Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

[Dottie Belle]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

That is great j-vo..I am so happy for you!!

[narilly]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

J-Vo, that is a great story! Amazing how good we feel about ourselves NOT drinking. I can totally relate to what it would have been like if you were drinking. All that second guessing, I don't miss that.

Miley, I've gone to AA lots of times. A lot of it depends on the meeting but there is lots of support at AA meetings. I think it would be great for you to take your daughter, it might really help her. You can let her know there is no one right way to deal with AL and that AA is just one. It might be good for her to hear more of your struggle and she may really start to understand how much AL can affect your life if you don't deal with it.
The people at AA are generally very supportive and will go out of their way to help. That's my experience. I will probably go to meetings again here just to help maintain my sobriety.
I wish you all the best. What a courageous daughter you have!

Hugs,

[narilly]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

J-Vo, way to get on that treadmill!

[scottish lass]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Yeah Daisy - glad you jumped in....:welcome:
here I am with my daily really long post:H
Well, not really - quick check in as usual - good to see all the busy folks keeping out of trouble!

[little beagle]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Evening ladies.
J-vo that is great you feel comfortable in your own skin again. I can relate.

[NoSugar]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

LB, I think you are going to get more SNOW! Crazy weather, isn't it?

[j-vo]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Little Beagle, I never felt comfortable in my own skin, ever. That is one of the reasons I turned to drink. Only one, as there is a family history, but anxiety, depression and I are pretty tight. I read a really great article yesterday about severe anxiety and I could relate to so much the author said. And what I learned from this is that just like with being an alcoholic and accepting who we are, anxiety is a part of who I am, and I will do what I need to do to make it tolerable, and it'll be a combo of meds, deep breathing, and hopefully in the future, meditation. And I'm really getting the fact that we need to accept our weaknesses and love ourselves, even these faults. I always looked at my severe anxiety as such a major weakness, and it was extremely debilitating for me for several years until I got meds for it. And as my doctor explains to me, just as a diabetic needs insulin, I need medicine to help my issue.

Thanks Dottie! Stay warm, dear. Schools are closed around here tomorrow.

Welcome Daisy! So glad you're here and, yes, there is always room for another sista! We love all the support, and everyone brings something special to this thread.

Patrice, get well!

Miley, I think AA has a lot to offer people. I went, although it wasn't for me. I know Acadia Ann goes and really likes it. She may be able to help you out with this. Also, there's an AA thread on here as well. I know they are knowledgeable on that. Whatever you choose, doing it together is such a wonderful thing. Being there for each other will be great for you and your daughter. Just don't stop coming here, as we really enjoy your posts!

NS, I see your flower blooming and the petals are opening up more and more. This journey is not just about not drinking, it's about all of the growth that comes from not drinking. Wow. And I did read that little print - had to get my stronger bifocals, but after the initial quitting, it is about learning to deal with life minus the booze, and yes, that's going to be hard as it's brand new. Just like losing someone takes time, those firsts, but you keep putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time.

Nar, you are an inspiration here. You live such a healthy life, both in what you eat, and your exercise. You have such a great advantage in that you are a person that sees the glass half full. I picked up on that from you right away. To have the positive outlook on life is such a great thing. And thanks for inspiring me to get off the couch and onto the treadmill. I surely don't regret I did that!!! Oh, I liked what ya said about staying vigilant and making sure we remember why we can't drink. You're right. As time goes on, we forget the hell that alcohol put us through. Kind of like being in labor with our babies. You forget that pain so quickly. But I think coming here daily will help us to remember what is most important, as we can't have all these other great things in life if we aren't sober.

Star, you sound flippin fantastic on day 12! Healthy eating, gym workouts, being with your daughters, and working on projects! You can't get any better than that! I'm really happy for you!

Hi Sweetpea! Stay!!

Giraffe, Humble, SL, Acadia, and other lurking Loamers, have a wonderful night. I love you ladies!

[j-vo]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Little Beagle, I never felt comfortable in my own skin, ever. That is one of the reasons I turned to drink. Only one of my reasons, as there is a family history, but anxiety, depression and I are pretty tight. I read a really great article yesterday about severe anxiety and I could relate to so much the author said. And what I learned from this is that just like with being an alcoholic and accepting who we are, anxiety is a part of who I am, and I will do what I need to do to make it tolerable, and it'll be a combo of meds, deep breathing, and hopefully in the future, meditation. And I'm really getting the fact that we need to accept our weaknesses and love ourselves, even these faults. I always looked at my severe anxiety as such a major weakness, and it was extremely debilitating for me for several years until I got meds for it. And as my doctor explains to me, just as a diabetic needs insulin, I need medicine to help my issue.

Thanks Dottie! Stay warm, dear. Schools are closed around here tomorrow.

Ava, stay cool, lovely. Yes, my boys were happy to see me. Son came downstairs to meet me at the steps to get my suitcase and gave me a big hug. Well, I found out later that hubby asked him to go get my bag for me, and I probably threw my arms around him/attacked him, but he's 16 and I know he loves me, and he's proud of me. I can feel it although he doesn't say it.

