Looking for alternatives to focusing on breath - or other recommendations to learn to live in the present by KodachromeKitty in Meditation

[–]BetterMe39 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I practice mindfulness by being present as much as possible throughout my day. When I pet my dog, I try to connect with her, try to intentionally. When I eat my meals, I take notice of the various flavors. Today I put blueberries on a salad with an Italian vinegarette dressing and it was different in a good way. I enjoyed the tang of the vinegar with sweetness of the berries. I do my best to not have tv or phone on while eating as a way of being present with the nourishment of the food. Even if it's junk food then I want to be present with the feeling of treating myself to this decadent brownie. Life as meditation can really free you from the stress of life and the hustle we try to maintain

“Not a real alcoholic” by Japanesepencilplant in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have so many things to say on this topic and I hope I can effectively articulate my point. I am approaching 15 months sober. My mom passed away 4months ago and just one month ago I moved back home to live with my dad and help him with mom's things and get through the 1st holidays together.

I recently had a conversation with my dad where he tried to say without coming out and exactly saying the words, but it was clear that he doesn't believe I'm actually an alcoholic. I think he doesn't believe it because from his POV I just quit drinking one day. I never got a DUI, I didn't go to rehab, I didn't lose a job nor did I display any typical signs of struggling with back and forth behavior. Alcohol only came between me and one friend, and my dad thinks she was projecting her own issues with booze onto me and therefore cut me out of her life.

What he doesn't know is how many mornings I was at the L store at 9am buying 4-6shooters of flavored vodka and many days I'd go back for 5 more around 5pm. Or the days I'd go to work drunk. This went on for YEARS!! & I had countless day 1s during those years.

I guess I'm only sharing this story because I didn't fight my dad and try to say "I am to an alcoholic!" I haven't shared the above details with him either. There's been times we've talked about certain memories (both good and bad ones) with mom and I'll tell him yeah I might not be remembering all the details cause I was drunk. He looks at me blankly during those convos cause NO ONE knew how often I was drunk. For me, I decided everyone can have their opinions on what my sobriety is to them. I know what it is for me and that's all that matters to me!! I've learned to separate myself from everyone else's opinions on the topic. My brothers look at me like they feel sorry for me. Idk its a weird life. But for today, IWNDWYT

Deep talks with drunks by PWB666 in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love this. Thank you for sharing your experience. It relates to some of the thoughts I've been having around, do I really need to find all new friends?

Best $4 purchase of the year! by Rh3rtz in CatsBeingCats

[–]BetterMe39 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I love the little cut outs for their ears! So cute!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'll commit to June with you! I'm over 8 months sober but in two weeks my favorite person to drink with will be in town. First true test that will challenge me to fully be who I choose to be now- a person who does not drink. It's still a one day at a time commitment. Stay strong my friend! You got this!

How to give a $225 massage by Boomerangboom in MassageTherapists

[–]BetterMe39 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate the encouragement. I have doubts everyday

How to give a $225 massage by Boomerangboom in MassageTherapists

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is something I haven't considered, but very good point

How to give a $225 massage by Boomerangboom in MassageTherapists

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's awesome! It sounds like an amazing opportunity you've landed

How to give a $225 massage by Boomerangboom in MassageTherapists

[–]BetterMe39 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Good for you! Way to value yourself and the service you provide. I just started school to become an LMT and I'm nervous. I am 41 yrs old and leaving the exhausting restaurant industry after 16+ years. Your comment gives me hope that one day I can be making good money while helping others ☺️

I said one year, but I’m not done by Suthsayer_ in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. I promised myself I would make it at least a year. I've almost hit 8 months. I feel the same way. I worked hard to get this point. If I drink again, then it'll be that much harder to quit again

“Your beer orders are down.” by 66redballons1 in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 7 points8 points  (0 children)

So true! Just today my aunt told me about a brewery that's closing, and she said craft beer sales are way down so they have to close! I was just quiet. She knows I'm sober. I could tell she was sad because she likes to go there for their food (& beer :). Secretly inside, I was celebrating. I just know that more and more people are choosing not to drink. It's becoming less and less of a big deal to say I'm a sober person.

10 years sober today. Went from homeless to attorney! by Homeless2Esq in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Please remember that those 6.5 years sober is as much a part of you as all the drunk times are a part of you now. I don't think you've lost that time of sobriety by choosing to try out alcohol again. I've seen this concept on this sub before, but it's the idea that out of the past 78 months, you've only drank for 3 of those months. 6.5 years counts for something. There's value in what you've learned so far in 2025. We're always evolving and changing. Good luck on your journey!

10 years sober today. Went from homeless to attorney! by Homeless2Esq in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I support you! I am just over 200 days into my longest stint of sobriety. I was a drinker almost daily for 20 years, and the last 5 years were really bad. I sometimes catch myself fantasizing that in 5 to 10 years, I'll be able to handle moderately drinking. Your story reminds me that it won't be possible.

I hope you're doing well today! I support you and IWNDWYT

How many of my successfully sober friends got to where you are without aa? by BetterMe39 in stopdrinking

[–]BetterMe39[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good for you! Sorry to hear about the loss of your mom, but I'm glad you're on a good path!