One Step at a Time - November 2016

[actiongirl46]

Hey Liz - :hug: You know how to do this! A cruise sounds like a nice time to clear the head of stress. As a frequent traveler, I get it. Its hard to go away, especially if you're doing the packing and arrangements primarily by yourself.

Working on Day 3. Band rehearsal was actually for me : ) I play keyboard. It was a lot of fun. I didn't want to go at first but once I got there it felt really good. Hmm . . .

Here's another jewel from my therapist. I kept thinking there was something that would be a replacement behavior for that first glass of AL after work (e.g. exercise, coloring, TV, etc.) I am pretty keyed up at the end of the day. Her observation was, there really ISN'T anything, you just need to live through it. Its called living. You shouldn't need a substance to relax.

Something to chew on the rest of this week for my fellow steppers. Have a good one! AG

[Lizann]

AG, yes I think I knew that about you and I'm sorry. Glad you had a nice time at reheresal. Your therapist sounds wonderfully insightful. Off to see mine now,

[aihfl]

Interesting what your therapist said. Boredom was a big drinking trigger for me. I didn't know what to do myself much of the time, so I'd get alcohol and park myself in front of the TV. What I've personally learned over the past 7-8 months is that with the passing of time, it simply becomes more natural not to drink. This is where I part ways in my concept of recovery with AA's. I don't want to label myself as an alcoholic for the rest of my life, worried constantly about relapse unless I read that horribly antiquated and sexist Big Book, talk to a sponsor that wants to know every last, private detail of my life, and scribble my thoughts in a notebook that I have to hand in like homework to my sponsor (step work). I simply want to be a normal person that doesn't drink and there's a lot of people like that out there. I have a former colleague who doesn't drink, yet is still the life of every party he goes to. Alcohol is simply irrelevant to the way he lives and that's my ultimate goal for myself. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian nominee for President hasn't had a drink in 29 years despite never having had alcohol use disorder.

[paulywogg]

Hey all, great posts from everyone today, I deleted my thread from yesterday just because I don't like ANY fighting regardless of my opinion or someone else's, I guess I just got caught up in the moment, we never know what's going on in someones real life they might have pain or sadness, financial problems, a family member they're worried about, etc,I truly honestly care about the people here trying to live the best life they can without drugs/alcohol and I'm forgiving,let the past rest ya know? Was looking at the comments about therapists and I was thinking that I miss my last guy,I always thought he was a weirdo cuz....he had hair extensions and long nails?!? I just remember being transfixed on those two details but when I look back he did make a lot of great points and he did everything to try and get my head screwed on straight as far as addiction goes, actually talked it out with me and stuff, nothing like AG's but pretty close, Liz,I'm so jealous of your cruise! I wish I was going somewhere, Michelle is on a bus ride to Florida with her new bf and she's sending pics through fb messenger, I'm worried but just have to realize that she's grown! Hello to all and I hope everyone is enjoying their day

[SKendall]

MAE, will post when things improve. Cable equipment stolen last night, have bronchitis and a pulled ligament, dreading the drive. Little madam , Peggy giving me attitude already, lol. Have to nip over to Victoria, B.C. to straighten out financial issues and then will start driving Saturday.

[paulywogg]

Be safe SK

[NoraC]

Hey all

Pauly - you are such a great person. Thanks & thanks for the chat last night. Needed it. :hug:;

Liz - how did your appointment go?

AG - I love what your therapist said!

SK - safe travels

Catch you all tomorrow.

[actiongirl46]

SK, I'm rooting for you to catch a break already!! Its time!!

Aihfl - Boredom is probably my #1 trigger. I don't think it is a coincidence that my problem drinking kicked in when I started to work from home a few years ago (as much as I like working from home, it can get lonely. And boring.) You stay so active, once I get some solid ground under me I plan to kick it up a notch. Did a little yoga and walking today though, good stuff. I'm actually trying NOT to do too much for a little bit, as it gets my mind moving too quick. Oh, I am so weird!

Hey Nora, I hope your mom is doing well. How are you doing?

Hi to all, send me some good vibes to get through this weekend! And I'll repay the favor

[actiongirl46]

IMG_1963.jpgIMG_1960.jpg

My backyard is full of color right now! Grateful for that . . .

[mario]

Good morning all, just saying hello, hope you all have a great positive day.

[Rusty]

Good Morning, Friends!!!

Happy POETS' Day and HELLLLOOOOO to our dear friend, Mario!

AG-That picture is so beautiful! What a lovely scene while working at home. Boredom was a huge trigger for me on the weekends because I work out of my house...and traveling all week...many times internationally...I would get home on the weekends and not know what to do with myself. I didn't want to do MORE work, and then I would say, "well, I deserve to RELAX, so I think I will open this bottle of scotch or vodka...sit in my favorite chair and just chill." I totally underestimated the highly depressive nature of alcohol. I would be depressed for a good 3 days after a day of drinking.

Aihfl-thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us and the tools you use in your recovery. You help many people here and I grateful!

Lucky Liz-going on a cruise! GOOD FOR YOU!

Hey dear Nora-how are you?

Mama-I miss you...I wish you would come back. :sad:

Hi to Pauly, TMH, Mr. V, Mr. G, and anyone I missed...Happy AF Friday!!!!

[ToMyHealth]

Hello :sweet: have not been on in a long time, and see greeting from Rusty. Thank you! Things are going well. Happy to catch up with all of you.

Went to MN for 50th h.s. class renuion & had a blast! Ran the 5K & took 1st in age group. Have cont'd running as it took a long time to get comfortable with doing that 3rd mile. Want to now increase 5 min at a time. So between runs, golf, working on getting renters for our condo, est. a time for shopping for plants to put on lanai (have a helper), life is busy.

Snowbirds are back, & the social life amps up. Great to see them, but roads & restaurants are busier. Other news is that it is possibe will have both my kids & grandkids here for Christmas. Just learned that about the Canadians on Wed. Hope they can work it out.

Better run. Literally, have to go for a run, then head out for eye dr appt. Dh having new boss over, taking him out for golf, & will probably meet up with them later. Have a great Friday & weekend!

TMH

[Mr Vervill]

Safe travels, SK
Yes, Boredom is a big one for me as well, like Rusty, when I get home all I want to do is chillax, usually with AL. of course, I won't want o do anything the next day either because I feel like shit until the next drink. Rinse and repeat. We all know the cycle.
Good to see you back Mario, pls drop by often.

[Rusty]

Mr. V-CHILLAX-Love it! After a day of drinking, I was LAX in EVERYTHING. CRINGE CRINGE CRINGE. How are things in Ohio? Did I tell you my main source of work is a company in Dayton? Sorry, Cleveland Indians. Are you a baseball fan?

Skendall-my dear!

MAE, will post when things improve. Cable equipment stolen last night, have bronchitis and a pulled ligament, dreading the drive. Little madam , Peggy giving me attitude already, lol. Have to nip over to Victoria, B.C. to straighten out financial issues and then will start driving Saturday.

I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that you arrive in TX safely and you will enjoy life to the fullest with Ms. Vivienne. I hope Peggy is a good girl for the drive. Let's catch via PM soon. Thinking of you!!:love:

[NoraC]

Very quick check in from me. Sneaking on at work.

MARIO - WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL to see you!!!

Rusty - you home today or are you out at a site?

tmh - you sound great.

Ok - got to run. Friday night so I should be able to talk your ears off later. :rotlf: