What do you love about your AF Life? (Inspired by Cindi)

[Doggygirl]

Teardrop (and others!) Great minds think alike! I was coming here specifically to post this for the day...

I love waking up and feeling really good!

Even with the restless nights during this early part of AF, I am about 3856389567 times more refreshed than when I was always somewhere on the spectrum of hungover to tipsy to passed out - repeat each day.

The "feel good" that comes from AL is so fake. This is a REAL feel good.

DG
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[Finding My Self]

Yes...... To not be living a lie......therefore, to be living a life of truth. Wow! It's amazing and sooooo much more manageable!

I used to think, I have nothing to be really unhappy about, but I felt it all the time. That deep unhappiness inside. Now I think I just feel happy 90% of the time.... Of course, "To every season..." and all that, but essentially happy!

But to be able to look in the mirror and smile? Makes it all just dandy!

[retteacher]

1. I don't hide drinking anymore.
2. I remember what I said & did the night before.
3. I don't feel guilt-ridden.
4. I can speak my mind clearly.

Mary

[Nicky]

Hi - I had a day off work yesterday because I had the usual bad weekend - upset everyone and especially myself. I got onto the site and the desire to drink last night just vanished. I exchanged the wine for this site and got so absorbed in reading all the posts and still finding out how it all works. Tonight is day 2, so we started on the site together. Perhaps we can keep going on this journey together and inspire one another. I felt so proud of myself this morning, and tonight, but the weekend is coming and my husband is going away for a week - so I will need some real strength and I am going to use this site and the encouragement from everyone here to see me through. Sometimes we come to crossroads in our life (you have heard this before) and the road we choose can change our whole life. I choose to walk along the scenic road with flowers and beautiful colours, not the one spiralling down the mountainside to a sure 'crash' at the bottom. Hey! Wasn't that inspirational! I think I will start writing a book. Chin up, think of this site as your substitute for the empty feeling when you don't have a drink in your hand. Hope this helps - I don't know you but am all the way away in Australia.
Nicky.

[Mohun]

Well,

I like not having to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
I like that I stopped snoring (so does my wife).
I like that my sleep apnea has stopped.
I like that I have lost almost 20 pounds.
I like spending time with my kids again, they are not quite as annoying as before. They must have changed LOL.
I like how much time and energy I have to get things down around the house and outdoors.
I can look at myself in the mirror again without the loathing.

Mo.

[curepool]

what i love the most about my alcohol free life is that i can face my family without being ashamed. and that i have more time on my hands to do something productive. I sleep better and wake up happier ever since i've given up drinking.

[on my way]

Sleep, really good sleep. The kinda sleep that lets you wake up ready to kick some butt!! Also, I know I am a much better and effective parent, wife, friend, sister and daughter.

[livingfree]

As I approach my 6th month AF this is a great time for me to ask myself this question. Thanks for this DG. I can relate to so many of the points posted above me - so I will try not to repeat them but add some:

I love:

~ Knowing I have finally given myself the gift that I have begged myself for ... for many years.

~ Saying "no thank you" when offered a drink. Saying "I don't drink" when the subject comes up. I LOVE THAT.

~ Seeing clearly out of these eyes.

~ Knowing the supplements I am putting in my body are actually working for health instead of counter balancing the negative effects of the alcohol.

~ Feeling like I have climbed out of a dark hole and can see sunlight for the first time in years.

~ Realizing that I really do finally love life

~ Realizing how much I love those whom "I love".

~ Confidence that I am gaining in every area of my life

~ Emotions that are "waking up".

[retteacher]

I love that I'm not wasting money on booze. Now, when I take the g-sons out for breakfast or buy a really great cut of steak, I don't feel any qualms at all. Mary

[Doggygirl]

Oh the simple things. I love being sober at this time of day!!!

DG
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