The Ides of March and Resolution.

[xtexan]

The Ides of March.

Hoo boy! A strange day. First, because it is March 15th, 2007, I have now gone 15 months AF.

I went on a short business trip today with 4 work associates, all managers like myself. Won’t go into the details, but it was just a 2 hour drive to the destination, a 2 hour visit and meeting, and a 2 hour drive back. We were in a company van.

Once all the business was concluded, my associates bought a 12 pack, and they polished it off in 45 minutes. Then they stopped, and got yet another 12 pack, and polished it off. No, I was not driving, but another fellow was.

Anyway, in a confined space with 4 other guys drinking like fish (I have mentioned the level of alcohol consumption by my peers before), was a real test of the resolve.

I would be lying if the thought of taking a sip didn’t cross my mind a few times, with it all in my face like that. But the training, the supplements, the program all were in place SOLID. I was dropped off at my house, with the group well on their way to rips-ville.

One thing I was amused at, was the frequent need by them to stop and pee. Just the discomfort of not being able to pee with a bladder full of beer, was something I surely did not miss.

Myself, I got a pint of ice cold glacier freeze Gatorade, which hydrates of course, and is not a major diuretic (maker of pee!).

Beware the Ides of March!!

Not just physically sober, but getting there mentally, and emotionally. I am getting well.

Neil

[irishlady]

My God Neil, what a test of strength for you.... Its one thing to walk past a bar, or not go down the wines and spirit aisle in the supermarket, at least you can walk away from it, but to be confined in a van with 4 work colleagues all drinking and not to touch a drop, what an example you are..

Well done..
Love, Louise xx

[xtexan]

Howdy Irishlady!

Yes, it was sort of trial by fire.

I did something this morning also, never done in ages. Since they were picking me up at my house, I had a couple of hours after waking to enjoy.

I got on my exercise bike (magnetic ergometer), and hammered for 25 minutes to a profuse sweat only a couple of minutes after waking up. Brain was fired up pretty good, and didn't need the usual 2 to 3 cups of coffee to get awake. So that was a good thing. I usually hit the aerobics immediately after work, but this was first time in over 25 years I did it before the work day.

I know a few just gush about doing their workouts in the AM, rather than PM. In this case it worked out better. I retain the right to choose whenever, and however I do my workouts!

That has a nice ring to it. I RETAIN THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE!

I choose not to drink alcohol, and I will retain that right!!!!

Neil

[katesm]

You da maaan!!!!

Great effort Neil.

And yes, retaining the right to choose is powerful, or I should say, empowering. I use the word "choose" a lot. It made a huge difference to me when starting out, and continues to do so. Choosing not to drink immediately negates any resentment about not being able to drink responsibly. My faith, my life, my choice.

You are getting well, Neil. I can read it, I can almost feel it emanating from you.

I still want a "No!" drink dream though.

Sigh.

Kate.

[xtexan]

Gday Kate!

Next time I plug into the deep meditation zone, I will send vicarious waves of subconscious energy 'round the globe to your locale.

The waves will zap you in your slumber, and you will dream. You will dream the dream, "No thanks mate! My drinking days are over and done with!"

Then you too, shall wake with the sly grin, and your compatriots will wonder...."Whats up with Kate?"

And only we will know the reason why.....

Dreaming Kate is free.

Neil

[pinkrabbit]

well done you should be really proud of yourself to not give in ,to the poison that once controlled your life.

[spacie]

Hi everyone,

Well done Neil! There's great power in choosing and it's a choice I make everyday with no regret. I'm happy to say today is 200 AF yabadabadoooooo

spacie

[tawnyfrog]

Spacie!!!!!

That's brilliant! Congratulations.

[irishlady]

Wow Spacie that is FANBLOODYTASTIC...

[katesm]

Stunning work Spacie, simply stunning.

And don't you just feel GREAT?