Welcome Daisy! So glad you're here and, yes, there is always room for another sista! We love all the support, and everyone brings something special to this thread.

Patrice, get well!

Miley, I think AA has a lot to offer people. I went, although it wasn't for me. I know Acadia Ann goes and really likes it. She may be able to help you out with this. Also, there's an AA thread on here as well. I know they are knowledgeable on that. Whatever you choose, doing it together is such a wonderful thing. Being there for each other will be great for you and your daughter. Just don't stop coming here, as we really enjoy your posts!

NS, I see your flower blooming and the petals are opening up more and more. This journey is not just about not drinking, it's about all of the growth that comes from not drinking. Wow. And I did read that little print - had to get my stronger bifocals, but after the initial quitting, it is about learning to deal with life minus the booze, and yes, that's going to be hard as it's brand new. Just like losing someone takes time, those firsts, but you keep putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time.

Nar, you are an inspiration here. You live such a healthy life, both in what you eat, and your exercise. And you are a person that sees the glass half full. I picked up on that from you right away. To have the positive outlook on life is such a great thing. And thanks for inspiring me to get off the couch and onto the treadmill. I surely don't regret I did that!!! Oh, I liked what ya said about staying vigilant and making sure we remember why we can't drink. You're right. As time goes on, we forget the hell that alcohol put us through. Kind of like being in labor with our babies. You forget that pain so quickly. But I think coming here daily will help us to remember what is most important, as we can't have all these other great things in life if we aren't sober.

Star, you sound flippin fantastic on day 12! Healthy eating, gym workouts, being with your daughters, and working on projects! You can't get any better than that! I'm really happy for you!

Hi Sweetpea! Stay!!

Giraffe, Humble, SL, Acadia, and other lurking Loamers, have a wonderful night. I love you ladies!:h

[narilly]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

J-Vo, you are so articulate and sound so confident, I would never guess you had panic attacks or anxiety. You are amazing.
My son is 17 and he is like your son, not big on showing emotion but I know he loves me!

Hey, I was thinking. I KNOW what will help me stay AF when I go to Florida. It's posting here everyday! I am going to take the time to do that, it will be time well invested.

Pav, hope you are doing well.
Daisy, welcome!

Goodnight sweet ladies,

[j-vo]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Great idea Nar! You'll love, love, love the sun on your face! Stress literally melted off my body when I went to Florida. And I'm tired right now, but feel so good.

[Pavati]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Evening, Loamers:

Hi, Daisey and welcome back.

Miley – I have NO experience with AA, but my understanding is that it is good to go with someone. My therapist suggested that if I wanted to go maybe my husband would go with me for support. I am sorry your daughter is struggling, but it is so great that she feels close enough to you, and you are sober enough, that she can ask you for help. Acadia goes to AA – maybe she’ll be around soon.

J-Vo – Amazing story. I was wondering what NS was talking about. So great to really love yourself! And a nice way to pass a plane trip. Welcome home to the cold! By the way, I downloaded a meditation app called Calm that Softy recommended - $10/year. There are meditations from 5 to 20 minutes with all sorts of focuses. Easy to “quickly” meditate and clear your mind for at least a little bit.

SL – thanks for the drop by. Hope you’re doing well, too.

LB! So happy to see you pop by, too. I hope you’re doing well. Haven’t heard much about the kids lately – I hope everyone’s ok.

SweetPea – Great to see you here, too. We’re all imperfect and struggling, but we’re on a mission to stay sober no matter what! Post here whenever you like – a very supportive group with not a lot of tolerance for too much hemming and hawing. Straight shooters.

Patrice – so sorry you’re not well. I’m blaming the whacky weather for my headaches. What’s it like where you are? Always tropical, hot and humid? I agree, you should give up the smokes – one step at a time, however. Hope you feel better, soon.

NS – I’m glad to hear more about you, too. And it is not discouraging to hear that giving up the booze is the easy part – I have found that not too painfully difficult (at least a lot less difficult than I thought it would be). It is encouraging to hear long timers continue to face their lives, warts and all. Last week with my therapist I asked her about dry drunks – alcoholics that just quit drinking but don’t look to change anything else in their lives. I think that could lead to a lot of white knuckling and cravings – not a nice way to live!

Nar – Staying vigilant is why I come here. I want to remember why I don’t drink and to figure out how to live without that crutch. Keep up the inspiration around exercise – I am so impressed that you walk 100 minutes in that weather!! I am such a wimp. I finally saw a real knee doctor today – all he said was keep up the therapy and don’t do what hurts. Bummer because that pretty much rules out hiking hills for a while, so I have to find some flat walks and just go for speed or something. Or, I’ll just keep hiking hills and live with a little pain.

