AF for December

[mylife]

AF for December

Good morning Decembers!

I'm up early. (sigh) Sleep is still a challenge at times for me, but at least I wake up with clear eyes and a clear head.

AGuy and Piper- here is a UTube video that really helped me that was posted by another member here. I thought if this guy could get sober anyone could. He was in a band and having to go to bars every night and being tempted by his band mates etc., but he did it anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvLkxCq_I8Q[/video]]How I quit drinking and smoking. - YouTube

I've also been taking Campral and I have to say the cravings have really seemed to be better this time, but I'm not sure if it's the Campral or the fact that I lost my Dad last month. He had a long term illness, but he'd also been a lifelong Alcoholic, and his death really made me aware that I don't want to waste any more time in my life regretting the fact I drank too much, or recovering from a hangover.

Blonde, glad to see you on the thread! The more the merrier to get through December and the Holidays feeling great and Alcohol Free!

[if dreams were horses]

AF for December

Good Morning to all who are taking the Dec AF challenge, today is Day 17 AF. I am still having sleep issues, I wake around 3 and cannot stay up past 8 p.m. I try. The only thing these days is when I wake, I no longer have that heavy head, tongue is not attached to the roof of my mouth and I am starting to think clearer.
Drifty, sorry about the job, but school is so important.
AGuy, Great work on Day 8 AF. I know all about the insomnia. I am told it will work itself out. Lets hope so.
Piper, how true, no one will know if we cave but us. So we must all be true to ourselves. Lets all hang in there together.
Hi Blonde, welcome to December AF. Like you my father was an alcholic. He was abusive when drunk. He had an appendacitous (bad spelling sorry) attack, the Drs said he would have a few good years with care. He lived at least 10 - 12 years after, still drinking and smoking. It was his heart that finally took him. That was back in 1986, so much has changed since then.

[BlondeAFAmbition]

AF for December

Mornin' December AF'ers!

If dreams, I believe it was actually MyLife who had the father who drank. My dad was a smoker and a bad one, but not a drinker. My mother, however, is a different story and is an alcoholic. She is in her 70's (turning 74 next week in fact), and drinks almost a large bottle of wine every day. Usually by herself. It's sad. She is also a "pusher" of AL to those around her during social events so it is extra hard for me to be around her right now, which is such a sad thought when you think about it. My own mother, sigh. Anyway, just wanted to clear that up about my Dad . Sorry about your father and that he was abusive when drinking. So many of us get the devil in us when we drink. I used to get bitchy but never abusive, well not in a physical manner I guess. Verbally, yes. My ex-husband was a rotten drunk and hit me when he got too drunk and something set him off the wrong way. I have since moved on and am married to another man who is a doll, and thank my lucky stars for him everyday. And I have forgiven my ex-husband for the years of abuse and hope he finds peace in his life, because everyone deserves to be happy.

Ok, moving on from my old baggage, geez, where did that come from? I guess it's good to be honest and put it all out there. I feel I can really bare my soul to you all because you understand. That's what I love about this place!

I hope everyone has a bright and beautiful start to their day! I'm off to do some housework and stuff so I'll check back in later. Love to everyone!

[if dreams were horses]

AF for December

Sorry Blonde for getting my wires crossed, funny how certain things can send on tangants. You are right, we are lucky to have friends here where we can say anything, most can identify and sympathize, those that do not emphathize. Have a wonderful day, it is cold here and may do that nasty "S" word. As long as it is white for Christmas I do not care.

[Unwasted]

AF for December

Good Morning Everyone,

Day 24 for me and feeling very thankful to be out of the alcohol grip. I feel happy, rested, healthy and free. A life without AL is a huge positive turnabout for me - not only do I not feel like I'm missing out, I feel like I've been given insight into how life is really supposed to be. Years of numbing and escaping have now become daily appreciation for my good life and accepting life for what it actually is rather than looking for something elusive that never brought happiness.

Cherish your AFness everyone - you aren't losing a thing - only gaining your real self.:l

[BlondeAFAmbition]

AF for December

Nicely put, Unwasted! About not losing anything, but gaining your real self...how true! Often times we feel that giving up AL is a punishment, that we are envious of others for getting to drink where we can not. Do not think of this as torture...it is a gift. It is the gift of sobriety and being stronger than AL. When you see others drinking around you at the holidays...remember the feeling of waking up hungover? You will not be with them in feeling that way. You will enjoy the holidays with a clear head and healthy body. I'll toast to that (with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry of course!).

Have a great December 9th all...where is this month going! Wow, so fast!

[jennyneric]

AF for December

Checking in on day 16! Day 9 of the challenge!

[mylife]

AF for December

Good morning guys!

So happy to hear everyone is doing well here. Yes, Blonde/IfDreams, it was my father who was the drinker AND smoker in my family. My mom never touched the stuff. Unfortunately it only takes one parent to pass on the gene, and I got it!

Unwasted and Blonde - I so agree that not drinking is a gift. I am really focusing on that this time rather than focusing on deprivation or "willpower". I love my sparkling water with cranberry and I also drink it lately with sparkling grape juice - yummy! I love having a clear head and waking up feeling happy. I like having conversations with my Husband that I remember the next morning!!

Have a wonderful AF day!

[DriftyAlison0]

AF for December

Not drinking is a gift for you and everyone who knows you. For you because of the good things (healthier living, no hangovers, clear head etc) and others because they don't have to worry about you or clean up after you.

[AGUYFROMNC]

AF for December

Day 10 AF
Wow the cravings are kicking in again hardcore, had some triggers and stress. Holiday gatherings are the worse. Just need to stay occupied and stop worrying. Wow I cant belive after 10 days the anxiety would still be here..

[Unwasted]

AF for December

Guy, congrats, you're doing super - hope you keep up the good work.

Sober December everyone - keep on checking in!:l

[AGUYFROMNC]

AF for December

Day 11 AF
Thanks to everyone for their spport and PM's
I want to ask how long or what can someone use to reduce the bloat from drinking so much?

[Struggles 106]

AF for December

Hey NC GUY

Hang in there; you are doing great! But the question-anxiety after 10 days? It's going to take a while to reach the point of serenity.
As for the "bloating" you asked about, I would imagine that water retention from drinking would diminish fairly quickly. But sometimes abdominal distension can be ascites, an accumulation of fluid as a result of drinking that is a different story. This should be evaluated by your doctor, considering your quantities of consumption as you have mentioned.
Also exercise, if it's adipose tissue, belly fat, is great. As well as healthy eating. And of course both things are good for staying sober,enhancing your sense of well-being thus
being more incentive to stay AF.
Good to see you doing so well. I have to admit I'm glad I don't have more issues because of the time of year. My company Christmas party is tonight. Maybe next year I'll feel like going. I rather doubt it. I'm selfish with my time now that I see how much of it I wasted.
Good luck man!

[DriftyAlison0]

AF for December

Its Sat. night and I am listening to music and staying sober. I love being in control of myself and if I drank, I would lose that control.

[Wally22]

AF for December

Well done Drifty Allison, I am sober and renovating. I think my back would rather be listening to music.