Hey Everyone--Good work!

Donna, thanks so much for reminding us that we have choices to make. For me, I just have to remember that I seem to only have a choice about the first glass of wine--my ability to choose seems to go out the window AFTER I've had that glass!

And, Deirdre, about going outside our comfort zone--yep, definitely have to do that.... I don't have your post in front of me, but I think you also made the point that this is not just about coping with alcohol, but also in all aspects of our lives. I certainly have discovered that I learn so much more about myself, other people, the world, when I DO go outside my comfort zone.

I agree with the idea above (was it you, Marcie?) that alcohol is the easy way out--or at least it seems as if it is. I think a lot of my drinking was to keep me "safe, " or so I thought. In other words, although I got into some outrageous behavior in the early days of my drinking, for the last couple of years alcohol served to keep me isolated, staying at home and "safe." What a delusion that was!! There is absolutely NOTHING more dangerous to ME than staying at home drinking alone! If there was any way I was going to lose my health, my dreams, my friends and family, it was by staying home and drinking--so how "safe" is that??? It's really only an illusion/delusion of safety.

I think alcohol is actually only an illusion of "escape" too. Let's face it, by the next morning any idea of escape is a distant memory since our problems are still there and now we have to deal with them through either a ghastly hangover and/or feelings of complete worthlessness! When things aren't going so great now I at least feel a bit more able to handle it...and, as you said, the whole experience is that much more rewarding when it finally is resolved!

Oh dear, rambling on here....nomorewine, good luck with your job interview! And Teechino, great news about the kid and have a fabulous time fishing! We're going to our cabin in Vermont for a whole week starting tomorrow....I plan on getting all sorts of stuff done that I've always been too wine-soaked to get to!

Have a great day, everyone!

best, susan