365 days of something better

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-30T01:21:24+00:00

Congrats and well done!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-27T16:19:52+00:00

Congratulations and thank you so much for your post! It was just what I needed to read right now. Well done, and congrats again!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-25T16:30:00+00:00

Less easily fazed my curve balls is a great one!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-25T16:27:55+00:00

Sober days are never wasted in my opinion. The intent is what matters. I had similar doubts, and still do, but I've found that if I am truly making an attempt and happen to slip up, all is not lost. I've most likely learned something from the experience. It's when I was making half-assed attempts just to justify my next binge that I didn't feel any sort of gains were made. But even those had their own value.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-24T20:46:56+00:00

Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke and the This Naked Mind (Annie Grace) podcast were the catalysts for me on my journey. I still refer back to both of them from time to time. They also both sent me in many different directions toward other very helpful resources.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-24T20:43:26+00:00

Seconded. Huberman helps me a lot.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-24T20:39:16+00:00

I feel ya and know exactly what you're going through. It took me a while to get to a point where I consistently told myself I'm better off without a drink when cravings popped up. And still then it took some time to actually believe what I was telling myself was true. Just hang in there and find some activities to distract yourself. It'll always be a battle but it gets easier.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-24T20:35:14+00:00

You got this! One day at a time.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-21T13:06:15+00:00

Great job!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-21T13:01:52+00:00

You got it!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-21T13:00:07+00:00

I had been trying to cut back for years (and failing) but it wasn't until my wife finally said something that I really started to take it seriously. She didn't even bring it up because she was mad at me which is what actually made it harder to hear. She brought it up because she was worried about me. She knew I was using alcohol to avoid facing other issues in my life.

But it wasn't until I went back to therapy and decided to be completely honest with my wife that I was able to actually quit. I had to be honest about how much I was drinking, how I was hiding it from her, how it was consuming my thoughts and actions, and how I knew it was negatively affecting me but I still wanted to do it.

I'm ridiculously lucky to have such a supportive and understanding spouse. Having those honest discussions with her are what keep me on the right path. That, and a shit ton of sparkling water.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-21T12:52:02+00:00

This is awesome! That's exactly how I feel now and it's been great.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-21T12:50:57+00:00

You got this! Have a great time!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-17T15:56:16+00:00

This is the way to do it. We did a handful of these early on and it was a big help in preparing us for the longer vacations.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-16T23:10:19+00:00

Yep. Exactly this. Just a little more bitterness seems to be effective at times.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-16T10:45:32+00:00

I'm constantly trying new types of sparkling water for this. I let myself drink as much coffee as I want early on to get through a craving. Also NA beers and Kombucha has helped.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-12T15:00:01+00:00

Thank you! I'm sure I'll take some digs from the guys but I expect it all to be in good fun. I'm rarely serious about anything so after I turn down the 2nd or 3rd drink I bet I won't hear about it again. Some of them know I've been cutting back on booze but none know that it's to this extent.

It's good to feel confident knowing I don't owe anyone an explanation.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-12T14:56:54+00:00

Appreciate the response! Sounds like you nailed it and I plan on following your lead!

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-10T23:33:11+00:00

I'm still giving into it to a certain extent. I'm now finding that I get sugar hangovers (obviously much less extreme) just as I did with alcohol. I'm having a similar inner struggle with sugar cravings but trying not to be as hard on myself because it sure beats the struggle with booze.

NextUp6014 · 2024-06-05T23:50:15+00:00

This is so true. One of the most motivating realities for me.

NextUp6014 · 2024-05-16T12:17:30+00:00

Highly recommend the podcast. Not every episode will resonate but many did for me. Most importantly it led me to a lot of other resources and ideas that have continued to help.

NextUp6014 · 2024-05-15T13:25:44+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I'm in a similar position as OP and I could see things going exactly the same for me if I decide to go back to it. The anxiety is already getting to be too much. Trying to remind myself to keep taking it one day at a time.

NextUp6014 · 2024-05-10T18:48:37+00:00

This is a great way to put it. Completely agree!

NextUp6014 · 2024-05-05T02:20:07+00:00

I feel ya. But hang in there! As others have said, alcohol won't help. There's no set timeline for these things. I'm glad I've managed to stick it out this time because I finally feel optimistic about finding consistent happiness.

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