Day 13

My dear Surfers!

Just catching up on Monday's posts...
Wow, verrrry interesting...what a weekend it was!

First I want to remind everyone that this a huge challenge that we have all finally decided to face. It's a BIGGIE, you know? And because this fight can take more of your energy than you may even realize, I think its important, no... ESSENTIAl, to give yourself whatever you need to maintain your footing. I know it's hard, because everyone expects us to carry on as if nothing different is happening, as if we're not in the middle of a personal hurricane!

Remember that a lot of people go away (to rehab) for 30 days, but for those who choose not to, it's business as usual in all areas of our lives, except this one. Not easy! The stress can be staggering, and that is why I think the best we can do for ourselves is to try and maintain our balance to keep from getting knocked down.

So, what does that mean to you? What can you do to try and gain your solid footing? What can we learn from our slips? That's what they're good for - they give us clues as to what our drinking triggers are. Sometimes they're a bunch of little ones, sometimes just one big one, Sometimes it's being in the "wrong" place, or with the "wrong" people, or just indulging in some "wrong" thinking, etc, etc. And what about taking a look at how you're using the program tools. Can you make them work harder for you? Whatever you learn is one more piece of understanding about yourself in this struggle. One more point towards your win!

Allrighty then, lecture over kids! :b !

So, here we are on day 13!

Congrats to you all for your bravery. You *slippers* too, for posting so honestly, and getting back in the ring! Round 13... ding ding ding!

Susan thanks for reminding us about that full moon. It sure doesn't help matters does it? & thanks for the hug...back atcha! And thank you for all your wonderful input here!! Wow so many thank you's to you ol OH. and Congrats on 62 days! 9 weeks today (tuesday) right? Smashing baby!!

Jane , you're so right about friends - it's not about weather or not they like you, it's about weather or not you like THEM!!! - That is some very wise advice there girl! Thank you!

Have a beautiful day guys & dolls!

Deirdre

Good Morning All,

I passed a church in my travels yesterday. The sign ouside said: "God doesn't take a vaction from you". It brought me comfort as I am struggling with some personal problems in my life now. I hope it brings you all some comfort as well as you struggle with this journey. Deirdre is right. This is a huge challenge so use whatever tools at your disposal to help through! Hold fast to the course and and keep your goals forever present in the front of your mind!

Have a good all!

Donna

Hi all,
Today 1st day again:o
But not going to give up
Haven't had a chance to catch up on all the threads yet but sounds like alot of people had hiccups too.
Thanks Deirdre, you are so right about so many things. We are all so used to putting everybody elses needs before our own........and even when we need more time to spend on us its still difficult to justify.
I am going to read the days I have missed and will get back to you all.
Love Shas

Thanks everybody for letting me rant last night and have just read some threads. To Donna you are in my thoughts, I do know what you are going through as I went through it with my brother, addiction is a most frustrating battle! Layla, I will send you good vibes. Susan I love your posts! All your support gives me strength and I want it to bounce back at you all:rollin
Love Shas

Another slip yesterday.
I was working in yard in the 100 degree Texas heat and chose to consume 5 beers. I poured number 6 down the drain.
However I will try again today. I need to get some AFD's behind me
before the weekend.
I have a family wedding in Kansas this weekend. There will large amounts of beer available. Usually I am one of the major consumers.
I want this event to be different.
Send me your good thoughts.
Thanks all,
phil

Good morning All---
Just a short post at the moment because I have to get off to work in a few minutes and I still have to wash my hair....

I'm going to repost the end of my post to Donna on her "Having a Hard Time" thread (should you be interested in the context of what follows, see that thread--it's worth it for the words of wisdom others posted...); I'm repeating this here because I think some things can't be said often enough....

Here's the end of what I wrote to Donna:

"Actually, it for times like this that the original "Serenity Prayer" was written by the German theologian Reinhold Niebuhr before the outbreak of World War II (yes, the same poem that was eventually co-opted and mutilated by AA...)

I don't know your religious tradition, but this has been helpful to me despite my humanist/agnostic leanings...."

The Serenity Prayer
written by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

Original, unabridged version

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as He did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

susan

'Morning ya'll.

Day 8 here. 7 down... SEVEN... as in one full WEEK! Reward day for me. Remember those paper crowns that Burger King gives out to all the lil kiddies? Well, I have one on my head this morning and it's staying there ALL DAY LONG today! tee hee. I'm gonna be queen for a day! Ya gotta get a mental picture of me in my paper crown and apron... snicker. I'm still chief cook n bottle washer around here but at least I'll be doing that without drinking today. Sober clarity is my real reward. It feels just great!

I did the dreaded pilatees video yesterday. Thank gawd it's only 20 minutes. But then... don'tcha know... there was a break between storms so the kids and I ran to the lake for our swim and picnic. Ended up swimming in the rain. Was fun!

I ordered GABA and the abstinance cd's yesterday. Too exciting! Have any of ya'll tried the abstinace cd's? They are different than the original set... What did ya think of them?

Steve, great story about saying no to drink! I'm proud of you and bet the Mrs. is too!

Would love to post to each and everyone of you this morning but my blender is calling. I'm dying to try an iced coffee AIO idea...

Stay LEVEL...

HAPPY NOT HUNGOVER TUESDAY YA'LL

Good Morning
I have not posted since last weekend and have just not had chance to check boards, listen to cd's, and take supps. Once you wander a bit from the coral you can get lost. I too did have some wine last weekend but much less than i ever would have before and I drank with the optimism that I would come back here. I even told some of my friends about the site.Two expressed real interest...we'll see.
Deidre I loved your "lecture" this morning. It really hit home with me.I feel so comforted to read all your posts from today and last weekend.Everyday can be a struggle.
I look foward to checking in later.
Have a good day all
Janet

OMG! Hubbie just walked in and handed me 50 bucks! He said, "Here's your bonus for this past week." lol... Ok, now I could have gotten 50 bucks from the bank anytime I wanted but this was his way of showing support. sweet really...

OK, so now I'm dancing around in my paper tiara, my apron on and a picture of Grant in my hands. What to do? What to do? Something for just me? A pedicure? New strappy summer sandals? both? Daing, life gets complicated when your not drinking? lol

Thanks for letting me share...

I haven't been posting much, but enjoy reading all your posts. I haven't been able to totally abstain, and while I am struggling, I am not giving up.

Donna, you have been there for so many of us. I wish there was a way to help you in return.

I am interested in hearing people's comments about the abs CDs. Are they better than the mod ones? (Of course that probably means something different to each of us.)