meds, supps, books, cds but these are not magic. There is no magic pill or supps. They are only to help aide the process. They are not going to fix the problem for you. It takes work, commitment and determination. There is no room for "poor me" and excuses. If you can not see past your own dark self pity, than you will never be able to see the bright future that you can have if you really want it. (TRUE, but you really have to want it.....really)

If you don't change your own habits and actions, you will spend a lot more time struggling to find your way out. Nobody can do this for you. (VERY TRUE)

People slip after trying awhile. And many people slip more than once. But they pick themselves up and get back on the wagon! And we all can understand what they are going through. This is part of the recovery process for many. But the point is that they got back on the wagon. (TRUE and good for them)

Only you can help you. If you don't want to put in the work, and I mean every single day, then no one here can help you. (TRUE.....YOU DO HAVE TO REALLY WANT IT.....NOT JUST SAY IT)

All I'm asking is for people to face reality. You can talk the talk, but now it's time to walk the walk. (TRUE - BUT BETWEEN THE TALK AND THE WALK YOU NEED TO SIT AND THINK....IT TAKES TIME)

Love to all who are struggling and fighting that quiet battle. and continued good luck for those who are somewhat past the first big struggle.....keep on going :l

[retteacher]

Wednesday April 30th.

Goodnight Absters: Thank you all so much for being here. Mary

[july232007]

Wednesday April 30th.

Hello Abbers,

My take on the thread about tough love is to take what you will from it. If it discourages you, drop that thread and its line of thinking. If it motivates you, use it. All of us have failed at early interdiction of an alcohol problem or we wouldn't be posting here.

I like the adage that we only need one success, we can preceed that with as many failures as we need to so long we are striving for success.


I post my days AF each day or so as a reminder to me on how far (or short) I have come. It depends on how you look at it, and I try to look at it from each perspective. A beginners mind and a humble approach to each view, each day.

Good night and keep up the abs way.

July

Day 280 AF

[4theboyz]

Wednesday April 30th.

Good Night Abbers!!

Boy what a day! I had to fly into Lexington early this AM and just got back so it looks as though I missed out on a heavy duty day for many here. I guess today is no different than any other day as we all have our struggles to tend to. For me passing on that in flight cocktail was *Huge* and in reality so much harder to do than I wanted it to be and thankfully circumstances intervened that help to prevent a knee jerk grab fest for the vodka and cranberries.

One thing that still impresses me is the camaraderie here in that someone is always there to offer a shoulder of support and that is why I truly love this place and every one here no matter how many days they have. One hour or one year, the struggle to be AF will always be there. All too often our "real world" support network is not there when we need it most but MWO always is. Big Hugs and Good Night Abbers!!:l