Reward

[ScoobyDoo]

As the regulars know, I'm celebrating 6 weeks sobriety today I went through a yucky negative rough patch 2 weeks ago that lasted a week where I felt really down and gloomy over the thought of a lifetime of AF, but just as quickly snapped out of it. I suspect that this sort of negative thought was purely an 'early days' inevitable phase.

Anyway, I just wanted to pass on an idea for those who might struggle and a reminder for myself in case I do hit another patch down the track and that is spoiling yourself with some simple reward to help consolidate the positive changes and adjustment. Money saved on booze (I worked out this past 12 months I must've been spending about $300 a month on the stuff... who knows, maybe more). My reward is as simple as buying a case of my favourite Italian mineral water with some lemons and limes to squeeze into every week. My other reward is ITunes (have gone way over budget this month :H) and downloading some funky new tunes which seems to further enhance my already elevated feeling of sober fabulousity (ok that's not a real word but it sounds good).

That's all for now

Bernie

[Kitty]

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Well done Scooby, enjoy the agua and the tunes!!!!

I wish you continued success

Kitty

[Paddy]

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Too right!

You're so right, Berns.

I've been spending in my heydays between 15 - 50 bucks a day on booze, depending on the type of booze I was drinking. The Champus was costing me dearly.

So, I can clearly relate to the reward system. Especially the itunes one, ha, ha. Unfortunately, the itunes addiction came on top of booze, ha, ha.

But, you're right with the reward system. I must say, I can really notice the difference in savings I make. I save the money for the wedding now. Good timing, grin ...

Well done for the 6 weeks. I'm on day 23 AF now.

Have a good week, ey.

[imatree]

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Awesome - six weeks!
Thanks for the tip Scooby. I was thinking of this the other day, even tho I was only like 3 days AF, when I was planning a vacation for my daughter and myself. Thanks to the not drinking by Aug 1 I will have saved over $200, plus I'll have enough motivation to work overtime this weekend, both these factors are paying for a hotel room on the river for 3 nights - without going AF there would have been no vacation this summer!!

But goodness - I wish you hadn't planted itunes in my head!!! eek!

[Breez]

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Congrats on 6 weeks!
:yougo:
Woo Hoo!
:happy:
:applaud:Keep up the Great work!:applaud:

[Popeye]

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Hi Bernie,
Bloody well done.

[Doggygirl]

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Hi Scooby Doo. Congratulations on 6 weeks - that is awesome, and very inspirational for a newbie like me! I love rewards - even silly ones. Your rewards sound awesome. I was thinking a couple days ago about how much I was really spending, and what I can do with my savings one day. Your Italian mineral water sounds heavenly!! **pretending I didn't see the Itunes part**

My reward for myself when I get to one week it to come here and see if I can join the Monthly AF'ers. For now, I 'm just on the daily gold star program.

DG
Day 5 AF * * * * *

[YoungAtHeart]

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Yes, Bernie, I figure I probably spent about $300/month on wine. I have noticed that I don't seem to have any extra $$$ in my pocket though. I have had some unusual bills, lately, but today I was motivated enough to file a lot of EOB's (explanation of benefits) in my clients' files, and I'm seeing that several insurance companies haven't paid me for several months! No wonder I'm feeling broke--duh! We're probably talking at least $1,000. here! I won't go on a rant about insurance companies though.

I'm feeling so much more motivated to get stuff done for my business, and that's the important part. When I get those checks in, Bernie, I think a treat is definitely in order!

DoggieGirl, why aren't you joining now?? We don't have a minimum requirement, you know!!

[Doggygirl]

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Hi Youngatheart!! Thank you! We just found out this morning that we will have the pleasure of spending $1,600 replacing an old thingamagigger (a ventilation related thing) in our home. SO.....for a little while it will be non-monetary rewards!! As of 4PM CST I am officially into Day 7AF * * * * * * * (7 gold stars)

So now I will also reward myself with joining the Monday AF goal group!!! Thanks for having me.

DG

[Java]

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Congrats on 6 weeks. I remeber having a rough patch right around the 4 week mark too, you are doing wonderful!!!

[jane rees]

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Well done to you Bernie and YEP, I sure can relate to the reward system!
Funny, hubby and i were only just commenting last night how we are saving a heap of money on grog. We used to go through two 4 litre casks of wine a week and a couple of bottles each at the weekend...and then there's the beer to factor in...oh, the shame....anyway, I am AF now, something like 65 days and him indoors doesn't drink during the working week. So a cask is lasting 3 weeks! I'm loving Amazon and rewarding myself ALL THE TIME on books and DVD's. Still money to spare !!
Welcome Doggygirl ( i'm having trouble with your Username ) as i am on hols now, prior to starting a new job in a fortnight, i have been working through some of the 'Women for Sobreity' program. Its outlined in Jean Fitzpatricks "Turnabout' book and the program is very healing and therapeutic. I think you would like it.
Love jane

[ScoobyDoo]

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Jane, what is the 'Women for Sobriety' programme? It sounds good. I'm interested!

Bernie

[jane rees]

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Hi Bernie
It's an American Group founded by a woman called Jean Kirkpatrick who was a raging alcoholic and found that AA was very male orientated and not friendly to women alcoholics. It didn't answer their specific needs to quit drinking. She founded the Woman for Sobreity program on 13 steps and established small intimate support groups dotted around the USA and in a few other countries. However, I don't think Oz has a group. Her books can be purchased form Amazon and the first one, which outlines the steps ,is called Turnabout.
As I was reading it I thought it wasn't really for me because the first half of the book is her personal story and she was a SERIOUS alcoholic. I'm talking drinking listerine here!!
However, I perservered, and the second half is inspirational! I have printed off the steps from her web page and I read them daily. I try to practise her exercises too, mainly self development Oprah stuff. It's been a good adjunct to MWO and has kept me motivated when I have wavered. it will help you at this crossroads that you are now at Bernie.
Sometimes, you will notice the web page link to WFS as you log on here to MWO.
Love Jane:l

[ScoobyDoo]

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This sounds good Jane. We should start up a group in Australia together. Bring the model over - You in Melbourne and me in Sydney. Man, there would be some thankless work in that task! :H

I'll check out this site. I have vaguely heard of it. Thanks!

What I've experienced with AA I can see her point re male focus. I applaud AA and think it's a great resource but I also think a lot of women drinkers don't hit that rock bottom that a lot of men do, before they opt out of alcohol for sobriety (eg you and I) and there just isn't the sort of support (apart from MWO) for people like us. They do say in AA to listen for the similarities in the stories as opposed to the differences which I guess is too true. Denial is strong! (ie they are all worse than me)

I cannot relate to someone drinking vodka in the shower at 7am but that same person migt not be able to relate to my situation where I was so hungover, I didn't get my son to school *cringe* so I guess alcohol has brought all of us some cringe material and not necessarily all the same type of cringe material.

I'm rambling :H

Bernie

[buckledown]

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GREAT JOB...Keep up the great work...i am right at the 6 week mark so I will be more aware of the bumps that might present themselves...enjoy your treats! I am an itune junkie too! :goodjob: Buckle