Hi Folks,
After seven months alcohol-free, on Saturday, May 23, I got back in the ring with the Beast. After a long, exhausting trail ride, I "needed" a couple beers to take the edge off and calm down. They did not taste that good, but they did the job and two beers became four beers. The mild hangover the next day seemed to assure me that I was still in control and that I could deal with it. The next weekend, after a long, hot session of yard work, I found myself driving to the store for a six-pack. "Just relaxing on the deck on a nice Saturday afternoon."
Through June and July, the Beast came to call during the week as well; two or three beers after a hard day at work "just to take the edge off". After another marathon yardwork session this past Saturday, I once again drove to the store. This time I bought a twelve-pack so there would be some left for Sunday afternoon. Of course, by Saturday night, there wasn't a single beer remaining. No drama, no injuries, just the usual heartburn. And a lot of wasted money, time, energy and self-respect.
I made a wrong turn and I followed my own trail back to the starting point. It's time to start over.
It seems that stress, both physical and mental, makes me uncomfortable and I seek escape with alcohol. I guess the key is to deal with the stress in a more positive way. I plan to try yoga, meditation, and mild exercise.
Thank you all for being here; I'll probably just hang-out, listen and learn for a while.
Tom
After seven months alcohol-free, on Saturday, May 23, I got back in the ring with the Beast. After a long, exhausting trail ride, I "needed" a couple beers to take the edge off and calm down. They did not taste that good, but they did the job and two beers became four beers. The mild hangover the next day seemed to assure me that I was still in control and that I could deal with it. The next weekend, after a long, hot session of yard work, I found myself driving to the store for a six-pack. "Just relaxing on the deck on a nice Saturday afternoon."
Through June and July, the Beast came to call during the week as well; two or three beers after a hard day at work "just to take the edge off". After another marathon yardwork session this past Saturday, I once again drove to the store. This time I bought a twelve-pack so there would be some left for Sunday afternoon. Of course, by Saturday night, there wasn't a single beer remaining. No drama, no injuries, just the usual heartburn. And a lot of wasted money, time, energy and self-respect.
I made a wrong turn and I followed my own trail back to the starting point. It's time to start over.
It seems that stress, both physical and mental, makes me uncomfortable and I seek escape with alcohol. I guess the key is to deal with the stress in a more positive way. I plan to try yoga, meditation, and mild exercise.
Thank you all for being here; I'll probably just hang-out, listen and learn for a while.
Tom
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