Day 7

Good Morning All and Welcome to Day 7! ol

Great work is going on here you guys!!

Congratulations to everyone on all your efforts!

I look around & I see people here struggling and learning & growing so much. (And for that I think we all owe ourselves a big pat on the back!!) This isn't necessarily something that other people ever get to experience, you know? Delving into what makes you tick, learning how to live a better life and be the person you want to be. Is this something that so-called "normal" people ever get to do? Do they have the provocation? I think the challenge we have been given, and finally decided to face, is our very special opportunity to rise to the occasion.

So, lately I've been thinking...instead of seeing my "condition" or "problem" - or whatever you want to call it - as a negative part of my life, perhaps it's a GIFT. Maybe without this drinking problem I never would have asked myself the difficult questions that are coming up along this journey. Maybe I wouldn't be prompted to examine my life in depth. Maybe I wouldn't be striving to be the person I know I can be. It's a wonderful opportunity to grow if we choose to. Other people may never get this chance!

So, what positives do you think have come out of your "condition"? Instead of seeing it as a curse, how is it a blessing for you?

Have a wonderful abs day everyone!

Deirdre


Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing.

- George Sheehan

Good morning all!! Happy day 7, it is actually day 9 for me, kick-started by a stomach virus--BUT yesterday, trash went out and no "clinking" in the bags!! Tuesday nights I usually join my sister-in-law at a local restaurant but begged off, don't even want to face the temptation just yet.

And I hate to say this, but I am finding this past week that it has been very easy -- of course mentioning the fact that I have been on these boards since early February, dabbling about, getting to know people, still drinking but cutting way down, then trying true moderation, but with those slips and falls along the way. So I have been working up to this. I do have MWO's abstinence CDs in addition to the others, I am faithfully taking supplements (especially kudzu, I will pop a couple extra when "that time" rolls around) and the subliminal CDs are going non-stop all day. And I have mentally lined up a couple of good excuses for when I do go out with friends and avoid the alcohol.

All along the way, though, I had May/June as abstinent months in my head. Didn't quite make it for May as my mom died the last half of April, but I am adamant about making June AF. Probably July too, but we'll see. Right now the idea of feeling the alcohol is not too attractive, especially given my rocky road to this point.

Hugs to all, hang in there, boy does the sleeping get good after just a few bad nights.

Hugs to all
Ter

Good Morning ya'll!

Only day 2 for me, but hey... ONE DOWN! I took my AIO, supps, made myself eat and drink H2O just the way the directions said to... by the book babie! I was peasantly surprized at the lack of anxiety I felt. I also slept like a rock with dreams even! Dunno if it's the supps or knowing ya'll are here to talk to. Doesn't matter as long as it works to get healthy body, mind and soul.

Todays plan:
Be a grown up.
Be good to myself.
Be good to others.

HAPPY NOT HUNG OVER WEDNESDAY YA'LL!!!

Jane Doe,
Isn't it a wonderful feeling to wake up, and not feel hung over. I think it's the best part of abs.
Lovely speaking to you on chat Jane.
Everyone have a great day!
Miss Layla

Hey Ter,

I think the "not knowing" what it's going to be like can be worse than the "doing" when it comes to abs. So when you finally decide to take the plunge it seems easier than you had thought it would be. Nice huh? And with the determination you have, and working the program, I'm not surprised! So congrats on your 9 days Ter, great to see ya!!

Deirdre

Jane D,

I'm going to try and use YOUR plan today too! Esp the part about being good to myself and others. Although, it might be enough in the beginning to just focus on yourself, and not worry too much about others. That can come in later. Right now it's about you getting your healthy body, mind & soul. That's what it's all about! So good luck on day 2, and congrats on a great beginning!!!

Deirdre

Hi all:

Checking in. So far so good — unless deglazing a pepper steak with brandy counts as a drink? I'm sleeping well enough, but more tired than usual during the day (not taking topa). Anyone else experiencing this? Pansygirl told me that people tend to crash after a few days of abs-ing; maybe that's it.

In answer to Dierdre: I think I started over-drinking for a number of reasons, but a major one was being uncomfortable in my skin, so to speak — nervous, awkward socially. Coming out of the drinking/hangover fog now is kind of like getting a second look at myself. Not that I'm any less of a goofball.... but I'm starting to get an inkling of why some people like me. Feels better. Anyway, artists are expected to be kind of goofy.

I can't remember who made this suggestion, but today's quote is especially good with the 'in bed' suffix. Maybe I'll solicit my wife, see if she'll join the struggle....

Good quote in any case.

Good morning everyone
Day 7! Yeahhhhh!
The crazy dog (Belle) and I have been in the big city for a few days. She doesn't like it much, as I took her away from her pond and buzzard chasing........Oh well.
I like it..went shopping with my beautiful daughter and found a dress for a upcomong wedding! Something I wouldn't have even tried on if she had not chosen it!! Guess I've been hiding on the funny farm too long and lost touch with clothing that isn't jeans and t-shirts!
All is calm on the drinking front and getting stronger by the day. I found my copy of "Boundries" by Henry Cloud and am re-reading how to set them..great advice in there....I highly recomend it.
Later.surf on dudes!8)
Nancy

Wow!! Ter, Jane, Layla, Nancy, Andrew and, of course, Deirdre (end everyone else here!)--great work! ((((ALL A Y'ALL)))) Amazing how those days keep piling up, isn't it!!

Love the quote, Deirdre--and I definitely see this "problem" as a gift...you're so right, without it I wouldn't have had to really look at myself and evaluate my life and where I want to go and, most of all, WHO I want to be!! And this new Susan is definitely more in line with my hopes for who I can be....

Just this morning, someone emailed me and asked how things were going....

My reply: "I'm not really having any trouble staying sober--I mean, for me, the game is up. End of story. I often THINK about a glass of wine or a chug of vodka, but really it's more just out of habit than anything else. All I have to do to let it go is remember how truly awful and pathetic my life had
become by last April and I can almost smell the defeat it would bring...any appeal the wine/vodka might have had is just gone...."

I just can't STAND the "smell of defeat"!!! Have a great day everyone--
best, susan

Hi Ter,

I was wondering if you have had a chance to listen to those ab cds yet. I know on the May abs board there were some folks inquiring about them. Are they much different from the original cds? Thanks for any info you could pass on.

Donna

PS Great to have you here!