Ava – sorry about your headache. I can’t imagine a migraine because when I’m sick my favorite things to do are read and watch TV (watched all of season two of Downton Abbey last bout with the flu). What do you do with a bad headache other than feel sorry for yourself? Well, I’ve given you something to read, anyway.

I am feeling a bit better today, although I am still weepy and not feeling quite myself. I have had a wonderful few days with my kids who are in such a great stage right now. Maybe it is because I am sober every night that I can appreciate them more, but they are amazing – fun, funny, interesting young people. (OK, remind me of this post next time I feel like ranting). Today I am grateful for them, and for getting to know them without alcohol clouding many events.

And as usual I am grateful for you ladies. Sleep tight. I’m sure Humble will be along soon to turn out the lights.

xo

[Pavati]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Forgot to mention that I had ANOTHER drinking dream. It was Halloween and I decided to drink a beer. Once that I was done i wrestled with myself as to whether I would be honest to you all and I decided that I would, but I didn't have to tell you HOW MUCH I drank, so I could keep drinking and just say "I messed up." So I made myself a gin and tonic and went into my therapist where I took one look at her face and confessed everything, pouring the gin and tonic down the sink. Seems my safety nets are all in place, dreamland or not.

I would sure like to not have those dreams, but at least they remind me of how shitty I'd feel if I drank and had to come confess. Thanks, everyone!

[HumbleRider]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Hi all,
Here I am to turn out the lights on the west coast.

J-vo, that is such a cool story about your plane partner and your confidence. Gives me chills. I'm getting my confidence back slowly but surely, so I can only imagine your delight in the change in yourself. What a great AF memory!

Miley, I agree with the other ladies here in that there are some good things happening in some AA meetings. I tried it a couple of times but could never keep from drinking. The people I met there were very nice, though, for the most part, and you and your daughter might find it a great local connection to keep you sober.

And also Pav, Daisey, Dottie, NS, LB, Ava, Nar, Patrice, Sweetpea, and all, thanks for another day to be able to check in here and be held accountable for my choices. No booze for me today, woohoo.

[daisy45]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

sweetpea29;1619164 wrote: Hi Ladies on a mission :hiya:

Hope ye don't mind me popping into your thread but just wanted to say a big hello and hugs to Daisy:l I often thought of you past few months and wondered how you were doing. It is good to see you back

Thanks so much Sweetpea; as of today I am on a mission to get my life back on track. So good to hear from you....

[available]

Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

Hello Loamers, well a busy day at the loamers nest. My nightly check in while you are all snug in bed dreaming sweet dreams.

Pat thank god they are so expensive here as if they were $3 i'd be a damn chimney. Yes when i get sick i get the cough but i dont stop smoking, bit like when i got sick, never stopped me from drinking either. Get better soon, proud of you for not drinking also.

Miley I have had no experience with AA, this is my AA but your daughter must love you immensely to tell you she has an al problem and asking for your help. It makes being a mum worthwhile in knowing they can come to you about their problems and you are sober to help and support her fully. Keep us informed on her progress.

Jvo what a gorgeous story and i love those moments when you just want to cry as you can see the change in yourself and you made it happen for you. If you told someone else they would probably think you were nuts but to us realising what you are achieving is really something. And all these little changes make the new Jvo becoming what she wants. I am so happy you are starting to like yourself, i personally like you a bundle. Please dont talk about exercise i so just cant still get motivated, i can never find a right time.

SL i do totally appreciate you popping in and your long posts. Its good to see you are keeping out of trouble also.

Hi LB hope all is going well with you and family have settled down. You are so strong and determined.

NS feeling ok now lovely? Made it through the day? You are one strong woman and i know you would have but its also special that you feel you can post and share. It makes me realise that even though i am proud of these 60 days tomorrow that i will have times of al trying to get in to my life.

Pav as i said before i would have drank even with a migraine! Now i put a movie on my laptop and watched it and dozed and repeated what i just said. I went to the drs and my blood pressure was pretty low so no wonder i wanted to pass out when i got up. I thought i was drinking enough in this heat but obviously not. I had to laugh when you mentioned how great the kids were then remind you when they arent. Its always the way isnt it. Today my boys have been lovely but yesterday mmm i nearly went down to two daughters! We are lucky the majority of the time they are beautiful human beings.

Wow your drinking dreams are really coming to the fore arent they. I had a drinking dream last night but for the life of me i cant remember it. It is great you have all the help in place and you seem happy with your counsellor which is great, it can be hard to find one that suits. I cant imagine drinking now let alone how i would actually feel. As Jvo said its like childbirth. Obviously i dont have a good memory having four children!

Humble hello, everyday is a woo day for us and it feels fecking fantastic doesnt it?

Well it has cooled down here thank god, from 41 to 25 with a cool day tomorrow but hot again. It just totally drains every inch of life out of you this weather and was totally worse when i was drinking my 2 bottles of wine nightly. The lovely dr i went to gave me tomorrow off as well as my blood pressure is quite low but i will see how i feel.